3d Pursuit Group
| 3d Pursuit Group | |
|---|---|
103rd Aero Squadron – SPAD Spad XIII C.1 of Capt. Robert Soubiran, 103d Aero Squadron, Serial # S7714.
|
|
| Active | 1918–19 |
| Country |
 United States
|
| Branch |
 United States Army Air Service
|
| Type | Group |
| Role | Command and Control |
| Part of | American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) |
| Engagements |
|
| Insignia | |
| 28th Aero Squadron Emblem |  |
| 93d Aero Squadron Emblem |  |
| 103d Aero Squadron Emblem |  |
| 213th Aero Squadron Emblem |  |
The 3d Pursuit Group was a United States Army Air Service unit that fought on the Western Front during World War I as part of the First United States Army. Formed in France in July 1918, the group was assigned to the 1st Pursuit Wing and saw action in the final months of the war, supporting the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Following the end of the war, the group was demobilized in France on 10 April 1919. There is no modern United States Air Force unit that shares its lineage and history.
The group was formed on 30 July 1918 when the command staff for the group was organized at Vaucouleurs Aerodrome, France. Operations began on 7 August when two patrols were made over enemy lines by the 103d Aero Squadron. By 21 August, five pursuit squadrons, all flying SPAD XIII aircraft had been formed and equipped. The insignia of the 3d Pursuit Group consisted of an Indian Head, with each squadron being identified by the number of feathers. Group aircraft markings were:
The 103d AS was already famous, using the USAS version of Spa.124 as the Lafayette Escadrille.
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