U.S. Army School of Military Aeronautics
As World War I continued throughout Europe, it quickly became apparent that there was a shortage of trained pilots in the United States. The War Department and the U.S. Army formed the Aviation Cadet Training Program, and commissioned six universities across the country to open aviation schools. The Ohio State University opened the School of Military Aeronautics in May 1917. This photograph of Squadron No. 16 was taken on Sept. 24, 1917, on the steps of Orton Hall.