By the Wings of Death: The involvement of Independent Americans in Foreign Wars Max H. & David K....

By the Wings of Death: The involvement of

Independent Americans in Foreign Wars

By the Wings of Death: The involvement of

Independent Americans in Foreign Wars

Max H. & David K.Max H. & David K.

AHAP- KLMAHAP- KLM

Ms. PojerMs. Pojer

Essential QuestionEssential Question

What possessed some Americans to volunteer to fight independently of the U.S military, and what was the legacy of these men?

What possessed some Americans to volunteer to fight independently of the U.S military, and what was the legacy of these men?

BackgroundBackground

• In the Twentieth Century, three major wars represented the majority of independent American military action. These wars were:

World War One Prior to the American declaration of war in 1917

The Spanish Civil War, in which the U.S. was never involved.

World War Two, on both fronts, prior to the American declaration of war in 1941

• In the Twentieth Century, three major wars represented the majority of independent American military action. These wars were:

World War One Prior to the American declaration of war in 1917

The Spanish Civil War, in which the U.S. was never involved.

World War Two, on both fronts, prior to the American declaration of war in 1941

BackgroundBackground

• In exploring the CAUSES of such action, one must consider the following:– What sort of people were going off on their own

to fight?– What was the attitude of the American populace

towards the wars that these men went off to fight?

– What was the state of America at the time, and how did that affect the decision to go to war?

• Social• Political• Economic

• In exploring the CAUSES of such action, one must consider the following:– What sort of people were going off on their own

to fight?– What was the attitude of the American populace

towards the wars that these men went off to fight?

– What was the state of America at the time, and how did that affect the decision to go to war?

• Social• Political• Economic

Background, cont.Background, cont.

– What ideologies, ethnicities, and other persuasions were common amongst the men going to fight and how did these persuasions effect their decision to fight?

– What strain in the American consciousness compels one to go off an fight in a war one’s country is not even in?

– What ideologies, ethnicities, and other persuasions were common amongst the men going to fight and how did these persuasions effect their decision to fight?

– What strain in the American consciousness compels one to go off an fight in a war one’s country is not even in?

Background, cont.Background, cont.

• In examining the LEGACY of the men who fought, one must consider:– How were the volunteers treated upon

returning to the war?– What contributions did these men make to

the American military, society, or psyche?– How has history treated these men?

• In examining the LEGACY of the men who fought, one must consider:– How were the volunteers treated upon

returning to the war?– What contributions did these men make to

the American military, society, or psyche?– How has history treated these men?

World War IWorld War I

• Although America formally began World Although America formally began World War One with a strict policy of neutrality, War One with a strict policy of neutrality, many Americans felt persuasions otherwise.many Americans felt persuasions otherwise.

• Many felt as though the allies fought for Many felt as though the allies fought for Democracy and thus sympathized with Democracy and thus sympathized with them.them.

• However, some had reservations towards However, some had reservations towards the allies, including German and Hungarian the allies, including German and Hungarian Americans, as well as Irishmen who felt Americans, as well as Irishmen who felt animosity towards the allied British, and animosity towards the allied British, and Jews who felt similarly towards czarist Jews who felt similarly towards czarist Russia, also one of the allies.Russia, also one of the allies.

World War IWorld War I• Although America formally began World Although America formally began World

War One with a strict policy of neutrality, War One with a strict policy of neutrality, many Americans felt persuasions otherwise.many Americans felt persuasions otherwise.

• Many felt as though the allies fought for Many felt as though the allies fought for Democracy and thus sympathized with Democracy and thus sympathized with them.them.

• However, some had reservations towards However, some had reservations towards the allies, including German and Hungarian the allies, including German and Hungarian Americans, as well as Irishmen who felt Americans, as well as Irishmen who felt animosity towards the allied British, and animosity towards the allied British, and Jews who felt similarly towards czarist Jews who felt similarly towards czarist Russia, also one of the allies.Russia, also one of the allies.

World War IWorld War I

• Among the first to involve Among the first to involve themselves in the War in Europe themselves in the War in Europe independent of the U.S. military:independent of the U.S. military:– Wealthy young men, recent Wealthy young men, recent

college graduatescollege graduates– Young academicsYoung academics– Aviation enthusiasts, early Aviation enthusiasts, early

“flyboys”.“flyboys”.– Simply adventurous souls.Simply adventurous souls.

Norman Prince, an American who had lived and traveled extensively in France, felt obliged to help France in the war. Being an aviator himself, he sought to create a unique group of American airmen fighting for France. After much opposition from the French Government, he was able to create the Lafayette, or American Escadrille. The first members were:

Norman Prince, an American who had lived and traveled extensively in France, felt obliged to help France in the war. Being an aviator himself, he sought to create a unique group of American airmen fighting for France. After much opposition from the French Government, he was able to create the Lafayette, or American Escadrille. The first members were:

Lafayette EscadrilleLafayette EscadrilleLafayette EscadrilleLafayette Escadrille

Norman Prince

William Thaw

Victor Chapman

Kiffin Rockwell

James McConell

Bert Hall

Elliot C. Cowdin

Norman Prince

William Thaw

Victor Chapman

Kiffin Rockwell

James McConell

Bert Hall

Elliot C. Cowdin

Lafayette Escadrille, Lafayette Escadrille, cont.cont.


The men were first deployed at the Alsatian front in May, 1916, where they were commanded by the French officers Captain Thenault and Lieutenant de Laage

They were quickly moved to the intense fighting at Verdun, where they were joined by Raoul Lufbery, Didier Masson, Clyde Balsely, Dudley Hill, Lawrence Rumsey and Chouteau Johnson.

The men were first deployed at the Alsatian front in May, 1916, where they were commanded by the French officers Captain Thenault and Lieutenant de Laage

They were quickly moved to the intense fighting at Verdun, where they were joined by Raoul Lufbery, Didier Masson, Clyde Balsely, Dudley Hill, Lawrence Rumsey and Chouteau Johnson.



The romance of aviation and the Escadrille attracted young, wealthy, educated American men, and by the time America became involved in the war in 1917, 325 men had joined up to support the Escadrille.

Casualties were numerous: 25 of the 325 gave their lives in battle, several more were wounded or imprisoned. Original members Prince, Chapman and Rockwell, as well as Lieutenant de Laage, perished in battle.

The romance of aviation and the Escadrille attracted young, wealthy, educated American men, and by the time America became involved in the war in 1917, 325 men had joined up to support the Escadrille.

Casualties were numerous: 25 of the 325 gave their lives in battle, several more were wounded or imprisoned. Original members Prince, Chapman and Rockwell, as well as Lieutenant de Laage, perished in battle.

The Legacy of the The Legacy of the EscadrilleEscadrille

The Legacy of the The Legacy of the EscadrilleEscadrille

Aviation Romanticized– Reports of high-flying daring and bravery on the

part of the Escadrille captured a place in the American imagination.

– Air War seemed more noble when compared to the ugly realities of trench warfare.•“For us all”, said McConnell, “ it contained unlimited possibilities for initiative and service to France, and for them [Rockwell and Chapman, who perished] it must have meant, too, the restoration of personality lost during those months in the trenches with the Foreign Legion.”

IntegrationIntegrationIntegrationIntegrationUpon American entry into the War:– Escadrille pilots became the

forerunners of the burgeoning American air corps.

– Escadrille was formally dissolved into the American armed forces.

– Escadrille pilots became the first American aces, and the idealized figure of the ace was born in the American imagination.

Upon American entry into the War:– Escadrille pilots became the

forerunners of the burgeoning American air corps.

– Escadrille was formally dissolved into the American armed forces.

– Escadrille pilots became the first American aces, and the idealized figure of the ace was born in the American imagination.

Raoul Lufberry in front of his new American Nieuport fighter.

Raoul Lufberry in front of his new American Nieuport fighter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Lufbery1.jpg

Legacy of the Legacy of the EscadrilleEscadrille

Legacy of the Legacy of the EscadrilleEscadrille

The Escadrille’s legacy would continue to grow,

as the airmen were forever

immortalized in the 1958

film Lafayette Escadrille.

The Escadrille’s legacy would continue to grow,

as the airmen were forever

immortalized in the 1958

film Lafayette Escadrille.

American Ambulances in American Ambulances in the Warthe War

American Ambulances in American Ambulances in the Warthe War

In 1914, 1915, and 1916, many American In 1914, 1915, and 1916, many American “university men” went to France for the “university men” went to France for the purpose of providing Emergency Medical purpose of providing Emergency Medical Services to the allies.Services to the allies.

Richard Norton:Richard Norton:– Father of American Volunteer Father of American Volunteer

Ambulance ServicesAmbulance Services– Graduated Harvard in 1892,Graduated Harvard in 1892,

worked as archeologist and professor at worked as archeologist and professor at American University of Classical Studies in American University of Classical Studies in Rome.Rome.

– Formed Motor-Ambulance Corps in London Formed Motor-Ambulance Corps in London in 1914, starting with 10 Ambulances.in 1914, starting with 10 Ambulances.

American Ambulances, American Ambulances, cont.cont.


The Motor-Ambulance CorpsThe Motor-Ambulance Corps– Most of the Volunteers were recent graduates Most of the Volunteers were recent graduates

from elite American colleges.from elite American colleges.– Norton maintained a genial relationship with his Norton maintained a genial relationship with his

men, such that he was more a comrade than a men, such that he was more a comrade than a commanding officer, as such, he was universally commanding officer, as such, he was universally liked by the men serving under him.liked by the men serving under him.

– The Corps grew quickly, growing from 10 to 60 The Corps grew quickly, growing from 10 to 60 ambulances in just one year, and were funded ambulances in just one year, and were funded largely by the British and later, the American Red largely by the British and later, the American Red Cross.Cross.

– Ultimately became entire ambulance service for Ultimately became entire ambulance service for French 11th Army, earning them a substantial role French 11th Army, earning them a substantial role in the war’s ambulance service.in the war’s ambulance service.



A. Piatt AndrewA. Piatt Andrew– Graduated Princeton Graduated Princeton

in 1893in 1893– Economics Professor at Economics Professor at

Harvard, 1900-1909Harvard, 1900-1909– Assistant Secretary of the Assistant Secretary of the

Treasury, 1910-1911.Treasury, 1910-1911.



Piatt established the Field Service of the Piatt established the Field Service of the American Ambulance in 1915.American Ambulance in 1915.

– Field Service was completely independent of Field Service was completely independent of Motor-Ambulance CorpsMotor-Ambulance Corps

– By Spring of 1915, Field Service had sections By Spring of 1915, Field Service had sections at Dunkirk and Lorraine, and in the Vosges.at Dunkirk and Lorraine, and in the Vosges.

– In October 1916, Field Service had 349 men, In October 1916, Field Service had 349 men, 264 of whom were college educated.264 of whom were college educated.

– By 1917, Field Service had 200 ambulances, By 1917, Field Service had 200 ambulances, and served at most major battles, including and served at most major battles, including the Somne and Verdun.the Somne and Verdun.



Causes for the Involvement of the Young, Causes for the Involvement of the Young, Educated class:Educated class:– Intellectual attitude of current Intellectual attitude of current

graduates meant many did not want to graduates meant many did not want to be left out of the great historical event be left out of the great historical event the war was.the war was.

– Most college graduates of the day spoke Most college graduates of the day spoke second languages, especially French, second languages, especially French, especially able to work in France.especially able to work in France.

– At the time, the wealthier classes were At the time, the wealthier classes were most adapt at the use of automobiles.most adapt at the use of automobiles.



Causes for the Involvement of the Young, Educated class:

– Graduates felt as though they were representing their various Universities in the service, this at a time when the Ivy League and comparable institutions set the standard for much of American athletic competition.

– Concept of noblesse oblige, or the idea that a societies wealthiest owed the most in participation



The perception of the volunteers at home:– Ivy league newspapers and alumni

publications glorified the participation of their University’s graduates in the Ambulance Service.

– “We have already more than 200 cars driven by American volunteers, mostly university men, grouped in sections which are attached to divisions in the French army.”

•A. Piatt Andrew, to the Princeton Alumni Weekly



Further affects of the American Further affects of the American Volunteer Ambulance Corps:Volunteer Ambulance Corps:– Actually played significant role in Actually played significant role in

carrying wounded and dead carrying wounded and dead soldiers away from front lines.soldiers away from front lines.

– Would provide the foundation for Would provide the foundation for the infrastructure and methods of the infrastructure and methods of the American ambulance service the American ambulance service when the war began.when the war began.

Americans in French Foreign Americans in French Foreign Legion in WW1Legion in WW1

Americans in French Foreign Americans in French Foreign Legion in WW1Legion in WW1

Foreign Legion had long existed as a Foreign Legion had long existed as a branch of French military made branch of French military made entirely of non-Frenchmen.entirely of non-Frenchmen.

– Had always been seen as a haven Had always been seen as a haven for runaways, criminals, and other for runaways, criminals, and other outcasts.outcasts.

– Represented the easiest way for Represented the easiest way for an American to get seriously an American to get seriously involved in the War.involved in the War.

Foreign Legion, cont.Foreign Legion, cont.Foreign Legion, cont.Foreign Legion, cont.

Americans who joined:Americans who joined:– As with the Escadrille and the As with the Escadrille and the

Ambulance Services, many men who Ambulance Services, many men who volunteered were wealthy Ivy League volunteered were wealthy Ivy League graduates, motivated by nobilisse graduates, motivated by nobilisse oblige.oblige.

– At first, legionnaires found At first, legionnaires found themselves spending much of there themselves spending much of there time on long marches, and little time time on long marches, and little time fighting valiantly. fighting valiantly.

Americans who joined:Americans who joined:– As with the Escadrille and the As with the Escadrille and the

Ambulance Services, many men who Ambulance Services, many men who volunteered were wealthy Ivy League volunteered were wealthy Ivy League graduates, motivated by nobilisse graduates, motivated by nobilisse oblige.oblige.

– At first, legionnaires found At first, legionnaires found themselves spending much of there themselves spending much of there time on long marches, and little time time on long marches, and little time fighting valiantly. fighting valiantly.

By late 1914, however, the Legion found its By late 1914, however, the Legion found its way into the trenches.way into the trenches.

– Many of the rich, young Americans were not Many of the rich, young Americans were not prepared for the harsh realities of trench prepared for the harsh realities of trench warfare. Wrote William Thaw, who would later warfare. Wrote William Thaw, who would later join the Escadrille:join the Escadrille:

• ““War is wretched and quite uninteresting. War is wretched and quite uninteresting. Wish I were back dogging streetcars on Wish I were back dogging streetcars on Broadway for amusement. Am that tired of Broadway for amusement. Am that tired of being shot at! Got hit in the cap and being shot at! Got hit in the cap and bayonet-Do you mind?…in comparison a bayonet-Do you mind?…in comparison a game of football is almost a joke.”game of football is almost a joke.”

By late 1914, however, the Legion found its By late 1914, however, the Legion found its way into the trenches.way into the trenches.

– Many of the rich, young Americans were not Many of the rich, young Americans were not prepared for the harsh realities of trench prepared for the harsh realities of trench warfare. Wrote William Thaw, who would later warfare. Wrote William Thaw, who would later join the Escadrille:join the Escadrille:

• ““War is wretched and quite uninteresting. War is wretched and quite uninteresting. Wish I were back dogging streetcars on Wish I were back dogging streetcars on Broadway for amusement. Am that tired of Broadway for amusement. Am that tired of being shot at! Got hit in the cap and being shot at! Got hit in the cap and bayonet-Do you mind?…in comparison a bayonet-Do you mind?…in comparison a game of football is almost a joke.”game of football is almost a joke.”

Foreign Legion, cont.Foreign Legion, cont.Foreign Legion, cont.Foreign Legion, cont.

Legacy of Americans in Legacy of Americans in Foreign LegionForeign Legion

Legacy of Americans in Legacy of Americans in Foreign LegionForeign Legion

Many legionaries eventually joined Many legionaries eventually joined the Escadrille or other more the Escadrille or other more glamorous services.glamorous services.

– Lafayette Airmen Kiffn Rockwell, Lafayette Airmen Kiffn Rockwell, Victor Chapman and William Thaw Victor Chapman and William Thaw were all former legionnaires.were all former legionnaires.

– Romantic appeal of French Romantic appeal of French Foreign Legion established in Foreign Legion established in American psyche.American psyche.

Many legionaries eventually joined Many legionaries eventually joined the Escadrille or other more the Escadrille or other more glamorous services.glamorous services.

– Lafayette Airmen Kiffn Rockwell, Lafayette Airmen Kiffn Rockwell, Victor Chapman and William Thaw Victor Chapman and William Thaw were all former legionnaires.were all former legionnaires.

– Romantic appeal of French Romantic appeal of French Foreign Legion established in Foreign Legion established in American psyche.American psyche.

"Now heaven be praised"Now heaven be praised

That in that hour that most imperilled That in that hour that most imperilled her,her,

Menaced her liberty who foremost Menaced her liberty who foremost raisedraised

Europe's bright flag of freedom, some Europe's bright flag of freedom, some there werethere were

Who, not unmindful of the antique Who, not unmindful of the antique debt,debt,

Came back the generous path of Came back the generous path of Lafayette;Lafayette;

- - Alan Seeger, American Alan Seeger, American Legionnaire, Legionnaire, killed at killed at Belloy en-Belloy en-SanterreSanterre, 1916., 1916.

Spanish Civil WarSpanish Civil WarSpanish Civil WarSpanish Civil War

Conflict beginning in 1936 with Conflict beginning in 1936 with attempted military coup by fascist attempted military coup by fascist general Fransisco Franco.general Fransisco Franco.

– Loosely organized group of anti-fascist Loosely organized group of anti-fascist militias fought Franco.militias fought Franco.

– Western powers chose not to get Western powers chose not to get involved, portrayed wars as involved, portrayed wars as Communists v. Fascists.Communists v. Fascists.

– Among the anti-fascist militias were Among the anti-fascist militias were the International Brigades, or groups of the International Brigades, or groups of Foreign volunteers fighting for Spain.Foreign volunteers fighting for Spain.

Americans Americans in the Spanish Civil Warin the Spanish Civil War

Americans Americans in the Spanish Civil Warin the Spanish Civil WarAround 3000 Americans of anti-fascist Around 3000 Americans of anti-fascist sentiment chose to fight for Spain.sentiment chose to fight for Spain.

– Many were Communists.Many were Communists.– Many Communists at the time were Many Communists at the time were

urban, Eastern-European ethnics, urban, Eastern-European ethnics, especially Jews.especially Jews.

– Others of leftist, radical, or simply Others of leftist, radical, or simply anti-fascist persuasions, but not anti-fascist persuasions, but not necessarily Communists, joined the necessarily Communists, joined the Brigades.Brigades.

Formation of International Formation of International BrigadesBrigades

Formation of International Formation of International BrigadesBrigades

Soviet Comintern sent communique Soviet Comintern sent communique to Communist parties around the to Communist parties around the world, urging for people to world, urging for people to volunteer for Spain. volunteer for Spain. – American Communist Party American Communist Party

organizers began recruiting potential organizers began recruiting potential soldiers from their rank and file soldiers from their rank and file membership.membership.

– War was seen as a fulfillment of the War was seen as a fulfillment of the Marxist Prophecy that the workers of Marxist Prophecy that the workers of the world would unite against the world would unite against oppressionoppression

American Communist PartyAmerican Communist PartyAmerican Communist PartyAmerican Communist Party

Depression had greatly increased the appeal of Depression had greatly increased the appeal of Communism to America’s working poor.Communism to America’s working poor.

– Communist Party Membership, 1929:10,000Communist Party Membership, 1929:10,000– Communist Party Membership, 1938: Communist Party Membership, 1938:

82,00082,000– Party was very organized, and volunteers Party was very organized, and volunteers

were extremely passionate, based on the were extremely passionate, based on the belief that it was better to have a few die-belief that it was better to have a few die-hards than many half-hearted volunteers.hards than many half-hearted volunteers.

– Instrumental in recruiting American soldiers Instrumental in recruiting American soldiers for Spanish Civil War.for Spanish Civil War.

15th International Brigade15th International Brigade15th International Brigade15th International Brigade

Initially, three Brigades of Americans went Initially, three Brigades of Americans went to fight in the 15th International Brigadeto fight in the 15th International Brigade

– The George Washington BattalionThe George Washington Battalion– The Abraham Lincoln BattalionThe Abraham Lincoln Battalion– The John Brown Anti-Aircraft BattalionThe John Brown Anti-Aircraft Battalion

The two Brigades were later combined The two Brigades were later combined into the Washington-Lincoln Brigade, into the Washington-Lincoln Brigade, referred to usually as simply the Lincoln referred to usually as simply the Lincoln Brigade or the 15th International Brigade.Brigade or the 15th International Brigade.

15th International Brigade15th International Brigade15th International Brigade15th International Brigade

Though some arrived in late 1936 to aid in Though some arrived in late 1936 to aid in the defense of Madrid (which ultimately fell), the defense of Madrid (which ultimately fell), most of the Brigade’s intense fighting most of the Brigade’s intense fighting occurred at the Jarama river.occurred at the Jarama river.

– Fighting lasted constantly for one month, Fighting lasted constantly for one month, from February to March, 1937. Of 500 from February to March, 1937. Of 500 Lincolns involved, 127 were killed and Lincolns involved, 127 were killed and 200 were wounded.200 were wounded.

– Trench warfareTrench warfare– Even though the Fascists ultimately won Even though the Fascists ultimately won

Jarama, the Lincolns saw their long Jarama, the Lincolns saw their long defense of the river as a valiant effort. defense of the river as a valiant effort.

Intellectuals and Artists in Intellectuals and Artists in the Lincoln Brigadethe Lincoln Brigade


Lost Generation:Lost Generation:– Many artists and intellectuals of Many artists and intellectuals of

the “Lost Generation”, those who the “Lost Generation”, those who had become disenfranchised with had become disenfranchised with American life in the aftermath of American life in the aftermath of World War I, became involved in World War I, became involved in the International Brigades. the International Brigades.

• Ernest Hemingway, the most Ernest Hemingway, the most famous lost generation writer, famous lost generation writer, fought in the Lincoln Brigade.fought in the Lincoln Brigade.



Harlem Renaissance:Harlem Renaissance:– Many Black intellectuals and artists of leftist Many Black intellectuals and artists of leftist

sympathies, most of whom lived in urban areas sympathies, most of whom lived in urban areas and were part of the Harlem Renaissance and were part of the Harlem Renaissance movement, comprised the black members of movement, comprised the black members of the Lincolns.the Lincolns.

• Langston Hughes: Famous Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes: Famous Harlem Renaissance poet and writer, served with Lincolns.and writer, served with Lincolns.

After the war, those artists and After the war, those artists and intellectuals would attempt, through their intellectuals would attempt, through their work, to positively portray their work in the work, to positively portray their work in the Spanish Civil War as positive and Spanish Civil War as positive and necessary.necessary.

African-Americans in the African-Americans in the Abraham Lincoln BrigadeAbraham Lincoln BrigadeAfrican-Americans in the African-Americans in the Abraham Lincoln BrigadeAbraham Lincoln Brigade

One of the greatest legacies of One of the greatest legacies of the Brigade was the fact that it the Brigade was the fact that it represented the first integrated represented the first integrated military unit of Americans.military unit of Americans.

– This correlated with the fact This correlated with the fact that the Communist party was that the Communist party was the only white party in America the only white party in America accepting black members on accepting black members on equal terms. equal terms.

African Americans in the African Americans in the Abraham Lincoln BrigadeAbraham Lincoln BrigadeAfrican Americans in the African Americans in the Abraham Lincoln BrigadeAbraham Lincoln BrigadeAbout 90 Black men joined the Abraham About 90 Black men joined the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. Lincoln Brigade.

– Some were Communists.Some were Communists.– Others were simply decidedly anti-fascist, for Others were simply decidedly anti-fascist, for

several reasons:several reasons:• Hitler’s refusal to present Jesse Owens his medals Hitler’s refusal to present Jesse Owens his medals

in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.• Hitler’s support of Max Schmelling against Joe Hitler’s support of Max Schmelling against Joe

LouisLouis• Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia.Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia.

– ““We didn’t know to much about the We didn’t know to much about the Spaniards, but we knew that they were Spaniards, but we knew that they were fighting fascism, and that fascism was the fighting fascism, and that fascism was the enemy of all black aspirations.”enemy of all black aspirations.”

• Vaughn LoveVaughn Love

Spain was a Love Affair, by Spain was a Love Affair, by Vaughn Love, Black member of Vaughn Love, Black member of

Lincoln BrigadeLincoln Brigade



– When Hitler, Franco and Mussolini cameWhen Hitler, Franco and Mussolini came– With ravaging hordes to conquer SpainWith ravaging hordes to conquer Spain– They pinned there hopes on greed and They pinned there hopes on greed and

fearfear– While their great armadas filled the airWhile their great armadas filled the air

– The Spaniards resisted this horrendous The Spaniards resisted this horrendous tidetide

– of terror and greed and genocideof terror and greed and genocide– While all the “democratic” statesWhile all the “democratic” states– Blockaded Spain to seal it’s fateBlockaded Spain to seal it’s fate





– The volunteers joined a mighty standThe volunteers joined a mighty stand– From all the far and distant landsFrom all the far and distant lands– To guard the valiant heart of SpainTo guard the valiant heart of Spain– And the liberty and freedom of all mankindAnd the liberty and freedom of all mankind

– The Black Volunteers were where they The Black Volunteers were where they belongedbelonged

– Where the battle against racism and Where the battle against racism and fascism was going onfascism was going on

– To share the burden of freedom’s causeTo share the burden of freedom’s cause– And build the bridge of solidarity and loveAnd build the bridge of solidarity and love




Lincoln BrigadeLincoln Brigade– This tribut (sic) to our glorious fighting menThis tribut (sic) to our glorious fighting men– Will last through the ages in time without Will last through the ages in time without

endend– And in the cause we share with themAnd in the cause we share with them– We embrace the fighters for South African We embrace the fighters for South African

freedomfreedomThe poem reflects the general The poem reflects the general attitude of the Lincolns, black attitude of the Lincolns, black

and white, after the war, which and white, after the war, which was one of constant struggle for was one of constant struggle for social justice, in the same vain social justice, in the same vain

as when they fought the fascists.as when they fought the fascists.

Lincolns after the WarLincolns after the WarLincolns after the WarLincolns after the War

Withdrawn from battle in 1938Withdrawn from battle in 1938EmbittermentEmbitterment

– Popular Front ultimately lost, Popular Front ultimately lost, Franco won, work of Lincolns Franco won, work of Lincolns could be said to have been in could be said to have been in vain.vain.

– Continued rise of fascism, Continued rise of fascism, escalating with World War II, escalating with World War II, further underscored the failure to further underscored the failure to stop Franco, sense of “I told you stop Franco, sense of “I told you so” on part of some Lincolns.so” on part of some Lincolns.

Lincolns after the WarLincolns after the WarLincolns after the WarLincolns after the WarRed Scare:Red Scare:

– During 1950s Red Scare, all 15th Brigade Veterans During 1950s Red Scare, all 15th Brigade Veterans were seen as potential threats.were seen as potential threats.

• Even non-Communist members were considered Even non-Communist members were considered as part of the potentially subversive group of as part of the potentially subversive group of “premature anti-fascists”.“premature anti-fascists”.

Nonetheless, the Lincolns were seen as heroes Nonetheless, the Lincolns were seen as heroes among American Leftists both during their service among American Leftists both during their service and after. The Veterans of the Battalion and after. The Veterans of the Battalion continued to take pride in continued to take pride in their service.their service.

Many fought in World Many fought in World War II.War II.

The American Volunteer GroupThe American Volunteer Group“Flying Tigers”“Flying Tigers”

In 1937, US Capt. Claire Chennault resigned his In 1937, US Capt. Claire Chennault resigned his commission to travel to China as “special advisor commission to travel to China as “special advisor to the Chinese Air Force “to the Chinese Air Force “

– In 1938, traveled to Kunming, China to start the In 1938, traveled to Kunming, China to start the beginnings of a Chinese air force.beginnings of a Chinese air force.

– Spent next few years Spent next few years

locating airfields and locating airfields and

developing an air raid developing an air raid

warning system for China.warning system for China.

– Laid groundwork for what wouldLaid groundwork for what would eventually become the American eventually become the American Volunteer Group. Volunteer Group.

The American Volunteer Group, The American Volunteer Group, Cont.Cont.

Chennault spent the winter of 1940-41 in the US, Chennault spent the winter of 1940-41 in the US, negotiating for China’s purchase of 100 P-40 negotiating for China’s purchase of 100 P-40 fighter planes under the “cash and carry” fighter planes under the “cash and carry” principle. principle. Formal Training and organization of the Formal Training and organization of the American pilots began at Rangoon, Burma in American pilots began at Rangoon, Burma in 1941.1941.When supply, organization, and training were When supply, organization, and training were completed, the AVG “Flying Tigers” were folded completed, the AVG “Flying Tigers” were folded into the fledgling Chinese Air Force in November into the fledgling Chinese Air Force in November of 1941.of 1941.Combat service began on December 20Combat service began on December 20thth, 1941, , 1941, when the group disrupted a Japanese bomber when the group disrupted a Japanese bomber formation over Kunming.formation over Kunming.


Different than those of previous volunteer groups, Different than those of previous volunteer groups, the pilots and ground crew of the AVG were the pilots and ground crew of the AVG were formally trained professionals. formally trained professionals.

– The 100 airmen of the first group were fully trained The 100 airmen of the first group were fully trained American pilots, all officers, hand picked by Chennault- American pilots, all officers, hand picked by Chennault- 40 from the Army Air Corps, and 60 from the Navy and 40 from the Army Air Corps, and 60 from the Navy and Marine air wings. Marine air wings.

– The U.S. government allowed for these individuals to be The U.S. government allowed for these individuals to be discharged specifically for service with the Chinese.discharged specifically for service with the Chinese.


The “Flying Tigers” were split into three The “Flying Tigers” were split into three squadrons:squadrons:““Adam and Eves”Adam and Eves”

““Panda Bears”Panda Bears”

““Hell’s Angels”Hell’s Angels”

CombatCombat

Campaigns over bases in Rangoon, Campaigns over bases in Rangoon, Northern Burma, and Mainland China.Northern Burma, and Mainland China.

Total action yielded 297 Japanese planes Total action yielded 297 Japanese planes destroyed in the air and on the ground.destroyed in the air and on the ground.

Thirteen servicemen were lost to enemy Thirteen servicemen were lost to enemy fire, three were taken prisoner, and ten fire, three were taken prisoner, and ten died in the air and on the ground as the died in the air and on the ground as the result of flying accidents. result of flying accidents.

Legacy of the “Flying Tigers”Legacy of the “Flying Tigers”

The AVG was officially disbanded The AVG was officially disbanded on July 4, 1942, with American on July 4, 1942, with American fighters beginning to enter the fighters beginning to enter the theater.theater.

– Chennault was immediately re-Chennault was immediately re-commissioned as a Colonel, and commissioned as a Colonel, and was then promoted to Brigadier was then promoted to Brigadier General and given total control of General and given total control of US fighter command in the Chinese US fighter command in the Chinese theater. theater.

Legacy of the “Flying Tigers,” Legacy of the “Flying Tigers,” cont.cont.

Many of the pilots would seek re-Many of the pilots would seek re-commission and fly with different commission and fly with different elements of the American Armed elements of the American Armed Services. Services.

– The most famous of these pilots The most famous of these pilots would be Pappy Boyington, who would be Pappy Boyington, who would go on to command the would go on to command the infamous “Black Sheep infamous “Black Sheep Squadron” of the US Marines. Squadron” of the US Marines.

– Went on to be awarded the Navy Went on to be awarded the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor Cross and the Medal of Honor for his service.for his service.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Pappy_Boyington.jpg

Legacy of the “Flying Tigers,” Legacy of the “Flying Tigers,” cont.cont.

British Air Vice Marshall D.F. Stephenson said of British Air Vice Marshall D.F. Stephenson said of the AVG:the AVG:

– 'In the Burma campaign the main brunt of the 'In the Burma campaign the main brunt of the fighting was borne by the P-40 squadrons of the fighting was borne by the P-40 squadrons of the American Volunteer Group. They were first in the American Volunteer Group. They were first in the field with pilots well trained, and good fighting field with pilots well trained, and good fighting equipment. The great majority of enemy aircraft equipment. The great majority of enemy aircraft destroyed in Burma fell to their guns. Their destroyed in Burma fell to their guns. Their gallantry in action won the admiration of both gallantry in action won the admiration of both services."services."

BibliographyBibliography

• Information SourcesInformation Sources::– Brandt, Joe, ed. Brandt, Joe, ed. Black Americans in the Spanish Black Americans in the Spanish

People’s War Against Fascism (1936-1939)People’s War Against Fascism (1936-1939) New New York: Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, York: Veterans of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, circa 1979.circa 1979.

– Caroll, Peter N. Caroll, Peter N. The Odyssey of the Abraham The Odyssey of the Abraham Lincoln BrigadeLincoln Brigade:: Americans in the Spanish Civil Americans in the Spanish Civil War. War. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1994.Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1994.

– Ford, Daniel. Ford, Daniel. Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and the American Volunteer group. the American Volunteer group. Blue Ridge, PA: Blue Ridge, PA: Tab Books, 1991Tab Books, 1991

– Morse, Edwin W. Morse, Edwin W. The Vanguard of VolunteersThe Vanguard of Volunteers New New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1922.York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1922.

BibliographyBibliography• Picture Sources:Picture Sources:

- “American Field Service in World War One” 2004. Kansas University. - “American Field Service in World War One” 2004. Kansas University. 2006. 2006. www.ku.com

- “Flags of the Red Cross” 1999. Geographic.- “Flags of the Red Cross” 1999. Geographic.2006 2006 http://www.geographic.org/flags/red_cross_flags.html

- ““Flying Tigers” 2006 Flying Tigers” 2006 Wikipedia. Wikipedia. 2006. 2006. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_tigershttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_tigers

- “French Foreign Legion Historical Society” 2000. Paul Kendall- “French Foreign Legion Historical Society” 2000. Paul Kendall2006 http://home.flash.net/~pkendall/SHLE.htm2006 http://home.flash.net/~pkendall/SHLE.htm

- ““History of the American Field Service in France” Brigham Young History of the American Field Service in France” Brigham Young University. University. 2006.http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/memoir/AFShist/AFS1a.htm2006.http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/memoir/AFShist/AFS1a.htm

- ““Index Of photos” wustl.eduIndex Of photos” wustl.edu- 2006 http://wuarchive.wustl.edu/pub/aminet/pix/vehic/2006 http://wuarchive.wustl.edu/pub/aminet/pix/vehic/

– ““Lafayette Pilots” Wannado Lafayette Pilots” Wannado 2006. 2006. http://perso.orange.fr/rdisa/html/Pages/PilotsFr.html

--”Lafayette Escadrille” 2006. Amazon.com --”Lafayette Escadrille” 2006. Amazon.com 2006. 2006. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6302756499/qid=1149827075/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-2786105-4080733?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=404272

--09/rockwell_lafay/rockwell_lafay.html

http://www.ku.com/

http://www.geographic.org/flags/red_cross_flags.html

http://perso.orange.fr/rdisa/html/Pages/PilotsFr.html

http://perso.orange.fr/rdisa/html/Pages/PilotsFr.html

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/6302756499/qid=1149827075/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-2786105-4080733?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=404272

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http://www.unc.edu/depts/diplomat/archives_roll/2004_07-09/rockwell_lafay/rockwell_lafay.html

BibliographyBibliography““RNC Protest” 2004. Politics in the RNC Protest” 2004. Politics in the

Zeros Zeros http://polizeros.com/2004/08/– ““Rockwell: I Paid my Debt for Lafayette” 2003.American Democracy.org Rockwell: I Paid my Debt for Lafayette” 2003.American Democracy.org

2006. 2006. http://www.unc.edu/depts/diplomat/archives_roll/2004_07-09/rockwell_lafay/rockwell_lafay.html

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http://www.aragob.es/elocales/quinto/historia/historia_1938_1.htm– ““Spanish Civil War Graphics Collection” 1999. Spanish Civil War Graphics Collection” 1999.

• Anarchy Archives: Pitzer College. Anarchy Archives: Pitzer College. http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/Anarchist_Archives/spancivwar/scwgraphics.html

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-- -- “The Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives” 2006. “The Tamiment Library and Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives” 2006. • New York University. 2006. New York University. 2006.

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By the Wings of Death: The involvement of Independent Americans in Foreign Wars Max H. & David K....

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