The Williams Show: Courage, Creativity, and Innovation in World War I Aviation
Published: 16 January 2025
By Luke Christopherson
Special to the Doughboy Foundation website

Williams in front of a Sopwith Camel
Rodney D. Williams in front of a Sopwith Camel in Waco, Texas. The 17th flew the Sopwith Camel for the duration of the war. (RDW Papers, Box 2, Wisconsin Veterans Museum)
(Note: This article was originally written during the Spring 2024 University of Wisconsin-Madison’s “World War I Wisconsin” course, taught by Dr. Leslie Bellais.)
In the evening strike on August 23, 1918, aviator Rodney D. Williams presented yet another installment of what other pilots described as the ‘Williams Show’: a series of miraculous events that demonstrated the creativity of early aviators, especially Williams.[1] As he swung down to lay a strike on a German convoy and machine gun nest, Williams got hit by machine gun fire. The bullets struck him in the hip, causing him to slowly lose consciousness, and in the gas tank of his plane, causing the gasoline to pour out of the side of his aircraft, all during an hour flight away from base. What came next can only be considered amazing…[2]
Williams’s experience illustrated that the introduction of airplanes and the innovative tactics of pilots during World War I fundamentally transformed military combat by breaking through the stalemate of trench warfare. The rebuilding of aviator Rodney D. Williams’ story and his ‘Williams Show’ adds to what we know about the creativity and luck necessary for survival in early aviation. Pilots, like Williams, especially those of his 17th Aero Squadron, United States Air Service, played a crucial role in the war effort by using creative methods to win dogfights, conduct bombing runs, and protect bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Additionally, placing importance on airplanes, as a new piece of technology in warfare, contributed to the overall success of military operations during the war.
World Changing: Airplanes and Rodney D. Williams
As a new piece of technology, airplanes experienced growing pains as a weapon and a tool of reconnaissance during World War I. Armies had to experiment with various strategies and flying operations to understand their potential utility. Pilots, rather than military strategists, often devised new strategies of conducting patrols, flying formations, and combat maneuvers. Ace fighter pilots, those credited with five or more aerial victories, brought much-needed skill to the forefront, as airplanes and their limited capabilities challenged pilots to become more creative and adept in the air. When the 17th Aero Squadron joined the British 65th Wing, instead of being given the more successful SE-5 aircraft, its pilots received the Sopwith Camel, which had only stayed in production because it was cheap and easy to build. [3] The Sopwith Camel, hailed as the most challenging aircraft during the War, earned descriptions of being outmoded, quirky, and downright dangerous, when compared to the more successful SE-5 aircraft.[4] Yet, despite the Camel’s reputation, it became the primary aircraft of the 17th Aero Squadron, which faced the daunting task of adapting to this new technology while simultaneously engaging in .

Rodney D. Williams in uniform with his wings above his left pocket. (RDW Papers, Box 2, Wisconsin Veterans Museum)
Rodney D. Williams, a native of , Wisconsin, and a former member of the No. 3 Squadron, Royal Air Force, transferred to the 17th Aero Squadron after the United States entered the war.[5] The urgent need for skilled pilots prompted the United States to recruit experienced aviators like Williams, deploying them quickly to the front lines. The remainder of the original pilots of the 17th came from the Training Brigade pool.[6] After filling their ranks, the 17th Aero Squadron became the first American unit to see active service; tasked with critical missions such as pursuit, reconnaissance and clearing out enemy aircraft.[7] Then just as swiftly the 17th saw the front—they and their aircraft changed warfare forever.
Impact of Aviation on the Western Front
During World War I, the introduction of airplanes had a transformative impact on the conduct and outcome of the conflict. Eventually aircraft would become an indispensable tool of war, far from its infancy prior to the war. The use of aircraft fundamentally changed the nature of warfare by providing new tactical capabilities and strategic advantages to the Allied forces. The introduction of airplanes into the war most significantly impacted reconnaissance. Prior to the widespread use of airplanes, ground-based recon was limited and often inaccurate. However, aircraft allowed for aerial observation of enemy positions, troop movements, and fortifications, providing valuable intelligence to .[8]
The 17th, however, primarily focused on pursuing enemy aircraft, conducting bombing runs, and providing protection to bombers and reconnaissance planes.[9] Pursuit pilots like Williams engaged in dogfights with the enemy, aiming to gain air superiority. Their actions helped to protect Allied bombers conducting strategic bombing raids and reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines. Furthermore, the squadron played a vital role in conducting bombing runs against enemy positions, infrastructure, and supply lines. These missions aimed to disrupt enemy communications, hinder logistical support, and weaken enemy morale. The 17th Aero Squadron participated in bombing missions not as a bombing unit, but rather as a pursuit unit, demonstrating their versatility and adaptability in combat. While not directly involved in reconnaissance, the squadron’s pilots often provided valuable intelligence through observation of enemy movements and positions during their missions. Overall, while the 17th Aero Squadron specifically did not engage in recon operations, its contributions to aerial combat, bombing raids, and logistics supported the Allied war effort.
From Delafield to a World War Ace
Aces like Rodney D. Williams played a pivotal role in transforming aviation into a decisive weapon of war, exemplified by his daring actions in aerial combat.[10] Williams’ journey to becoming an ace began with his first confirmed victory on July 20, 1918, a story that illustrates the creativity and determination of young pilots in the face of adversity. On a routine patrol mission, Williams encountered a German Fokker Triplane in a dogfight just east of Ostend. With bullets flying past him, Williams engaged in a tense aerial battle, maneuvering his Sopwith Camel with skill and precision.[11] Outnumbered and outgunned, Williams remained calm under pressure, relying on his instincts and training to outmaneuver his opponent. Far away from the German planes, Williams attempted to draw attention to himself. As one Fokker climbed toward him, Williams managed to fire three bursts at the plane, landing hits with the third that tore the fabric from the top of the aircraft. The plane climbed a little more then turned over and fell earthward, Williams followed and landed a few more bursts so that the Hun machine erupted into flames and dropped 19,000 feet to the ground to confirm his first aerial kill. A moment later another Hun chased Williams and in a daring move, Williams positioned his aircraft to face the oncoming Triplane head-on and then quickly jerked the plane up into a right-hand climbing turn. Finally, he made a sudden sharp turn to get to the Fokker’s tail and unleashed a burst of machine gun fire that sent the enemy spiraling toward the ground in flames to mark his second kill. This moment became a triumph for Williams, marking not only his first confirmed kill as an ace pilot, but also his second, along with the first Hun the 17th would claim. The 17th commemorated his victory with a drawing that depicted the event.

Drawing of the German airplane shot down by Williams on July 20, 1918 just east of Ostend, Belgium. He also shot down a second plane on the same day. As these two marked the first victories of the 17th, the pilots celebrated the victory with this image. (Rodney D. Williams (RDW) Papers, Box 2, Wisconsin Veterans Museum)
This victory served not just as a personal achievement but as a testament to the ingenuity and courage of pilots like Williams, who pushed the boundaries of aerial warfare. By adapting and innovating in the heat of battle, they paved the way for aviation to become a dominant force on the battlefield. According to National Air & Space curator Michael W. Hankins, good fighter pilots have these five characteristics: They are individualistic and aggressive, interested in technology, exhibit heroic behavior, and participate in a bonded community, which taken together define their concept of masculinity. The ‘Williams Show’ embodied each one of these characteristics demonstrating his high skill as a pilot.[12] Williams’ success as an ace set the stage for aviation to become the most important piece of technology in warfare. His story inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps, driving advancements in aircraft design, tactics, and strategy. As a result, the role of pilots like Williams became increasingly crucial to the overall success of military operations during World War I and beyond, shaping the course of history in the process.
The innovations and experiences of pilots like Rodney D. Williams during World War I had far-reaching implications beyond the battlefield. The emergence of airplanes during this time laid the groundwork for future developments in civilian and military aerospace industries. On the civilian side, the ability to traverse long distances quickly and efficiently transformed transportation, commerce, and communication on a global scale, leading to unprecedented levels of connectivity and economic growth. Then on the military side, the lessons learned from aerial combat, such as the importance of maneuverability, speed, and firepower, influenced the design of subsequent generations of aircraft. Williams’ tactics and strategies while flying utilized the maneuverability of the Sopwith Camel to survive combat in the air, often performing aerial stunts to dodge enemy fire and move into a more advantageous position to take down enemy aircraft.[13] Moreover, the tactics and strategies devised by pilots like Williams served as a blueprint for air warfare in future conflicts. The emphasis on aerial superiority, precision bombing, and close air support became integral components of modern military doctrine. In this way, the legacy of pilots like Rodney D. Williams extends far beyond wartime exploits, shaping the course of history and leaving an indelible mark on the modern world.
These experiences and innovation could not have happened without the skill and daringness that young pilots displayed. Williams’ skill and daringness got put on full display a second time one mile south of Armentières on August 9, 1918. Outnumbered again by three German aircraft, Williams refused to back down. He engaged the enemy with remarkable agility and determination, maneuvering his Sopwith Camel through a deadly aerial ballet. In a daring move, Williams nearly collided head-on with the enemy leader, demonstrating his audacity and skill in the heat of battle. Through a series of evasive maneuvers and precise gunfire, Williams managed to outmaneuver and down the enemy plane for his third confirmed victory, sending it spiraling towards the ground in flames. However, the battle was far from over as the remaining German aircraft closed in on Williams unleashing a barrage of bullets that tore through his plane. Despite sustaining multiple hits, Williams remained undeterred, skillfully navigating his damaged plane through the clouds and across the front. His quick thinking and resourcefulness saved his life, as he managed to land safely at a British aerodrome for inspection, upon which they found an incendiary bullet in his gas tank.[14]

The remains of the incendiary bullet that punctured Williams’s gas tank while on a mission one mile south of Armentières, August 9, 1918, and, which by some miracle, did not light his fuel on fire. (Wisconsin Veterans Museum [V2010.18.10.1a-d])
The ‘Williams Show’ during World War I stands as a vivid testament to the remarkable creativity, resilience, and fortune that characterized the experiences of aviators like Rodney D. Williams. On that fateful evening of August 23, 1918, just west of Bapaume, Williams embarked on a daring strike mission, navigating through the tumultuous skies of combat. As he descended to engage a German convoy and machine gun nest, his Sopwith Camel came under a hail of enemy fire, striking him in the hip and piercing the gas tank of his plane. Despite the chaos and peril, Williams remained remarkably composed, his mind racing with the urgent need to devise a plan to navigate the perilous journey back to base, still an hour away. He quickly found out that if he reached around with his hand that he could plug the hole in his gas tank. With his hand reaching out and plugging the hole, he flew back to what he thought was base, however, he had gone the wrong way and ended up at a British aerodrome. He started to turn around to go in the right direction, but his engine sputtered and waned, so he decided to land it. He made his approach and landed the plane perfectly. As he landed, he lost consciousness in the safety of the ground surrounded by Allied personnel.[16] This critical moment encapsulated the essence of aerial combat in its rawest form—the fine line between life and death, where split-second decisions could mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
Williams flew for the last time on August 23, 1918. After landing the plane, aerodrome staff quickly got Williams into an ambulance, which, after a long ride, took him to a train that headed for British Red Cross Hospital #10 in Le Treport, France. A few days later, Williams moved to R.C.H #29 in Tottenham, England. Four days after that he transferred to the American R.C.H. #22 at Lancaster Gate. Two months later, Williams had fully recovered and expected to go back to France in a few days when November 11 intervened. The Armistice prevented Williams from returning to the front and instead he received priority boarding for a boat that left for the United States on November 25.[17] Once back in Wisconsin, he continued his interest in aviation by becoming the first manager of the Waukesha County Airport, but later gave up flying to own an appliance store in Waukesha. Thirty years after his death in 1972, Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame recognized his achievements and listed him as one of the state’s aviation notables.[18]
World War One to Today
But beyond the heroism of Rodney D. Williams lay a broader narrative of the role played by pilots like him in shaping the course of history. The ‘Williams Show’ was not an isolated incident but rather a microcosm of the countless acts of courage and sacrifice that defined the air war during World War I. From the daring dogfights of the western front to the perilous bombing raids deep behind enemy lines, aviators like Williams forged a new frontier in warfare–one where the skies became a battleground and the aircraft a symbol of both hope and fear. In the annals of aviation history, the ‘Williams Show’ stands as a poignant reminder of the extraordinary bravery and resilience displayed by those who took to the skies in the name of duty and honor.

A few of the fighter pilots who belonged to the 17th Aero Squadron with the names of each pilot written on the photograph. Williams is in the back row at the right. (RDW Papers, Box 2, Wisconsin Veterans Museum)
In recent years, militaries worldwide have been increasingly investing in autonomous technology, leading to the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. This shift has resulted in a gradual reduction in the reliance on human pilots, as these drones can carry out various missions autonomously. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, these UAVs can perform tasks traditionally undertaken by human pilots, such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and even combat missions. As a result, these come together to form a significant transformation in aviation, reminiscent of the technological revolution seen during World War I, when aircraft emerged as powerful tools in warfare. This new era of aviation heralds the dawn of unmanned aerial warfare, where AI-driven aircraft become increasingly prevalent on the battlefield, shaping the future of military aviation similarly to how the introduction of aircraft did during World War I.[19]
The experiences of aviators like Rodney D. Williams during World War I underscore the transformative impact of aviation on warfare and society. Through daring feats of courage, ingenuity, and resilience, pilots like Williams pushed the boundaries of aerial combat, breaking through the stalemate of trench warfare and paving the way for aviation to become a decisive weapon of war. The ‘Williams Show’ serves as a vivid testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of early aviators, highlighting their role in shaping history. The 17th Aero Squadron, with pilots like Williams at its forefront, played a crucial role in the war effort, engaging in dogfights, conducting bombing runs, and providing protection to bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Their contributions significantly helped military operations during the war. Moreover, the legacy of aviators like Williams extends far beyond the battlefield, influencing the development of future generations of aircraft and modern military doctrine. Now with the introduction of UAV and AI, the military doctrine has begun to change just as it did during World War I. Leading to the question, how will the loss of aviators in the sky affect aviation during this new revolution?
Notes:
[1] Frederick M. Clapp, A History of the 17th Aero Squadron (Garden City, NY: Country Life Press, 1920), 38.
[2] “Memoirs, WWI Ace,” Rodney D. Williams (RDW) Papers, box 1, folder 8, Wisconsin Veterans Museum (WVM); Otis L. Reed and George Roland, Camel Drivers: The 17th Aero Squadron in World War I (Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishers, 1996), 26.
[3] Reed and Roland, Camel Drivers, 21. Production of the Sopwith Camel began in May 1917, making it a relatively new airplane.
[4] Reed and Roland, Camel Drivers, 24.
[5] Birth certificate, RDW papers, box 1, folder 3, WVM; Clapp, 16.
[6] Clapp, A History of the 17th Aero Squadron, 16.
[7] Clapp, A History of the 17th Aero Squadron, 17.
[8] Charles D. Bright, “Air Power in World War I: Sideshow or Decisive Factor?” Aerospace Historian 18, no. 2 (Summer, June 1971): 58-62
[9] Reed and Roland, Camel Drivers, 40.
[10] Military papers, RDW Papers, box 1, folder 11, WVM.
[11] “Memoirs, WWI Ace,” RDW Papers, 78-79.
[12] Hankins, Flying Camelot, 33-51
[13] Hankins, Flying Camelot, 45.
[14] “Memoirs, WWI Ace,” RDW Papers, 86; Reed and Roland, Camel Drivers, 49-50.
[15] Book, RDW papers, photographs and sound recordings, box 2, folder 2, WVM
[16] “Memoirs, WWI Ace,” RDW Papers, 91-93; Clapp, A History of the 17th Aero Squadron, 38; Reed and Roland, Camel Drivers, 72-73.
[17] “Memoirs, WWI Ace,” RDW Papers, 91-93; Clapp, A History of the 17th Aero Squadron, 38; Reed and Roland, Camel Drivers, 94-97.
[18] Rodney D. Williams, Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame, https://www.wahf.org/hall-of-fame/rodney-d-williams/. Accessed September 27, 2024. The WAHF inducted Williams in 2002.
[19] Nicholas D. Evans, Military Gadgets: How Advanced Technology Is Transforming Today’s Battlefield…and Tomorrow’s,
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