It was for them all, whether infantrymen or gunners or pioneers,
that he fought with the bitter hatred he felt for the invader, with
his youthful daring and the joys of his triumphs. He knew that the
battle would end fatally for him, no doubt, but knowing also that
his war-bird was the instrument of saving thousands of lives, and
seeing that his example called forth the noblest imitation, he
remained true to his idea of self-sacrifice which he had formed a
long time before, and which he saw develop with perfect calm.
Full of modesty as a soldier, but fully conscious of the greatness
of his duties, he possessed the national qualities of endurance,
perseverance, indifference to danger, and to these he added a most
generous heart.
During his short life he had not time enough to learn bitterness,
or suffering, or disillusionment.
He passed straight from the school where he was learning the
history of France to where he himself could add another page to it.
He went to the war driven by a mysterious power which I respect as
death or genius ought to be respected.
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