The first U.S. observation balloon of World War I is shot down north of the village of Villers sur Marne, France. The French-built balloon is manned by members of the 2nd Balloon Co., who both escape safely after the attack by a German pilot flying an Albatros.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…