THE LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE was a World War One flying squadron unlike any other. Although part of the French Air Force, it was composed almost entirely of volunteer pilots from the United States. The Americans in the Escadrille were eager to fly for France, but most had no idea what they were getting themselves into. Air combat in the Great War was extremely dangerous, uncomfortable and punctuated with moments of sheer terror. There is widespread confusion between the squadron and what is referred to as the "Lafayette Flying Corps." The latter was the unofficial term used to describe all 269 Americans who flew for France during World War One. But of these, only 38 served in the Lafayette Escadrille.