Over the Target

On 1 October 1918, Marine pilot Capt Robert S. Lytle and his observer/gunner Sgt Amil Wiman struck a railway yard in the German-held Belgian city of Lichtervelde while flying Aircraft No. D-1, the first American-built DH-4 light bomber received by the 1st Marine Aviation Force. Without enough aircraft of their own on hand, Marine air crews flew missions with two Royal Air Force squadrons to gain combat experience. This pastel drawing is part of the series Capolino prepared on Marine Corps aviation in World War I. He illustrates the damage to the train station and surrounding rail yard with rolling ominous black clouds of smoke. The 1st Marine Aviation Force insignia, the first official emblem of USMC aviation, is included on the title scroll.