Stephen W. Thompson was a pilot serving in the 139th Aero Squadron of the United States Army Air Service during World War I. On February 5, 1918, while stationed in the French countryside, Thompson engaged a German aircraft in what would become a significant encounter in military aviation history. Armed with his combat-ready aircraft, he utilized the tactics and maneuvers he had learned in training to intercept and attack the enemy plane. In a fierce exchange, Thompson successfully managed to shoot down the German fighter, which crashed to the ground, marking a turning point in the recognition of American airpower. This victory stood out not only for its immediate impact but also as an example of the new phase of warfare that utilized air superiority as a crucial component of military strategy.The success of Thompson can also be attributed to the state-of-the-art technology that was evolving at the time. The development of more effective aircraft and weaponry birthed a new arena of combat—the skies above the battlegrounds. Furthermore, the success of American aviators like Thompson helped to promote the establishment and growth of a robust air force that evolved significantly in the years following the war. The victory over the German aircraft also uplifted U.S. forces' collective spirit, as they adapted to a new style of warfare where engagements could occur not just on land and sea but also in the air.