World War I career and the truth problem

Mitchell reached Paris four days after the United States declared war and began organizing the aviation section for the American expeditionary effort. He soon flew over German lines even though his loss at that early stage could have disrupted the developing organization. The flight brought experience, but it also had an element of showmanship. Mitchell earned a reputation as a daring, tireless air leader and rose rapidly in temporary rank. His later claim to have directed the multinational air effort at St. Mihiel needs more caution because senior, experienced Allied officers also took part. By the end of the war, Pershing and other Army leaders distrusted Mitchell's habit of presenting a slanted interpretation as if it were the factual record. The distinction between evidence and analysis becomes a recurring lens for the rest of the lecture.