Thus, to present to the public a more consistent version of the real life of the observer at the Front in his various rôles, and hoping in a way to dispel this very unfortunate public misunderstanding, this book of my own modest experiences as an observer is presented for consideration under the title “Luck on the Wing.”

Elmer Haslett,

Major, Air Service

United States Army

Washington, February, 1920.

CONTENTS

Introduction by Gen. William Mitchell[xxiii]
CHAPTER PAGE
I.Beginner’s Luck[1]
II.Hardboiled[22]
III.My First Scrap[50]
IV.Brereton’s Famous Flight[73]
V.Troubles on the Ground[99]
VI.The Wild Ride of a Greenhorn[121]
VII.Eileen’s Inspiration[139]
VIII.Down and Out and In[163]
IX.The Court of Inquiry[192]
X.Becoming Kultured[219]
XI.Escaped Almost[238]
XII.The Privileges of Prisoners[253]
XIII.“Coming Out”[276]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Gen. William Mitchell, Commander-in-Chief of the American Air Forces, at the Front[Frontispiece]
FACING PAGE
An Operation Room of an American Squadron at the Front, Showing Battle Maps, War Plans and Photographs[34]
The Village of Vaux on the Day Preceding the Battle of Vaux[74]
The Village of Vaux During the Battle of Vaux, July 1, 1918[78]
Tanks Going into Action, and Tracks Left by Them[128]
Pagny-Sur-Meuse, Showing Prisoners Captured by the Americans at St. Mihiel[154]
A Captured German Photograph Showing American Prisoners[200]
Colonel Brereton, Major Haslett and Others Being Decorated at Coblenz[296]

INTRODUCTION