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Trained as a pursuit pilot but assigned to an observation squadron,
the indefatigable Bill Erwin flew twice as many hours over the
front lines as any other pilot in the 1st Aero Squadron. His two
primary observers, Byrne Baucom and Arthur Easterbrook, were both
previously Army infantry officers and deadly marksmen. It was their
dedication, bravery, and courage under fire that kept them alive
throughout the Chateau-Thierry, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne
campaigns. Easterbrook scored four of his five victories while
flying with Erwin, including two in one day, while Baucom scored
all three of his victories with Erwin. Even after returning in
shredded Salmsons, being forced down, and shot down on multiple
occasions, all three remained relatively unscathed throughout the
war. Erwin's dramatic life culminated in his disappearance during
the 1927 Dole Air Race, while Easterbrook became a revered figure
in Washington. Revered in his home state of Texas, Baucom became a
pilot in the 1920s and rose to become an instructor at an advanced
flying school. He died in an aircraft crash in 1928. While Erwin
became Dallas' 'favorite son' in life, 3,000 people paid tributes
to Baucom at his funeral, showing his immense popularity.
Easterbrook was the only one of the three to survive to reach his
military career potential, retiring as a brigadier general after
World War II. Alan Roesler retraces the lives and careers of the
three men in this new joint biography.
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