U.S., French remember America's first combat pilots

by Capt. Tony Wickman
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs

6/1/2010 - PARIS (AFNS) -- U.S. and French civilian and military leaders paid their respects to America's first combat pilots during ceremony at a memorial outside of Paris, May 27.

Gen. Roger Brady, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Rivkin, French Lt. Gen. Paul Fouilland, the Strategic Air Forces commander, several local elected officials and nearly 200 guests gathered at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial's central Arc de Triomphe to pay tribute to the 68 American pilots who died in service to the Allies during World War I.

"This is sacred ground for the U.S. Air Force and French air force and this was an opportunity for us to remember those who sacrificed for the cause of freedom," General Brady said. "This was also a chance for us to renew our relationship with the French air force, which is one of the stronger relationships we have and cherish. The history speaks for itself, but this is the beginning of military aviation, and certainly the beginning for the U.S. Air Force. It has been a pleasure to be here with our French Allies and renew that relationship."

The event opened with a four-ship flyover of Mirage 2000N jets from the 2/4 Lafayette Strike Squadron from Luxeuil Air Base, France; a two-ship flyover of F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 52nd Fighter Wing from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany; and a flyover of a vintage N3N biplane flown by a retired French air force pilot.

The guest speakers, which included the mayor of Marnes-la-Coquette, General Brady, General Fouilland, Ambassador Rivkin, and Patrick Strzoda, the prefect of Hauts-de-Seine, spoke of the Lafayette Escadrille's heroic deeds and paid homage to the American and French servicemembers currently supporting military operations around the world. Following the speeches, the dignitaries placed wreaths on the memorial and the USAFE Honor Guard fired a three-volley salute. The French air force and the USAFE bands provided musical support for the event.

After the ceremony, all attendees were afforded the opportunity to visit the underground crypt beneath the monument to see the 70 sarcophagi honoring the Lafayette Escadrille airmen, as well as see 13 stained glass windows depicting various battles.

One of the special guests of honor was the great-nephew of one of the interned American servicemen, Maj. Raoul Lufbery, who said coming to the memorial fulfilled a lifelong dream.

"It was something I wanted to do all of my life," said Raoul Lufbery III, bearing the name of his great-uncle, from International Falls, Minn. "This is something I'll be able to take back home and share with the rest of the Lufbery family. This is an honor for the family and we are proud to be associated with the (Lafayette Escadrille)."

The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial is a reminder to all of the American pilots of the Escadrille La Fayette and the Lafayette Flying Corps who died during service to the Allies. The monument has a central arch one-half the size of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, with the names of the dead pilots inscribed upon the stone. Also inscribed around the border are the names of the French towns and provinces where the pilots fought.

Entombed with the American pilots are two French officers, Gen. Antonin Brocard and Lt. Col. George Thenault, who commanded the unit before the U.S. entered the war.