First to the Front: The Aerial Adventures of 1st Lt. Waldo Heinrichs and the 95th Aero Squadron 1917-1918

by Charles Woolley

The 95th Aero Squadron was the first American pursuit squadron to fly over the front in March 1918 and 1st Lt. Waldo Heinrichs was one of its original members. The history of the Squadron is told through the words of those who served, Heinrichs' richly written diary forms the nucleus of the story supported by contemporary letters, anecdotes, and combat reports from many of the other flyers. Entries from the official Squadron history as contained in the History of the American Air Services A.E.F. (the Gorrell History) round out the narrative. Over 280 photos, most unpublished from the personal albums of the participants, show planes, places and personnel which surrounded this happy band of warriors.

240 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a rich and fascinating story --- told largely through diary entries made by Lt. Heinrichs during his service with the 95th, from excerpts of letters from some of Heinrichs' fellow pilots, and from the squadron's Official History --- of the first U.S. fighter squadron to see combat on the Western Front.

Heinrichs also sheds light on the type of flight training he received in France. On the whole, a very well-structured and readable book.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest and state that it took me a while to get through this book. For the most part, it's the personal diary of Lt. Heinrichs from when he starts flight training in July 1917 until he returns to the USA. There are periods of time during the story at which the diary entries are supplemented by text from other sources. Unfortunately, there are large sections of the book that I didn't find particularly interesting reading. Its value is that it allows the reader to see the world through Lt. Heinrichs' eyes, as documented in his diary. It's not entertaining reading, but it does provide some insight into what it was like to be a World War I pilot in the 95th Aero Squadron.