Before the United States officially entered World War II, thousands of American citizens crossed the border to Canada or traveled to the United Kingdom to join the fight against Nazi Germany. These volunteers formed three unique units within the Royal Air Force: the Eagle Squadrons.
Between September 1940 and September 1942, these 244 American pilots flew Spitfires and Hurricanes, claiming 73 confirmed kills. Their legacy remains a cornerstone of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The operational history of the 71, 121, and 133 Eagle Squadrons.
The first Eagle Squadron. Initially equipped with Brewster Buffaloes, they soon moved to Hurricanes and then Spitfires, becoming one of the RAF's premier units.
The second unit to be formed. They flew defensive patrols over the English Channel and participated in major offensive sweeps over Occupied France.
The final Eagle Squadron. Known for flying Spitfire Mk VBs and providing critical air cover during the Dieppe Raid in August 1942.
Please read our Membership terms and conditions before purchasing.
Meet the men who carried the American spirit into the RAF.
The youngest squadron commander in the RAF at the time, later a Brigadier General in the USAF.
A professional parachute jumper before the war, he was the shortest pilot in the RAF at just 4'10".
One of the original three Americans to fight in the Battle of Britain before the Eagles were formed.
The first pilot in the Eagle Squadrons to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The courage of the Eagle Squadron volunteers continues to inspire generations. Through the Eagle Squadron Society, members help ensure their stories of service, sacrifice, and friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom continue to educate and inspire for years to come.
The Eagle Squadron Society recognizes our most dedicated supporters whose cumulative annual giving advances the American Air Museum in Britain’s mission. Members receive meaningful opportunities to connect with the museum through exclusive communications, special events, behind-the-scenes experiences, and recognition among fellow supporters who share a passion for preserving history.
$1,000–2,499
$2,500–4,999
$5,000–9,999
$10,000–24,999
$25,000–49,999
$50,000+
The Eagle Squadron Heritage Society recognizes donors whose cumulative giving to the American Air Museum in Britain reaches $1,000 or more.
Recognition begins when your cumulative charitable giving reaches $1,000 within the qualification period established by the Society. Every eligible gift counts toward your total.
No. Giving is cumulative. Multiple eligible gifts made during the qualification period are combined toward Eagle Squadron Society recognition.
Donors qualify based on cumulative charitable giving made between January 1 and December 31 of each calendar year.
Example:
Giving Year
Recognition Year
2026 Giving
2027 Eagle Squadron Heritage Society
Eligible charitable gifts may include one-time donations, monthly giving, donor-advised fund distributions, qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), matching gifts, stock gifts, and other qualifying charitable contributions, as outlined in the Society's guidelines.
Recognition is based on cumulative giving.
No. Annual Membership and the Eagle Squadron Society are separate programs.
Annual Membership supports the Museum through annual participation and engagement, while the Eagle Squadron Society recognizes significant charitable giving.
Yes. Contributions to the American Air Museum in Britain are charitable gifts to a qualified nonprofit organization and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donation acknowledgments reflect charitable contributions and do not describe Eagle Squadron Society recognition as the purchase of goods or services.
The Society honors the extraordinary Americans who volunteered to serve with the Royal Air Force's Eagle Squadrons before the United States entered World War II. Their courage, sacrifice, and spirit continue to inspire the Museum's mission today.
The Eagle Squadron Society was established to recognize sustained philanthropic support for the American Air Museum in Britain. By focusing on charitable giving rather than membership, the Society celebrates the generosity of donors whose support preserves history, advances education, and ensures the legacy of those who served continues to inspire future generations.
Your donation helps us preserve the personal histories of American airmen and women who served from Britain during the Second World War. Through digitization, research, and public access, we ensure their courage and sacrifice remain accessible to families, scholars, and future generations.
