After a short period of organization, which included "snake-chasing and cactus-cutting", the squadron was moved to Wilbur Wright Field, Ohio in the beginning of July where its aviation cadets began flight training on the Curtiss JN-4 Jenny trainer.

After a cross-channel crossing from Southampton to Le Havre, France, the squadron boarded a French train south, arriving at the Air Service Replacement Concentration Barracks in St. Maixent, 1 January 1918.

[4][10] The 13th was charged with protection of the St. Mihiel sector, and its pilots soon were active in intercepting and attacking enemy aircraft that attempted reconnaissance over Allied lines.

[4][10] The squadron suffered its first combat loss on 13 September when Lt. Robert Converse was shot down on a late afternoon patrol and reported missing in action.

[11] Six original squadron members were downed in a matter of minutes: Lt. Charles Drew, Lt Alton Brody, Lt. Van H. Burgin, Lt. Thomas Phillips Evans, Lt. Harry B.

[4][10] The 13th claimed several "aces" from this period of its history: Charles J Biddle, Van H. Burgin, Thomas Phillips Evans, Murray K Guthrie, Frank K Hays, John J Seerley, and William H Stovall.

Major Carl Spaatz, although on orders to return home, sought and received permission to serve with the 13th Aero Squadron as a pursuit pilot.

He subordinated himself to men of lower rank, but as a result of his ardent zeal and ability, he was soon a flight leader and was credited with destroying two Fokkers during the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

[12] Personnel at Colombey were subsequently assigned to the commanding general, services of supply, and ordered to report to the staging camp at Le Mans, France.

DSC: Distinguished Service Cross; SSC: Silver Star Citation; POW: Prisoner of War[14] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency