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Newspaper
Encampment Echo
Location
Encampment, Wyoming, United States of America
Date
Oct 21, 1920
Page
20
A defense analysis cites $1.69 billion in 1917 1918 air service appropriations with 1.05 billion spent by mid 1919. It notes America shipped few fighting aircraft to France despite large sums approved, while early war production yielded training planes and scrap material.
At the war’s end the U S force in France numbered about two million, with 1.25 million in field armies. Only 196 American built observation planes remained, 544 aircraft were bought from allies, while no American built pursuit or bombing planes were in front line service. The Aircraft Production board, limited by inexperience, bypassed regular channels, failing to supply planes and wasting about a billion dollars.
The Curtiss firm, a pioneer and largest American aircraft producer, received an order for 8,000 Spads on September 19, 1917, but the order was cancelled on November 7, 1917. Vice President Keys testified before a congressional committee that production capacity could have reached 100 machines a day, and the company built 4,412 navy planes, yet Baker’s officials rejected the opportunity. Senate inquiry revealed lack of aircraft experience among board members and disputes over accountability and integrity.
Gutzman Borglum exposes inefficiency in the aircraft enterprise and Deeds’ misuse of office. He cites Talbot’s claim that bridge and canal builders were to shift to planes, with $12 000 per battle plane. Baker confirms widespread contractor inexperience amid 14 000 idle workers at Curtiss and Standard plants.
Five craftsmen Deeds Coffin Walden Montgomery and Potter were left to design a Liberty motor around the Delco Ignition system for early airships. Colonel Deeds held significant United Motors stock and misrepresented his stock transfers to the War Department, as the shares were later found in a transfer to his wife in October 1917.
The Liberty Motor, crafted by Packard, failed to fit any aircraft type. They altered French and British models but could not adapt engines to pursuit, bombing, observation, or training planes. Talbott admitted limited knowledge, admitting graft pressures, as Bristol fighters, Spads, and other frames were cancelled or scrapped amid widespread redesigns.
Major La Guardia criticizes Mr. Bakers board for passing over Curtiss and Hispano Suiza engines, noting thousands of Simplex made engines sold to France. He cites Creel's publicity for 20000 Liberty motors pledged by May 1 1918, and ties misled allies to Belleau Wood marines under German air attack with fatal consequences.
The article recounts Captain Rickenbacker’s dramatic air duel with four German Fokkers near Grand Pre during World War I. It cites American pilots condemning the Liberty engine planes nicknamed flaming coffins, noting high losses, unsafe fuel tanks, and testimonies from Field Kindley and R. L. Murphy criticizing the aircraft design and production failures.
A heated critique links war sacrifice to political graft and incompetence. The writer condemns graft and blunders at home while praising American soldiers and Allied aid that secured victory. The piece questions the Democratic administration’s use of its World War I record to seek political perpetuation amid accusations of mismanagement and hypocrisy.
The State Tribune notes nationwide expenses totaling 27 billion over two years and ties them to tax burdens. It cites Fort McKenzie in Sheridan now idle, parts moved to camps, and wars era moves of men, animals, guns, and munitions between Fort Russell, California, Texas, and Atlantic ports, with casualties from cold camps.
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