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Formed at Kelly Field, Texas on 21 September 1917, the 139th arrived
in England on 5 March 1918 and then went to France where they equipped
with the SPAD XIII. On 30 June 1918 they became part of the 2nd
Pursuit Group. They were credited with 34 victories and had seven
aces within their ranks, including David Putnam, who was the leading
American ace until his death on 12 September. At that time he had
13 confirmed and a further 16 unconfirmed victories.
The unit insignia was a 'Winged Mercury'. In common with other
USAS squadrons, flights were differentiated by coloured cowls. These
being in white, blue or red for A, B or C Flights
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