Georges Guynemer, WWI French Flying Ace

"Georges Marie Ludovic Jules Guynemer (December 24, 1894 - September 11, 1917) was a WWI French flying ace and a national hero at the time of his death. He was originally rejected for military service, but was accepted for pilot training, joining Escadrille MS.3 in 1915. He became an ace by his fifth victory in February 1916, and was promoted to lieutenant in March. At the year's end, his score had risen to 25. He was the first French ace to attain 50 victories. Guynemer failed to return from a combat mission on September 11, 1917. Neither the wreckage of his airplane, his body, nor his personal effects were ever found. At the time of his death, he had tallied 53 victories. It is not known if he was killed in the crash of his plane or if he survived, only to be shot on the ground in no-man's land. Some speculate that his aircraft may have been blown apart by artillery shells. His death was a profound shock to France and he remained an icon for the duration of the war. Only 22 at his death, he continued to inspire the nation with his advice, "Until one has given all, one has given nothing."

Picture No

10978303

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47618993

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3000px x 4258px (1.3MB)

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