147th Aero Squadron
The 147th Aero Squadron was a United States Army Air Service unit that fought on the Western Front during World War I.
| 147th Aero Squadron | |
|---|---|
Lt. Wilbert Wallace White, 147th Aero Squadron. He was a Flight Commander for the Squadron and gained 8 victories during his service. | |
| Active | 11 November 1917–Present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army Air Service |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Pursuit |
| Part of | American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) |
| Engagements | World War I |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Maj. Geoffrey H. Connell Lt. John A. Hambleton Capt. James A. Meissner |
| Insignia | |
| 147th Aero Squadron Emblem | |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Nieuport 28 Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 Airco DH.4 Spad XIII |
| Trainer | Curtiss JN-4, 1917 |
| Service record | |
|---|---|
| Operations |
1st Pursuit Group Western Front, France: 29 May-11 November 1918 |
| Victories |
Air Aces: 6
|
The squadron was assigned as a Day Pursuit (Fighter) Squadron as part of the 1st Pursuit Group, First United States Army. Its mission was to engage and clear enemy aircraft from the skies and provide escort to reconnaissance and bombardment squadrons over enemy territory. It also attacked enemy observation balloons, and perform close air support and tactical bombing attacks of enemy forces along the front lines.
After the 1918 Armistice with Germany, the squadron returned to the United States in March 1919 and became part of the permanent United States Army Air Service in 1921, being re-designated as the 17th Squadron (Pursuit).
The current United States Air Force unit which holds its lineage and history is the 17th Weapons Squadron, assigned to the USAF Weapons School, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.