First Combat Air Missions Take Flight, March 19, 1916

On March 19, 19196, a U.S. Aero Squadron took off from Columbus, New Mexico, in the first combat air mission in U.S. history. The planes were part of a support mission for General Pershing who was on an expedition into Mexico to capture Pancho Villa, who had invaded the U.S. The squadron had mechanical and navigational challenges, but they flew hundreds of missions for Pershing. A great deal was learned about battlefield air  reconnaissance.

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