born: 1886
died: May 19, 1918
Allies
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born: 1886 died: May 19, 1918 Allies
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Involvement in the War:
Raoul Lufbery enlisted in the U.S. army to become a citizen. He met Marc Poupes, a famous exhibition pilot, and followed him into the French Air Service, and thus beginning his war career. He was the first ace in the Lafayette Escadrille, with 17 kills. Raoul Lufbery taught many Americans how to fly after the United States' entry into the war, including Douglas Campbell, Reed Chambers and Eddie Rickenbacker. He died while jumping from his burning plane and from landing on a picket fence.
Quotes:
"There won't be any after-the-war for a fighter pilot."
"There's a hell of a lot of difference in going out alone, no matter what the odds are against you, and in going out as a member or a leader of a group of pilots who may or may not be as good as you are. It is a great responsibility to shepherd these pilots out and get back home safe. I prefer to fight alone, on my own."