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Sinking the Ostfriesland
Image
One of the most important moments in the history of American aviation - the sinking of the captured German battleship "Ostfriesland" by American bombers off the coast of Virginia. After World War I Brigadier General Billy Mitchell became an increasingly outspoken advocate of air power. In 1921 he engineered a series of demonstrations of aerial bombing, the most notable of which was the sinking of the "Ostfriesland". The sinking happened in only 21 minutes. Nevertheless, the results of the test, which ultimately vindicated Mitchell, continued to be debated for years.
July 21, 1921
United States. Army. Air Service
Publication Information
| Creator | United States. Army. Air Service |
|---|---|
| Date Created | July 21, 1921 |
Physical Description
| Format | Image |
|---|---|
| Extent | 1 photograph |
| Dimensions | 23 x 17 cm |
Collection Information
| Source Collection | Harry A. Bruno papers, 1919-1969 |
|---|---|
| Call Number | U.S. Mss 53AF |
| Media Number | Box 3 |
| Catalog Record | https://search.library.wisc.edu/catalog/999465401802121 |
| Finding Aid | https://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-us0053af |
Copyright Information
| Copyright Status | NO COPYRIGHT - UNITED STATES |
|---|---|
| Rights Holder | Wisconsin Historical Society |
W012P3K
WHi 10624
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