March 31, 1916: Congress provides the Army $500,000 for 24 airplanes
On March 30, 1916, Capt. Benjamin D. Foulois made an urgent appeal for “at least 10 of the highest-powered, highest-climbing and best weight-carrying aeroplanes that can be secured and purchased in the United States.” On March 31, Congress passed the “Urgent Deficiency Act,” which provided the Army with $500,000 for the immediate purchase of 24 airplanes, including eight for the 1st Aero Squadron. The first of the new airplanes were Curtiss N-8s; but on May 1, a “Punitive Expedition” board determined that those aircraft were too slow and not rugged enough for duty in Mexico. Also on May 1, the first Curtiss R-2s arrived at Columbus, N.M., for the 1st Aero Squadron.