[Jacques M. Swaab oral history interview (Part 1 of 2)]

In this two-part oral history, fighter ace Jacques M. Swaab is interviewed about his military service with the United States Army Air Service during World War I. In part one, Swaab describes his wartime experiences as a fighter pilot, including his time in Europe with the 22nd Pursuit Squadron. Topics discussed include his personal background, his training and service history, and the logistics of military aviation during the war.

The interview is conducted by fellow fighter ace Eugene A. Valencia.

Jacques M. Swaab was born on April 21, 1894 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He joined the United States Army Air Service in 1917 and received his commission in November of that year. Deployed to Europe, Swaab initially served with the 107th Aero Squadron while completing additional flight training in France and Italy. He then joined the 22nd Pursuit Squadron, flying missions over France and Germany. Swaab retired from the military after the war and later became an active member of the Society of World War I Aviation Historians. He also served as a technical advisor for the 1938 movie Dawn Patrol. Swaab passed away in 1963.