American Eagle Pilots

    Before the U.S. joined the Allies in WWII, thousands of Americans volunteered with the UK’s Royal Air Force and became members of the famed “Eagle Squadrons.” Aside from the inherent dangers and massive casualty rates of aerial bombing and combat; at that time, enlisting in the military of a foreign country legally carried the high price of loss of citizenship. After the U.S. joined the conflict, most U.S. airmen were absorbed in the US Army Air Force and provided a knowledge base and skill set that gave America a significant strategic advantage. Unfortunately for the over 1,000 airmen who lost their lives during their foreign service, their sacrifices and those of their families are not acknowledged or officially memorialized by the U.S. government. Efforts are ongoing to garner support from family members, veteran groups, and military organizations to pressure congress in passing legislation finally recognizing the contribution of these Americans and their families to the war effort.