"The Hat in the Ring Gang"
The 94th Aero Squadron was one of the first American fighter squadrons to see combat service in World War 1. Though America was late coming into the war as far as air fighting was concerned, they succeeded in contributing greatly to it's outcome with such personages as Eddie Rickenbacker and Raol Lufberry. Both men were members of the 94th, "Hat in the Ring" Aero Squadron which was based in Toul France, Just 18 miles from the German border.The United States with fewer than 250 planes, was poorly prepared to fight an air war in April 1917. Since April 1916, however, 180 U.S. volunteer pilots had been gaining experience in France, fighting with the Lafayette Escadrille, an offshoot of the French Flying Corps. In 1918, most of the group transferred to the American Air Service. During the final seven months of the war, the 94th proved itself as an effective air offensive, downing a total of 69 Boche planes, more than any other American Unit. Members of the squadron became heroes over-night for their acts of valor beyond the call of duty and were hailed by the nation abroad. These flyers would seek out the enemy in formation, engaging themselves in extensive "dog-fights", as they came to be known. "Dog-fights" involved difficult deflection shot, astounding aerial maneuvering, and even with the help of tracer bullets, many combats were inconclusive. The amount of ammunition capable of being carried of the flimsy crafts was strictly limited due to making their tasks all the more difficult. In addition to aerial combat, fighter pilots were frequently called upon to shoot down observation balloons and carry out tactically difficult low ground strafing attacks against troops and transports.
Perhaps the most noted character to emerge from the 94th Aero Squadron was Eddie Rickenbacker, a natural fighter pilot who ended the war as America's "Ace" with the rank of captain. He was awarded almost every decoration attainable, including the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross. With 26 victories to his credit, he was the highest ranking U.S. pilot.
Douglas Campbell earned the Distinguished Service Cross "For extraordinary heroism in action" on May 19th 1918. He was the first American trained pilot to have five confirmed victories. He shared the honor of having the first official victory over an enemy aircraft with Alan Winslow.
Third-ranking, Raol Lufberry, attained 17 kills before jumping to his death from a fiery Nieuport aircraft in May, 1918.
These were men of outstanding courage. Honor and valor were respected and held in high esteem be both sides, and the victor toasted the vanquished. The 94th also served in Africa (1942-1943), flying P-38's. After the war, they flew P-80's as the first jet squadron. They are still around today flying F-15's out of Langley AFB. The very first US air combat unit was the 1st Pursuit Group, which included the 94th as well as the 27th Squadrons. Today, the First Air Wings 1st Combat Group includes the 27th and 94th Squadrons. This was the spirit of the 94th Aero Squadron then, and the atmosphere of the 94th Fighter Squadron today.
I recently added several more pages with a great deal of new information. If you have any additional information on the current status of the 94th I would be happy to update this page.
Last revised 09/13/2006
In honor of all the servicemen past and present defending
the United States and the principles of Democracy
