CONCLUSIONS
This chapter is divided into two sections. Section I discusses two other "firsts" in Air National Guard history. Section II summarizes evidence and concludes that New York was the first state with an accredited (Federally recognized)aviation unit.
OTHER FIRSTS IN AIR GUARD HISTORY
At least two states besides New York may claim a 'first' in Air Guard descendency.
Minnesota
It has already been mentioned that New York's First Aero Company was disbanded in 1917, after the War Department decided no Guard units would be used in the war. When the war ended, however, returning aviators joined together and organized aviation units as part of their states' National Guard. On January 17, 1921 Minnesota became the first state to have a Federally recognized National Guard Squadron, it was reported in the Air-Corps News Letter of May 15, 1936. This is a 'first' of which Minnesota should be proud. There is a distinction though, in that Minnesota had only the first squadron -- the state was not first with a Federally recognized aviation unit.
Colorado
It is well known that the Air Force was spun off from the Army after World War II. It is also known that the Air National Guard was established then as a separate entity, distinct from the Army National Guard.
The first Air National Guard unit to be awarded Federal recognition following reorganization was the 120th Fighter Squadron at Denver, Colorado. Colorado should be proud of that 'first,' but it does not supplant New York as first with a Federally recognized aviation unit.
SUMMARY
There have been many contentions as to which was the first state with an aviation unit in its National Guard. Depending upon one's point of view, the honor could pass to New York, Minnesota, Colorado -- or even other states.
But there was a nascence of organized aviation in the National Guard. It has been located back in history. And there was one lone, primordial unit, which took the first step in Guard aviation. It has been identified: The First Aero Company, N.G.N.Y.
Based on evidence presented in the context of the present study and its accompanying appendices, it may be stated with certainty that in the pre-World War I era of 1915-16, the First Aero Company of New York-- conceived, organized, mustered-in by New York State, Federally recognized, mobilized into service of the United States, deactivated, and ultimately disbanded-- stood alone at the forefront of National Guard aviation. It may accordingly be concluded that, having had the first Federally recognized aviation unit, the State of New York became and remains today first in Air Guard aviation. |
