Century of combat: first fighters still flying for freedom

[The Patriot]

On a cool September evening just as the sun began to set, 21 year-old pilot, 2nd Lt. Frank Luke, listened to deafening rushing of air as he soared toward Dun-sur-Meuse to shoot down German balloons, six miles behind enemy lines. Though heavily fortified, he carried on with a single thought on his mind: victory. Dancing his plane through a deluge of enemy flak, he shot down his first target; then another, and another.As his pride faded, he was overwhelmed with pain and blood permeating his left shoulder; he'd been shot. He'd soon be forced to land his SPAD XIII in enemy territory. Sprinting away from the aircraft, his strength finally failed him and he collapsed. Drawing his pistol, he aimed toward the pursuing enemy soldiers and fired.


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