Escadrille (concert band) Len (Leonard) 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.