Organization of the Air Service of the American Expeditionary Force
Encyclopedia
The Organization of the Air Service of the American Expeditionary Force on November 11, 1918 represents its maximum strength in World War I
. Units of the Air Service
are listed as assigned to the order of battle for that date, which was that of the Armistice with Germany. The first air unit
arrived in France in September 1917, while the final air unit reaching the front did so on November 9, 1918. Unit operations began in April 1918. At the armistice, 57,508 officers and men served in the Air Service of the AEF, 24,512 in the Zone of Advance (combat area), and 32,996 in the Services of Supply (rear areas). Of its 6,861 officers, 4,088 were on flying status and 219 were qualified observation balloon
aviators. 1,724 of those on flying status and approximately 100 of the balloonists served in combat units.
The Air Service, First Army was activated August 26, 1918, with Col. Benjamin Foulois
named chief over Col. Billy Mitchell. The Air Service, Second Army was activated on October 12 with Col. Frank P. Lahm as chief, and the Air Service, Third Army was created immediately after the armistice to provide aviation support to the army of occupation, primarily from veteran units transferred from the First Army Air Service.
The first two air combat groups
formed in the AEF were the 1st Corps Observation Group
, in April 1918, and the 1st Pursuit Group
at Toul
. Ultimately fourteen airplane and seven balloon groups were formed. The five pursuit
and two bombardment
groups were organized into two wings
, while the seven observation
and seven balloon groups were allotted one per army and corps air service, with two flexible "observation wings" organized to coordinate the reconnaissance activities of the five corps air services.
The basic units of the air service were the squadron for powered aircraft and the company for balloons. 45 squadrons (38 of which conducted combat operations) of aircraft and 17 companies of balloons served at the front. The 20 pursuit and seven bombardment squadrons were authorized 25 aircraft (including spares) and 18 crews each by the Field Service Regulations, while the 18 observation squadrons were each authorized 24 planes and 18 crews. Balloon companies were equipped with one balloon and approximately six observers each.
)
Col. Thomas D. Milling
, (Souilly
)
1st Pursuit Wing - (Chaumont-sur-Aire
, Maj. Burt M. Atkinson)
Corps Observation Wing - (Rampont
, Maj. Melvin A. Hall)
)
Balloons Wing - (Toul, Maj. John H. Jouett, Balloon Officer, Second Army)
Second Army Observation Wing - (Toul, Lt.Col. John H. Reynolds)
and former commander of the American 17th Pursuit Squadron.
The most veteran units of the Air Service were selected to form the new Air Service. A pursuit unit, the 94th Aero Squadron; a day bombardment squadron, the 166th; and four observation squadrons (1st, 12th, 88th, and 9th Night) were initially assigned.
On April 15, 1919, the Second Army Air Service in France closed down. Its former air units were transferred to the Third Army Air Service in Germany, which at its maximum consisted of the:
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. Units of the Air Service
United States Army Air Service
The Air Service, United States Army was a forerunner of the United States Air Force during and after World War I. It was established as an independent but temporary wartime branch of the War Department by two executive orders of President Woodrow Wilson: on May 24, 1918, replacing the Aviation...
are listed as assigned to the order of battle for that date, which was that of the Armistice with Germany. The first air unit
1st Reconnaissance Squadron
The 1st Reconnaissance Squadron is a United States Air Force reconnaissance training unit based at Beale Air Force Base, near Marysville, California. It is the oldest squadron in the Air Force, and the first organization to be established as a U.S. military flying unit...
arrived in France in September 1917, while the final air unit reaching the front did so on November 9, 1918. Unit operations began in April 1918. At the armistice, 57,508 officers and men served in the Air Service of the AEF, 24,512 in the Zone of Advance (combat area), and 32,996 in the Services of Supply (rear areas). Of its 6,861 officers, 4,088 were on flying status and 219 were qualified observation balloon
Observation balloon
Observation balloons are balloons that are employed as aerial platforms for intelligence gathering and artillery spotting. Their use began during the French Revolutionary Wars, reaching their zenith during World War I, and they continue in limited use today....
aviators. 1,724 of those on flying status and approximately 100 of the balloonists served in combat units.
The Air Service, First Army was activated August 26, 1918, with Col. Benjamin Foulois
Benjamin Foulois
Benjamin Delahauf Foulois , was a United States Army general who learned to fly the first military planes purchased from the Wright Brothers. He became the first military aviator as an airship pilot, and achieved numerous other military aviation "firsts"...
named chief over Col. Billy Mitchell. The Air Service, Second Army was activated on October 12 with Col. Frank P. Lahm as chief, and the Air Service, Third Army was created immediately after the armistice to provide aviation support to the army of occupation, primarily from veteran units transferred from the First Army Air Service.
The first two air combat groups
Group (air force unit)
A group is a military aviation unit, a component of military organization and a military formation. Usage of the terms group and wing differ from one country to another, as well as different branches of a defence force, in some cases...
formed in the AEF were the 1st Corps Observation Group
1st Corps Observation Group (World War I)
The 1st Corps Observation Group is an inactive United States Army unit. It was last assigned to the I Corps, United States Army Air Service, during World War I in France...
, in April 1918, and the 1st Pursuit Group
1st Operations Group
The 1st Operations Group is the flying component of the 1st Fighter Wing, assigned to the USAF Air Combat Command. The group is stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The 1st Operations Group is the oldest major air combat unit in the United States Air Force, being a successor organization...
at Toul
Toul
Toul is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France.It is a sub-prefecture of the department.-Geography:Toul is located between Commercy and Nancy, and situated between the Moselle River and the Canal de la Marne au Rhin....
. Ultimately fourteen airplane and seven balloon groups were formed. The five pursuit
Fighter aircraft
A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets...
and two bombardment
Bomber
A bomber is a military aircraft designed to attack ground and sea targets, by dropping bombs on them, or – in recent years – by launching cruise missiles at them.-Classifications of bombers:...
groups were organized into two wings
Wing (air force unit)
Wing is a term used by different military aviation forces for a unit of command. The terms wing, group or Staffel are used for different-sized units from one country or service to another....
, while the seven observation
Surveillance aircraft
A surveillance aircraft is an aircraft used for surveillance — collecting information over time. They are operated by military forces and other government agencies in roles such as intelligence gathering, battlefield surveillance, airspace surveillance, observation , border patrol and fishery...
and seven balloon groups were allotted one per army and corps air service, with two flexible "observation wings" organized to coordinate the reconnaissance activities of the five corps air services.
The basic units of the air service were the squadron for powered aircraft and the company for balloons. 45 squadrons (38 of which conducted combat operations) of aircraft and 17 companies of balloons served at the front. The 20 pursuit and seven bombardment squadrons were authorized 25 aircraft (including spares) and 18 crews each by the Field Service Regulations, while the 18 observation squadrons were each authorized 24 planes and 18 crews. Balloon companies were equipped with one balloon and approximately six observers each.
Air Service of the AEF, 11 November 1918
Chief of Air Service, AEF - Maj.Gen. Mason Patrick (ChaumontChaumont, Haute-Marne
Chaumont is a commune of France, and the capital of the Haute-Marne department. , it has a of 24,039.The city stands on the Marne River and is situated on the railway linking Paris and Basel, which runs over a 52 m tall and 600 m long viaduct built in 1856.- History :Historically the...
)
- Chief of Air Service, Group of Armies - Brig. Gen. William L. Mitchell
Air Service, First Army
Thomas D. Milling
Thomas DeWitt Milling was a pioneer of military aviation and a brigadier general in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was the first rated pilot in the history of the United States Air Force....
, (Souilly
Souilly
Souilly is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France. The Town Hall at Souilly, fronting on the Voie Sacree, served as headquarters for general Petain and, later, general Nivelle during the Battle of Verdun in 1916....
)
- 1st Pursuit Group1st Operations GroupThe 1st Operations Group is the flying component of the 1st Fighter Wing, assigned to the USAF Air Combat Command. The group is stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The 1st Operations Group is the oldest major air combat unit in the United States Air Force, being a successor organization...
- (RembercourtRembercourt-SommaisneRembercourt-Sommaisne is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in northeastern France.-Geography:The Chée forms part of the commune's southern border.The Aisne rises near Sommaisne, a hamlet in the northern part of the commune....
, Maj. Harold E. HartneyHarold HartneyHarold Evans Hartney was a Canadian-born World War I flying ace with the United States Army Air Service, credited with seven confirmed and one unconfirmed aerial victories.-Early life and service:...
)- 27th27th Fighter SquadronThe 27th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 1st Operations Group and stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia....
, 94th94th Fighter SquadronThe 94th Fighter Squadron ' is a United States Air Force unit. It is assigned to the 1st Operations Group and stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia....
, 95th, & 147th Aero Squadrons17th Weapons SquadronThe 17th Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the USAF Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The squadron traces its lineage to the United States Army Air Service 17th Aero Squadron. The 17th Aero Squadron was activated in August 1917 and earned 13 Campaign Streamers in...
(Spad XIII) - 185th Aero Squadron (night pursuit) - (Sopwith F-1 CamelSopwith CamelThe Sopwith Camel was a British First World War single-seat biplane fighter introduced on the Western Front in 1917. Manufactured by Sopwith Aviation Company, it had a short-coupled fuselage, heavy, powerful rotary engine, and concentrated fire from twin synchronized machine guns. Though difficult...
)
- 27th
1st Pursuit Wing - (Chaumont-sur-Aire
Chaumont-sur-Aire
Chaumont-sur-Aire is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Meuse department...
, Maj. Burt M. Atkinson)
- 2d Pursuit Group - (Souilly, Maj. Davenport Johnson)
- 13th13th Bomb SquadronThe 13th Bomb Squadron is an active United States Air Force organization assigned to the 509th Operations Group, stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri...
, 22d, 99th99th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 99th Reconnaissance Squadron is part of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California. It operates U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft flying reconnaissance missions around the world.-Mission:...
, & 139th Aero Squadrons (Spad XIII)
- 13th
- 3d Pursuit Group - (FoucaucourtFoucaucourt-sur-ThabasFoucaucourt-sur-Thabas is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Meuse department...
, Maj. William K. Thaw IIWilliam Thaw (aviator)Lieutenant Colonel William Thaw II was a World War I flying ace credited with five confirmed aerial victories and two unconfirmed ones. He is believed to be the first American to engage in aerial combat in the war. He was the first to fly up the East River under all four bridges.-Early life:He...
)- 28th28th Bomb SquadronThe 28th Bomb Squadron is part of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. It operates B-1 Lancer aircraft providing strategic bombing capability...
, 93d93d Bomb SquadronThe 93d Bomb Squadron is part of the 307th Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. It operates B-52 Stratofortress aircraft providing strategic bombing capability. It is one of two reserve bomber units in the United States Air Force.-History:Established as the 93d Aero Squadron in the...
, 103d Aero Squadron, & 213th Aero Squadrons (Spad XIII)
- 28th
- 1st Day Bombardment Group2d Operations GroupThe 2d Operations Group is the flying component of the United States Air Force 2d Bomb Wing, assigned to the Air Combat Command Eighth Air Force. The group is stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana....
- (MaulanMaulanMaulan is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France....
, Maj. James L. Dunsworth)- 11th11th Bomb SquadronThe 11th Bomb Squadron is part of the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. It operates B-52 Stratofortress aircraft providing strategic bombing capability.-Mission:...
, 20th20th Bomb SquadronThe 20th Bomb Squadron is part of the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. It operates B-52 Stratofortress aircraft providing strategic bombing capability.-Mission:...
, 166th (DH-4B) & 96th96th Bomb SquadronThe 96th Bomb Squadron is part of the 2d Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. It operates B-52 Stratofortress aircraft providing strategic bombing capability.-History:...
(Breguet 14 B2Breguet 14-See also:-References:*Tomasz J. Kowalski, Samolot Breguet 14, TBiU no.197, Warsaw 2002, ISBN 83-11-09461-6...
) Aero Squadrons - 155th Aero Squadron (night bombardment) - (BelrainBelrainBelrain is a commune in the Meuse department in the Lorraine region in north-eastern France....
, Sopwith FE-2bRoyal Aircraft Factory F.E.2The Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2 was a two-seat pusher biplane that was operated as a day and night bomber and as a fighter aircraft by the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War...
)
- 11th
- First Army Observation Group - (VavincourtVavincourtVavincourt is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France....
, Capt. Harry T. Wood)- 9th Aero Squadron9th Bomb SquadronThe 9th Bomb Squadron is part of the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. It operates B-1 Lancer aircraft providing strategic bombing capability...
(night reconnaissance) - (DH-4B, FE-2b) - 24th Aero Squadron24th Fighter SquadronThe 24th Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 6th Fighter Wing, based at France Field, Canal Zone...
- (Salmson 2.A2Salmson 2|-References:* Davilla, James J., & Soltan, Arthur M., French Aircraft of the First World War. Stratford, Connecticut: Flying Machines Press, 1997. ISBN 0-9637110-4-0...
) - 91st Aero Squadrons91st Network Warfare SquadronThe 91st Network Warfare Squadron is an active United States Air Force unit, currently assigned to the 67th Network Warfare Wing at Kelly Annex, part of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.-Overview:...
(Salmson 2.A2) - 186th Aero Squadron (LemmesLemmesLemmes is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France....
, Salmson 2.A2)
- 9th Aero Squadron
- First Army Balloon Group - (Maj. John Paegelow)
-
- 11th (Fontaines) & 43d (FosséFosséFossé may refer to the following communes in France:* Fossé, Ardennes, in the Ardennes department* Fossé, Loir-et-Cher, in the Loir-et-Cher department* Le Fossé, in the Seine-Maritime department...
) Balloon Companies
- 11th (Fontaines) & 43d (Fossé
-
Corps Observation Wing - (Rampont
Les Souhesmes-Rampont
Les Souhesmes-Rampont is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France....
, Maj. Melvin A. Hall)
- Air Service, I Corps - (ChéhéryChéhéryChéhéry is a commune in the Ardennes department in northern France.-Population:-References:*...
, Capt. Oliver P. EcholsOliver P. EcholsOliver Patton Echols was an American military officer who brought success in World War II to the United States Army Air Forces by expanding the inventory of America's air arm to meet the needs of the coming war. More than any other man under Chief of the Army Air Forces, General Henry H...
) - 1st Corps Observation Group - (JulvécourtJulvécourtJulvécourt is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France....
, Capt. Arthur J. Coyle) :: 1st Aero Squadron1st Reconnaissance SquadronThe 1st Reconnaissance Squadron is a United States Air Force reconnaissance training unit based at Beale Air Force Base, near Marysville, California. It is the oldest squadron in the Air Force, and the first organization to be established as a U.S. military flying unit...
- (Salmson 2.A2) :: 12th Aero Squadron12th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 12th Reconnaissance Squadron is a United States Air Force reconnaissance unit based at Beale Air Force Base, near Marysville, California. It is a component of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing and operates the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle...
- (Salmson 2.A2) :: 50th Aero Squadron50th Education SquadronThe 50th Education Squadron is a training squadron of the United States Air Force. It is currently stationed at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado.-World War I :...
- (Clermont-en-ArgonneClermont-en-ArgonneClermont-en-Argonne is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France.The former towns of Auzéville-en-Argonne, Jubécourt, and Parois were joined to Clermont-en-Argonne in 1973.-Geography:...
, DH-4B) :: Escadrille Br.211, Aéronautique Militaire - (Clermont-en-Argonne, Breguet 14) : 1st Corps Balloon Group - (Chéhéry) ::: 1st1st Airborne Command and Control SquadronThe 1st Airborne Command and Control Squadron is part of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. It operates the E-4 aircraft conducting airborne command and control missions.-History:...
(AuzévilleClermont-en-ArgonneClermont-en-Argonne is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France.The former towns of Auzéville-en-Argonne, Jubécourt, and Parois were joined to Clermont-en-Argonne in 1973.-Geography:...
), 2d (Les Petites-ArmoisesLes Petites-ArmoisesLes Petites-Armoises is a commune in the Ardennes department in northern France.-References:*...
), & 5th (La BesaceLa BesaceLa Besace is a commune in the Ardennes department in northern France.-Population:-References:*...
) Balloon Companie - Air Service, III Corps - (Dun-sur-MeuseDun-sur-MeuseDun-sur-Meuse is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France....
, Maj. Joseph C. Morrow) - 3d Corps Observation Group3d Corps Observation Group (World War I)The 3d Corps Observation Group is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the III Corps, United States Army Air Service, during World War I in France. It operated in the Toul, Alsne-Marne, and Veale sectors...
- (BethelainvilleBéthelainvilleBéthelainville is a commune in the Meuse department in the Lorraine region in north-eastern France....
, Capt. Kenneth P. Littauer) :: 88th Aero Squadron (Dorand ARDorand AR- References :* Munson, Kenneth - Bombers, Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft 1914 - 1919 ISBN 0-7537-0918-X-See also:...
, Sopworth 1Sopwith 1½ StrutterThe Sopwith 1½ Strutter was a British one or two-seat biplane multi-role aircraft of the First World War. It is significant as the first British-designed two seater tractor fighter, and the first British aircraft to enter service with a synchronised machine gun...
, Salmson 2.A2) :: 90th Aero Squadrons90th Fighter SquadronThe 90th Fighter Squadron is part of the 3d Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. It operates the F-22 Raptor aircraft conducting air superiority missions.-Mission:...
(Sopworth 1, Salmson 2.A2, Spad XI) :: Escadrilles Br.219 & Br.229, Aéronautique Militaire - (Courcelles-en-Aire, Breguet 14) : 3d Corps Balloon Group - (Dun-sur-Meuse) ::: 3d (BelruptBelruptBelrupt is a commune in the Vosges department in Lorraine in northeastern France....
), 4th (Vilosnes-sur-MeuseVilosnes-HaraumontVilosnes-Haraumont is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France....
), 9th41st Electronic Combat SquadronThe 41st Electronic Combat Squadron is a United States Air Force unit. Its current assignment is with the 355th Operations Group, being stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.-History:...
(ConsenvoyeConsenvoyeConsenvoye is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France....
), & 42d (Villers-devant-DunVillers-devant-DunVillers-devant-Dun is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Meuse department...
) Balloon Companie - Air Service, V Corps - (NouartNouartNouart is a commune in the Ardennes department in northern France.-Population:...
, Maj. Martin F. Scanlon) - 5th Corps Observation Group5th Corps Observation Group (World War I)The 5th Corps Observation Group is an inactive United States Army unit. It was last assigned to the V Corps, United States Army Air Service, during World War I in France...
- (ParoisAubrévilleAubréville is a commune in the Meuse department in the Lorraine region in north-eastern France....
, Capt. Stephen H. Noyes) :: 99th Aero Squadron99th Reconnaissance SquadronThe 99th Reconnaissance Squadron is part of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing at Beale Air Force Base, California. It operates U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft flying reconnaissance missions around the world.-Mission:...
(Salmson 2.A2) :: 104th Aero Squadron13th Bomb SquadronThe 13th Bomb Squadron is an active United States Air Force organization assigned to the 509th Operations Group, stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri...
(Salmson 2.A2) :: Escadrilles Br.214 & Spa.215, Aéronautique Militaire - (Parois, Breguet 14 and Spad XIII) :5th Corps Balloon Group - (Nouart, Capt. Alvin C. Rois) :::6th (Brabant-sur-MeuseBrabant-sur-MeuseBrabant-sur-Meuse is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Meuse department...
), 7th (TaillyTailly, ArdennesTailly is a commune in the Ardennes department in northern France.-Population:...
), 8th (Nouart), & 12th (BuzancyBuzancyBuzancy may refer to the following places in France:* Buzancy, Aisne, a commune in the department of Aisne* Buzancy, Ardennes, a commune in the department of Ardennes...
) Balloon Companie
Air Service, Second Army
Col. Frank P. Lahm, (ToulToul
Toul is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France.It is a sub-prefecture of the department.-Geography:Toul is located between Commercy and Nancy, and situated between the Moselle River and the Canal de la Marne au Rhin....
)
- 4th Pursuit Group - (Toul, Maj. Charles J. BiddleCharles J. Biddle (aviator)Major Charles John Biddle was an American aviator, attorney, and author. He was a flying ace during World War I. Postwar, he launched a career in law and wrote his memoirs.-Family and early life:...
)- 17th17th Weapons SquadronThe 17th Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the USAF Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The squadron traces its lineage to the United States Army Air Service 17th Aero Squadron. The 17th Aero Squadron was activated in August 1917 and earned 13 Campaign Streamers in...
, 25th, 141st, & 148th Aero Squadrons (mostly Spad XIII, with S.E.5aRoyal Aircraft Factory S.E.5The Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 was a British biplane fighter aircraft of the First World War. Although the first examples reached the Western Front before the Sopwith Camel and it had a much better overall performance, problems with its Hispano-Suiza engine, particularly the geared-output H-S...
for 25th Aero Squadron)
- 17th
- 5th Pursuit Group - (Lay-Saint-RemyLay-Saint-RemyLay-Saint-Remy is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France....
, Capt. Dudley L. Hill)- 41st429th Bombardment SquadronThe 429th Bombardment Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with the 2d Bombardment Wing, based at Hunter Air Force Base, Georgia. It was inactivated on 1 January 1962.-History:...
, 138th, & 638th Aero Squadrons (forming)
- 41st
- 2nd Day Bombardment Group - (OurchesOurches-sur-MeuseOurches-sur-Meuse is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Meuse department...
, Maj. George E. A. Reinberg)- 100th Aero Squadron100th Aero SquadronThe 100th Aero Squadron was a Day Bombardment squadron during World War I, but never saw combat.-History:The 100th Aero Squadron was activated August 20, 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas, and trained there until it moved to Mineola, Long Island on the October 14, 1917...
& 163d Aero Squadrons (DH-4B)
- 100th Aero Squadron
Balloons Wing - (Toul, Maj. John H. Jouett, Balloon Officer, Second Army)
-
-
- (Six companies en route to front)
- 20 and 52 Balloon Companies, Aéronautique Militaire
-
Second Army Observation Wing - (Toul, Lt.Col. John H. Reynolds)
- Second Army Observation GroupSecond Army Observation Group (World War I)The Second Army Observation Group is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the Second Army Observation Wing, United States Army Air Service, during World War I in France...
- (Major C. Delaney, attached from French Third Army)- Escadrilles Sal.28, Spa.47, and Spa.277, Aéronautique Militaire - (Saint-MihielSaint-MihielSaint-Mihiel is a commune in the Meuse department in Lorraine in north-eastern France.-History:Saint-Mihiel was captured by the Germans in the first year of World War I, and was re-captured during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel from 12 September to 19 September 1918, during World War...
, Salmson 2 and Spad XIII)- Air Service, IV CorpsIV Corps (United States)The IV Corps replaced the VI Corps in the Fifth United States Army's order of battle in Italy after Allied forces liberated Rome in the summer of 1944 when VI Corps was withdrawn to take part in Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of southern France. Initially the Corps had two divisions, U.S...
- (Toul, Maj. Harry B. Anderson) - 4th Corps Observation Group4th Corps Observation Group (World War I)The 4th Corps Observation Group is an inactive United States Army unit. It was last assigned to the IV Corps, United States Army Air Service, during World War I in France...
- (Toul) :: 8th Aero Squadron8th Special Operations SquadronThe 8th Special Operations Squadron is part of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. It operates CV-22 Osprey in support of special operations.-Mission:...
- (Salmson 2.A2) :: 135th Aero Squadron22d Tactical Drone SquadronThe 22d Tactical Drone Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 432d Tactical Drone Group, stationed at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. It was inactivated on 1 Apr 1979.-World War I:...
- (DH-4B) :: 168th Aero Squadron - (DH-4B) :: 255th & 278th Aero Squadrons (designated for VII Corps) - (DH-4B) :4th Corps Balloon Group :::15th, 18th, & 69th Balloon Companie - Air Service, VI Corps - (Nancy, Maj. Joseph T. McNarneyJoseph T. McNarneyJoseph Taggart McNarney was a United States Army Air Forces general officer who served as Military Governor of occupied Germany.-Early years:...
) - 6th Corps Observation Group6th Corps Observation Group (World War I)The 6th Corps Observation Group is an inactive United States Army unit. It was last assigned to the VI Corps, United States Army Air Service, during World War I in France. It operated in the Toul and Vosge sectors, equipped with British Airco DH-4B aircraft...
- (SaizeraisSaizeraisSaizerais is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France.-See also:*Communes of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department*Parc naturel régional de Lorraine...
, Capt. John G. Winant) :: 8th Aero Squadron8th Special Operations SquadronThe 8th Special Operations Squadron is part of the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida. It operates CV-22 Osprey in support of special operations.-Mission:...
- (Salmson 2.A2) :: 354th Aero Squadron - (DH-4B) :6th Corps Balloon Group :::10th Balloon Compan
- Air Service, IV Corps
- Escadrilles Sal.28, Spa.47, and Spa.277, Aéronautique Militaire - (Saint-Mihiel
Air Service, Third Army
Promptly after the armistice, the AEF formed the Third United States Army to march immediately into Germany while the remainder of the army demobilized. Brig. Gen. Mitchell was appointed to command the Air Service, Third Army, on November 14, 1918. Gen. Mitchell was replaced in January as commander of the Third Army Air Service by Col. Harold Fowler, a combat veteran of the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
and former commander of the American 17th Pursuit Squadron.
The most veteran units of the Air Service were selected to form the new Air Service. A pursuit unit, the 94th Aero Squadron; a day bombardment squadron, the 166th; and four observation squadrons (1st, 12th, 88th, and 9th Night) were initially assigned.
On April 15, 1919, the Second Army Air Service in France closed down. Its former air units were transferred to the Third Army Air Service in Germany, which at its maximum consisted of the:
- 5th Pursuit Group (Coblenz)
- 41st, 138th, 141st, and 605th Aero Squadrons (Sopwith F-1 Camel)
- 3rd Corps Observation Group (WeißenthurmWeißenthurmWeißenthurm is a municipality in the district of Mayen-Koblenz, in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite Neuwied, approx. 12 km north-west of Koblenz....
)- 1st, 24th, and 258th Aero Squadrons (Salmson 2.A2)
- 4th Corps Observation Group (SinzigSinzigSinzig is a town in the district of Ahrweiler, in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It is situated on the river Rhine, approx. 5 km south-east of Remagen and 25 km south-east of Bonn, and it has approximately 20,000 inhabitants .-History:...
)- 85th and 278th Aero Squadrons (Salmson 2.A2)
- 7th Corps Observation Group (TrierTrierTrier, historically called in English Treves is a city in Germany on the banks of the Moselle. It is the oldest city in Germany, founded in or before 16 BC....
)- 9th Aero Squadron (Night observation, DH-4B)
- 88th and 186th Aero Squadrons (Salmson 2.A2)