{"product_id":"usas-1st-pursuit-group-aviation-elite-units","title":"USAS 1st Pursuit Group (Aviation Elite Units)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 1st Pursuit Group claimed more enemy kills than any other Group in the United States Air Service in World War I  partly thanks to ace of aces  Eddie Rickenbacker  and balloon-busting ace  Frank Luke  both of whom also earned the Medal of Honor. Starting operations in March 1918  the Group initially flew Nieuport 28s  now rejected by the French  and quickly showed its quality. Douglas Campbell was the first American-trained pilot in the USAS to make a kill and soon afterwards became the Services first ace. Expanded by the arrival of additional squadrons  the Group went to war in earnest over Chteau Thierry in July  suffering heavy losses against experienced German pilots and better airplanes. Re-equipped with the superior Spad XIII  the now battle-seasoned Group achieved its full potential over St. Mihiel and the Argonne.  This is the story of the Group that produced some of Americas first fighter aces and its rapid evolution over a few months as a deadly rival to opposing German units with years of combat experience behind them. Its publication marks the 90th anniversary of 1st Pursuit Groups distinguished contribution to Allied victory.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44949117468725,"sku":"ByrdShop_1846033098","price":228.2,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9781846033094.jpg?v=1770066755","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/usas-1st-pursuit-group-aviation-elite-units","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}