Careless of danger, he has
become, by the infallibility of his methods, the most formidable
opponent of German flyers. On May 25 achieved unparalleled success,
bringing down two machines in one minute, and two more in the
course of the same day. By these exploits has contributed to
maintaining the courage and enthusiasm of the men who, from the
trenches, have witnessed his triumphs. Forty-five machines brought
down; twenty citations; twice wounded.
This document, eloquent and accurate and tracing facts to their causes,
praises in Guynemer at the same time will-power, courage, and the
contagion of example. Guynemer loved the last sentence, because it
associated with his fights their daily witnesses, the infantrymen in the
trenches.
The badge of an Officer in the Legion of Honor was given to him at the
aviation camp on July 5 by General Franchet d'Esperey, in command of the
Northern Armies. But this solemn ceremony had not prevented Guynemer
from flying twice, the first time for two hours, the second flight one
hour, on a new machine from which he expected wonders.
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