James McConnell - Flying for France - With the American Escadrille at Verdun

The experiences of American James R. McConnell, while flying with the French Flying Corp at Verdun during World War One. Sgt McConnell was a member of the Layfette Escadrille also called the American Escadrille from 1915 to 1917. McConnell volunteered for Ambulance service in France in 1915. While serving with the Ambulance service he was cited for courage in retrieving wounded soldiers under fire and was awarded the French Croix de Gurre for bravery. He decided to volunteer for service in the French Flying Corps and became a member of the American Escadrelle. A unit formed in the years before the United States became involved in the war made up of American Volunteer pilots. — Summary by William A Crenshaw