Name: Gervais Raoul Lufbery County: United States Rank: Major Services: French Air Service United States Air Service Squadrons: VB106, N124 (FAS) 94th Aero (USAS) Victories: 16 Born: 14 March 1885 Place of Birth: Chamalieres, France Died: 19 May 1918 Place of Death: Maron Notes Born in France, Lufbery's family emigrated to the United States when he was six years old. When the war began, Lufbery was back in France where he quickly enlisted in the French Air Service. Initially a mechanic, then a bomber pilot, he soon began training to fly fighters. Idolized and revered by his subordinates, Lufbery spent almost four years in the French Air Service and the Lafayette Escadrille before serving as a pilot and instructor in the United States Air Service. He was the first American to receive the British Military Cross, the French Croix de Guerre and the French MΘdaille Militaire. Lufbery was killed while attempting to shoot down a Rumpler. Hit by enemy fire, his Nieuport 28 suddenly flipped over and Lufbery was seen to fall or leap from the aircraft. MΘdaille Militaire "A model of skill, sangfroid and courage. He has distinguished himself through the numerous long distance bombardments and by the daily combats which he has with enemy planes. On 31 July [1916], he never hesitated to attack at close range, a group of four enemy planes. He downed one of them near our lines. He succeeded in downing another on 4 August 1916." MΘdaille Militaire citation LΘgion d'Honneur "He enlisted under the French colors for the duration of the war. Has given proof as a pursuit pilot of remarkable audacity and has downed up to 27 December 1916, six enemy aircraft. Already cited twice in orders and has the MΘdaille Militaire." Legion d'Honneur citation Aces ╖ Aircraft ╖ Books ╖ Chat ╖ Forum ╖ Guests ╖ Links ╖ Medals ╖ News ╖ Search ╖ Vote Copyright ⌐ 1997,1998 The Aerodrome Page revised on 18 Nov 1997