Luck on the Wing - 13 Stories of a Sky Spy

by Elmer Haslett 

 

Published in 1920, Lt. Elmer Haslett, an observer with the 12th Aero Squadron, recounts his experiences serving during the Great War. His colorful descriptions and self-deprecating manner make this read as entertaining as it is informative. Whether being hurled from his cockpit in flight, dared into a suicidal mission or recounting antics against the enemy as a POW, you won't regret reading these stories and several more in this book. Click the link to download the book for free.

 

1Lt Sigourney Thayer

Lt. Thayer flew with the 12th as a pilot from 7 June through 3 October. He earned the Silver Star with the 12th before transferring to the 95th Squadron as a fighter pilot. Observer, Cassius Styles described him as a courageous, intelligent gentleman, though sometimes misunderstood due to his pointed opinions. He wrote poetry during the War for the Atlantic Monthly and is known for his most famous poem, "The Dead." His poems have recently entered the public domain and are now available to the public.  Click the title or view his poems here.

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Riding the Back Seat to War

by Captain Burdette S. Wright

U.S. Air Service Journal September 1919

 

Capt Burdette S. Wright, Aerial Observer with the 12th Aero Squadron recounts the origins of the 12th's Insignia, Lt Harwell's several brushes with death and a time when he hurled a flare gun at German ground troops. Click the title or view the article here.

 

 

A Bit About the Twelfth Aero

by Captain Burdette S. Wright

U.S. Air Service Journal September 1921

 

Capt Burdette S. Wright, Aerial Observer with the 12th Aero Squadron recounts a few of his wartime experiences including how Lt. Foy became the only known Radio Officer to be shot down during the war. Click the title or view the article here. 

 

 

Montana's Birdmen of World War I

by Dennis Gordon

Montana: The Magazine of Western History Summer 1979

 

Terrific article describing wartime experiences of three members from the 12th: Lts Milburn, Patterson, and Harwood. Lt. Jack Milburn joins a solemn 12th after having endured the loss of seven members. Lt. Bob Patterson describes plummeting 6,000 feet and crashing behind enemy lines after his pilot Lt. Beauclerk was killed. Lt. Benjamin Harwood relates his experience of being shot down only to later find several bullet holes through his flight suit. Click the title or view the article here.

 

 

1Lt Cassius Styles

Lt. Styles, Observer who was awarded the Silver Star and shot down while serving with the 12th Aero Squadron, describes his training at Amanty, flying missions over the front, and being shot down and captured by the German Army. Click the title or view the article here.