Yesterday’s Air Force: Lafayette Escadrille Published April 20, 2016 By Air Force TV FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) – A century ago, American Airmen began to fly for the French Air Service in World War I. This episode looks at their role in the war effort. Yesterday's Air Force is a history and heritage featurette series profiling significant people and missions from the Air Force's past.