Our Pilots in the Air

"Our Pilots in the Air" by William Perry Brown is a story set during World War I that shadows a squadron of aviators conducting risky nighttime bombing missions over enemy territory in Eastern France. Two main characters named Blaine and Erwin show the bonds of friendship and courage while flying dangerous planes during combat. The story opens within a military airfield, depicting the pilot's joking and high spirits while prepping for a bombing run. The narrative quickly moves to a daring night raid, where Blaine pilots a Bleriot plane with Erwin as his observer, bombing enemy troops while dodging intense anti-aircraft fire. As the story advances, Erwin sustains an injury, thus creating tension and leading to a desperate fight for survival against enemy aircraft and the unforgiving weather. The beginning pages show the intense emotions and risks endured by the aviators.