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The Human History of Waco. 
   When American entered the War in 1917 in a state of unpreparedness no need of the army was more pressing than that felt for flying instructors to assist in carrying forward the enormous aviation program which had been planned. The War Department issued an appeal to all civilian flyers in the country to volunteer to render a special and peculiar service as flying instructors. The response was immediate. Practically every professional and civilian flyer in the country volunteered. They were called Civilian Flying Instructors. The occupation of these men was most hazardous. George (Buck) E. Weaver at the age of twenty-two was one of these. He had spent three seasons on the road with Carl Miller, Laddie Laird and Katherine Stinson, all exhibition flyers. Buck was stationed at McCook Field, Dayton, Ohio, as a junior flying instructor. In December 1917 he received orders to be transferred to Waco, Texas where Rich Field was established. This was a one-unit field which had one of the best war records, having the fewest facilities. Much of this credit was given to the Civilian Flying Instructors. When the Armistice was signed amongst the recommendations and tributes to the hazardous responsibilities ably discharged by Buck are these two: "While I was a student flyer in 1917 I was one of several hundred cadets who stood in awe and admiration when Buck flew. He was indeed an early bird and a great pilot. He gladly volunteered his services to the government and engaged in the most hazardous occupation there is, and that is teaching people to fly, when we knew very little about flying or how to teach it, and he is alone responsible for the basic instruction of some of the greatest pilots this country has known. With all his ability as a pilot his personality and kindliness aided many a student who was doubtful in getting through a most difficult course. No matter how long I fly I shall never forget and shall always be grateful for the basic training I received from Buck Weaver." Signed -- Lester Maitland, First Lieutenant of Air Service. 
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