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latter aviation units formed one French Aerial Division, divided into 2 escadres, comprising 3 groups, two pursuit and one bombardment. In each group are 4 squadrons.

During the preparatory stages the enemy air service was weak, and no increase in forces, ground or air, had apparently been made since the previous Spring in this old and "quiet" region. His strength was estimated at about 213 planes in all, comprising five classifications. From the early morning of the 14th, however, there was a very noticeable increase of hostile pursuit aviation, and with faster machines.

During the preparation and on the opening of the offensive operations were greatly hindered by the unfavorable weather. The participants in the St. Mihiel offensive flew in fog, in the downpours of rain and gales of wind, the army observation crews penetrating as far as 0 kilometers into the enemy's lines.

The 5th Corps, U.S., the 2nd French Colonial, and the 4th and 1st Corps, U.S., were in line. To each American corps was assigned a corps observation group made up of French and American squadrons. The Air