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Paul Tarascon [France]

Name:Paul Albert Pierre Tarascon
Country:France
Rank:Lieutenant
Service:French Air Service
Squadrons:N3, N31; Spa62
Victories:12
Born:8 December 1882
Place of Birth:Le Thor
Died:11 June 1977
Place of Death:
Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur
Médaille Militaire
Croix de Guerre with 12 Palms
Paul Tarascon

Notes
While learning to fly in 1911, Tarascon was seriously injured in a crash, losing his right leg. Despite his handicap, he volunteered for the French Air Service in August 1914. He was accepted and received a Pilot's Brevet in December. During World War I, he became known as "l'as la jambe de bois" (the ace with the wooden leg). During World War II, Tarascon was a Colonel in the French Resistance.

Médaille Militaire
"Adjutant pilot of Escadrille N62. Excellent pilot, always prepared to work. Although one leg had been amputated, he entered aviation and has carried out numerous reconnaissances over long distances and has had 15 aerial combats. On 15 July 1916, he downed an Aviatik de chasse, which fell in flames in enemy territory." Médaille Militaire citation, 4 August 1916

Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur
"Adjutant pilot of Escadrille N62. Remarkable pilot by his devotion, skill, coolness and initiative. He has distinguished himself for over a year during the course of numerous reconnaissances, protections and pursuits. On 9 August 1916, his plane was hit over 100 times by enemy bullets. Since the first of July, he has had 35 combats, downing five enemy planes and has forced two others to land in a damaged condition." Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation, 15 November 1916

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