His will, to the very end, was far above his physical
strength. There are two great dates in his short life: November 21,
1914, when he joined the army, and September 11, 1917, when he left camp
for his last flight. Neither a passion for aviation nor thirst for glory
had any part in his action on those two dates. Will-power in itself is
sometimes dangerous, enviable though it be, and must be wisely directed.
Now, Guynemer regulated his will by one great object, which was to
serve, to serve his country, even unto death.
Finally, do not place Guynemer apart from his comrades: even in his
grave, even in the region where there is no grave, he would resent it. I
hope you will learn by heart the names of the French aces, at any rate
those names which I am going to give you, whatever may become of those
who bear them:[32]
_sous-lieutenant_ Nungesser 30 airplanes brought down
Captain Heurtaux 21 " "
Lieutenant Deullin 17 " "
Lieutenant Pinsard 16 " "
_sous-lieutenant_ Madon 16 " "
_sous-lieutenant_ Chaput 12 " "
Adjutant Jailler 12 " "
_sous-lieutenant_ Ortoli 11 " "
_sous-lieutenant_ Tarascon 11 " "
Chief Adjutant Fonck 11 " "
_sous-lieutenant_ Lufbery 10 " "
[Footnote 32: List made September 11, 1917.
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