Stephen W. Thompson: Pioneer of American Aerial Combat in World War I

Stephen W. Thompson (March 20, 1894 – October 9, 1977) was a distinguished American aviator whose service during World War I etched his name into the annals of military aviation history. While numerous American volunteers had already participated in aerial combat, Thompson holds the unique distinction of achieving the first confirmed aerial victory by a uniformed member of the United States military, showcasing the emerging prowess of American forces in the skies.

The Groundbreaking Aerial Engagement of February 1918

On February 5, 1918, Stephen W. Thompson, serving as a corporal and aerial gunner aboard a French Salmson 2A2 observation aircraft, made history. Piloted by Lieutenant Maurice L. Le Prince, their mission was a daylight bombing raid over Saarlouis, Germany. During this perilous sortie, their aircraft was intercepted by German Albatros D.III fighters. Demonstrating remarkable skill and courage, Thompson, manning the rear-mounted Lewis machine gun, successfully engaged an attacking Albatros, sending it spiraling out of control to its demise. This decisive act marked the very first enemy aircraft shot down by an official member of the United States military during World War I, a full 10 months after America's formal entry into the conflict in April 1917.

The role of an aerial gunner like Thompson was exceptionally hazardous. Unlike fighter pilots who focused on maneuvering and offensive engagements, gunners were primarily defensive, protecting their observation or bomber aircraft from relentless enemy attacks. Their accuracy, composure under fire, and effective communication with the pilot were crucial for the survival of the crew and the success of the mission.

Clarifying Early American Aerial Victories: Thompson vs. Rockwell

While Stephen W. Thompson's victory stands as the first for an official U.S. military member, it is important to acknowledge earlier aerial successes by Americans serving abroad. Kiffin Rockwell, a daring American volunteer, achieved an aerial victory on May 18, 1916. Rockwell was a member of the renowned Lafayette Escadrille (originally known as Escadrille Américaine), a squadron formed within the French Aéronautique Militaire primarily composed of American volunteer pilots who flew for France even before the United States formally entered World War I. His achievement, shooting down a German Aviatik C.I, was a testament to the bravery of these early aviators who felt compelled to join the fight against the Central Powers.

The distinction lies in their affiliation: Rockwell, like many others in the Lafayette Escadrille, was a volunteer in the French armed forces. Thompson, however, was a uniformed corporal in the United States Army Air Service (the predecessor to the modern U.S. Air Force), representing the official military engagement of the United States in the conflict. Both men were pioneers, but Thompson's action officially inaugurated the United States military's record of aerial combat victories.

Legacy and Recognition

Thompson's historic act served as an early morale booster for the nascent American air forces and underscored the critical importance of aerial combat in modern warfare. His bravery paved the way for countless other American aviators who would go on to distinguish themselves in the skies above the Western Front. His pioneering achievement continues to be recognized as a foundational moment in U.S. military aviation history.

When did Stephen W. Thompson achieve his historic aerial victory?

Stephen W. Thompson achieved his first confirmed aerial victory on February 5, 1918, while serving as an aerial gunner on a French Salmson 2A2 aircraft.

Why is Stephen W. Thompson's victory considered the "first" for the U.S. military?

Thompson's victory is recognized as the first for the U.S. military because he was an official, uniformed member of the United States Army Air Service at the time, distinguishing his achievement from those of American volunteers who flew for Allied nations before the U.S. formally entered World War I.

Who was Kiffin Rockwell, and what was his significance in early American aerial combat?

Kiffin Rockwell was an American volunteer pilot who achieved an aerial victory on May 18, 1916, while serving with the French Lafayette Escadrille. He was one of the first Americans to score an aerial kill in World War I, though he was not formally part of the U.S. military at the time of his victory.

What type of aircraft was Stephen W. Thompson flying during his victory?

Thompson was serving as a gunner on a French Salmson 2A2 observation and bomber aircraft when he shot down a German Albatros D.III fighter.