Author
Andrew A. (Andrew Augustine) Caffrey
1891-1970
Andrew A. (Andrew Augustine) Caffrey (1891-1970) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Andrew A. (Andrew Augustine) Caffrey
Then luck came in
"Then Luck Came In" by Andrew A. Caffrey is a wartime aviation-themed narrative written in the late 1920s. The story centers on a sergeant in the Army Air Service who, despite his deep desire and ambition to fly, is continually sidelined by circumstances and decisions beyond his control. Through the sergeant's experiences, the book explores themes of perseverance, longing, and the often-tragic realities faced by those who serve in the military. The tale follows the sergeant as he navigates a challenging career in military aviation, where he is recognized more for his mechanical skill than his flying abilities. Despite his passion for flying, he ends up training cadets and performing maintenance work while watching others fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot. His hopes are reignited when he gets the chance to fly, only to have it snatched away by a fellow cadet. The climax of the story comes with a tragic twist, revealing the harsh consequences of wartime aviation, as the sergeant learns of the fatal crash of the instructor and the cadet who had taken his place in the cockpit. The narrative poignantly captures the sergeant's struggle against his unfulfilled ambitions and the bittersweet reality of his military service.
Pursuit
"Pursuit by Andrew A. Caffrey" is an aviation war short story written in the late 1920s. Set in World War I, it follows American airmen flying observation and two-seat “balloon strafer” missions, exploring the tension between strict discipline and audacious initiative in combat. The story centers on Jack Langdon, a hotshot pursuit pilot reassigned to lumbering DH two-seaters, who refuses to abandon fighter tactics. After a fatal low-level strafe with observer Akeley, Langdon finds a kindred spirit in ace gunner Samter; together they tweak their DH for maneuverability and rack up daring balloon and aircraft kills. Their aggressive style puts them at odds with Lieutenant Charles Surry Mudd, a meticulous, cautious flight leader whose reports clash with Major Mack’s practical tolerance for results. During a Meuse River mission, Samter is wounded, Langdon’s gun jams, and he cripples an enemy by ramming a wing—only to lose lift himself. In a startling act of comradeship, Mudd slides his own wing under Langdon’s to help him limp home, then is killed by ground fire before reaching safety. The tale closes with grudging respect and a reframing of Mudd’s pride—he “fell flying valiantly”—underscoring courage, ingenuity, and the complicated loyalties of air war.