go back to Shows
The Lafayette Escadrille: The American Volunteers Who Flew For France in World War One show's poster

The Lafayette Escadrille: The American Volunteers Who Flew For France in World War One

Filmed in the skies above France and the United States, The Lafayette Escadrille tells the story of the American volunteers who flew and fought for France in World War 1, becoming the founding squadron of American combat aviation.

Latest episode

RMPBS Passport

Please log in to your PBS Passport account to watch this video

Become a Member

Episode 2

Season 1 Episode 102 | 53m 54s | CC

The Escadrille is sent as escorts on an ambitious bombing scoring victories over German aircraft in the mission’s dogfights, but tragically losing one of the founders of the squadron in a crash as he lands in the dark. The disillusioned squadron is still trying to become an effective fighting force as they move from base to base up and down the Western Front.

Episodes

Distributed nationally by American Public Television

Related stories

Education
The first year at Grand Junction's new high school comes to a close
Replacing the aging Grand Junction High School building was a priority for District 51. As students settle into the new school, improvements at other schools across the valley are just getting started.
 | Joshua Vorse
Education
Did Boulder high schools' cell phone ban work?
Boulder Valley high schools became some of the first in the state to ban cell phones. By July 2026, all schools will be required to devise their own cell phone policy.
 | Cormac McCrimmon
Health & Wellness
Flying is stressful these days. This squad of therapy pets is here to help.
Denver International Airport’s Canine Airport Therapy Squad enlists more than 100 volunteers and their therapy pets to bring calm to one of the world’s busiest airports.
 | Carly Rose