Escadrille (concert band) Len Orcino

YOUNG SYMPHONIC

In 1916, prior to the USA entering World War I, Americans joined the French Air Corps. They were originally called the Escadrille Americaine---the name was changed to Escadrille de Lafayette after protest from the Germans that America was not in the war. The Escadrille had a reputation for daring acts, recklessness, and a party atmosphere. The corps mascots were two lion cubs, Whiskey and Soda.