Description
Book SynopsisTrained 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 Château-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.
Trade ReviewFive full color aircraft profiles are also included as well as the extensive footnotes expected from an author of Roesler's talent and experience. All in all, A Pair of Aces and a Trey is readable, enjoyable, well researched, properly illustrated and a superb addition to any enthusiast's library. * Indy Squadron Dispatch *
[A]n inherently fascinating read and highly recommended for personal, community, and academic library World War I History & Biography collections. * Midwest Book Review *
What makes this work so interesting is that Roesler takes this prevailing theme of aviation’s relevance for air superiority and yet retains the photographic reconnaissance mentioned in the reports. This better illustrates the aviators’ sorties those last months of 1918 when the American Expeditionary Force played a significant role. * Roads to the Great War *
With so much emphasis on single-seat fighter pilot aces in World War I, it is refreshing to read about a two-seater pilot and two of his observers who scored impressive air combat triumphs . . . their full life stories are well told in this detailed and well-documented book. * Over the Front *
Table of ContentsChapter One: William P. Erwin, Byrne V. Baucom & Château-Thierry Offensive Operations, July 1918 Chapter Two: Black Thursday—1st Aero Squadron and 1st Pursuit Group's Worst Day Chapter Three: St. Mihiel Operations & Easterbrook's Arrival Chapter Four: Meuse-Argonne Offensive Operations Chapter Five: The Final Assault Chapter Six: Postwar—Erwin's Early Return to Participate in America's Victory Loan Chapter Seven: "Lone Star Bill”and the Dole Air Race Chapter Eight: Career Accomplishments & Conclusions
