Chuck S. Brewer
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The Eagle Squadrons were three fighter squadrons of the Royal Air Force (RAF) formed with volunteer pilots from the United States during the early days of World War II (1940), prior to United State's entry into the war in December 1941.
Eagle Squadrons. Under American law, it was illegal for United States citizens to join the armed forces of foreign nations. In doing so, they lost their citizenship, although Congress passed a blanket pardon in 1944.
Aug 19, 2017 · The RAF decided to group acceptable American pilots into one unit, 71 Squadron, known as “The Eagle Squadron,” which became operational in February 1941. Sweeny had designed a unit shoulder patch bearing an American Eagle, the source of the unit’s name.
The first of the Eagle Squadrons, Number 71 had been formed in September 1940, in the midst of the Battle of Britain but over a year before Pearl Harbor. By the middle of 1941, enough Americans had come to England as RAF volunteers to form two more squadrons: 121 Squadron in May and 133 Squadron in August 1941.
Oct 1, 2007 · This unit soon became known to all as the Eagle Squadron, inspired by America’s national symbol. Within a year, they would be joined by two other Eagle outfits, No. 121 Squadron and No. 133 Squadron.
Eagle Squadrons. On the other side of the world, Americans flocked in droves to British and Canadian recruiting stations. Approximately 15,000 joined the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force where, as a rule, they were assimilated into various flying units.
May 22, 2018 · Stories. Eagle Squadron Memories. Desperate for proficient pilots to combat the Nazi onslaught, Britain found willing recruits in neutral America. by Frank Lorey III 5/22/2018. Members of No. 71 Squadron, the first of the Royal Air Force's "Eagle Squadrons," head out to their aircraft for the benefit of press cameras. (National Archives)
