The first Eagle Squadron (71)was formed in September 1940, and became operational for defensive duties on 5 February1941. The last was disbanded in September 1942, with most of the members transferring into the United States Army Air Force. The three Eagle Squadrons were nos 71, 121, and 133 of the Fourth Fighter Group. 244 Americans served with the Eagle Squadrons, and 16 Britons acted as Squadron and Flight commanders. 73 1/2 enemy planes were shot down, and 77 American and 5 British members of the squadrons were killed.
External links
History from Fourth Fighter Group (http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/eagles/es.html)
Eagles are generally larger and more powerful than hawks and may resemble a vulture in build and flight characteristics, but they have a fully feathered (often crested) head and strong feet equipped with great curved talons.
The eagle was the emblem of one of the Ptolemies of Egypt and was borne on the standards of the Roman armies and of Napoleon's troops.
Two-headed eagle is emblem of Serbia, Montenegro, and Serbia and Montenegro
It was the RAF's policy to pick Englishmen as squadron and flight commanders and 16 of these British pilots served with the EagleSquadrons.
From the time the first EagleSquadron was formed in September 1940 until all three squadrons were disbanded and incorporated into the USAAF in September 1942, they destroyed 73 1/2 German planes while 77 American and 5 British members were killed.
On 29 September 1942 the EagleSquadrons were incorporated into the Fourth Fighter Group, USAAF as the 334th(71), 335th(121), and 336th(133).
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