This book presents, in words and pictures, the history of the Schutzstaffeln from their formation as escort aircraft, to their being renamed Schlachstaffeln and their role as infantry support aircraft. Participating in all the major German offenses on the Western Front in 1918, and manned mainly by enlisted pilots and gunners, these units became the first true close air support squadrons. Reference Book Schlachtflieger!: Germany and the Origins of Air/Ground Support 1916-1918 Hardcover by Rick Duiven Dan-San Abbott Schiffer Military History