Efforts to form an American squadron initially made very little progress. Then, in December 1915 the French gave three American pilots, Bill Thaw, Norman Prince, and Elliot Cowdin, leave to spend Christmas with their families. American newspapers were thrilled to have three combat pilots in the US and ran banner headlines like the one shown here. The French suddenly realized an American squadron might prove to be a public relations bonanza. The Allies were heavily dependent on the US for supplies, and they were trying to get the US to enter the war on their side. The news coverage which would surely be given to an American squadron was bound to sway public opinion toward the Allies. (Author’s photo of a document at the at Heinz History Center.)