Hoosier Aviator Paul Baer: America's First Combat Ace

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Born into a modest midwestern family in the late 1800s, Baer grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Volunteering to become a fighter pilot and dogfighting in the skies over France during World War I, Baer earned a reputation as the first-ever American to shoot down an enemy plane. He was the fist to earn the title of "combat ace" for earning five victories-- before being shot down himself. Garel-Frantzen celebrates the 100th anniversary of Baer's aerial heroics. -- adapted from back cover