The unsubstantial air: American fliers in the First World War

Description

"'The Unsubstantial Air' is the gripping story of the Americans who fought and died in the aerial battles of World War I. Much more than a traditional military history, it is an account of the excitement of becoming a pilot and flying in combat over the Western Front, told through the words and voices of the aviators themselves."--Back cover.;Prologue: A fire beyond the horizon -- An Occupation for Gentlemen -- The Ivy League air force -- Going -- Abroad I: first impressions -- Driving the machine -- The pleasurable sensation of flying -- Waiting for the war -- How to fight -- This killing business -- Abroad II: getting acquainted -- In pursuit -- Looking at the war -- A short history of bombing -- Summer: 1918 -- September: St. Mihiel -- Abroad III: end games -- The last battle -- November eleventh -- Afterwards. Prologue: A fire beyond the horizon -- An Occupation for Gentlemen -- The Ivy League air force -- Going -- Abroad I: first impressions -- Driving the machine -- The pleasurable sensation of flying -- Waiting for the war -- How to fight -- This killing business -- Abroad II: getting acquainted -- In pursuit -- Looking at the war -- A short history of bombing -- Summer: 1918 -- September: St. Mihiel -- Abroad III: end games -- The last battle -- November eleventh -- Afterwards.