First Ever Aerial Victory for a US Service Member

Feb. 5, 1918
While flying as a substitute gunner with a French squadron in World War I, Lt. Stephen W. Thompson becomes the first American to record an aerial victory while a member of the U.S. military. He shoots down a German Albatros D.III. Because of his unique status on the mission, he was not officially given credit for the victory until 1967.

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