Lafayette Escadrille Pilot Watch

Note: This item is currently in storage.

This item (in its complete state with watchband) was worn by four members of the Lafayette Escadrille: Norman Prince, Kiffin Yates Rockwell, Gervais Raoul Lufbery and Charles H. Dolan Jr.

The Lafayette Escadrille was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette (Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier), who was a French aristocrat and military officer who fought with Americans for their independence during the American Revolutionary War. His name, Lafayette, was chosen to signify the once again coming together of French and American forces in war. A small group of American pilots, including Norman Prince, is credited with the idea of bringing together American volunteer pilots and French pilots in training and wartime combat during World War I.

Donated by Col. (Ret.) E.F. Carey.

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Related Fact Sheets

Escadrille Lafayette

Maj. Raoul Lufbery

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