Frank Luke -- September 29, 2018

Arizona Republican, 12-December-1918

American balloon buster Frank Luke, whose career at the front lasted from 12-September-1918 to 29-September-1918, destroyed 14 enemy balloons and 4 airplanes.  Arizona, which had only been a state since 1912, was very proud of him.  Luke was wounded by machine gun fire from the ground while attacking a balloon on 29-September-1918.  He pulled his service sidearm to shoot at approaching German shoulders, but died of his wound.  The Germans buried him.  When I went to look for newspaper reports of his death, I found that it was not reported until after the Armistice.  He was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Mohave County Miner, 30-November-1918

France Loses Greatest Athlete and Brave Aviator -- September 18, 2018

Perth Amboy News, 14-November-1918

Maurice Boyau was a French ace who was a successful balloon buster.  Before the war, he had been an international rugby player.  On 18-September-1918, German ace Georg von Hantelmann shot Boyau down and killed him.  Boyau's final tally was 31, including 26 balloons.

France Loses Greatest Athlete and Brave Aviator

Recent reports from Europe state France’s greatest athlete and best-known aviator, Maurice Boyau, is missing. The news has caused the greatest sorrow as Boyau, who was recently made an officer of the Legion of Honor, with the inscription, "the bravest pilot and the most complete athlete who makes French aviation Illustrious” — was known all over France. Starting In the war as a second-class private, Boyau, who captained the rugby teams against England, Wales. New Zealand and Scotland. and who was a great association football player and all-around athlete, soon became an aviator and lieutenant, gaining twelve war crosses, the military medal, the D. 8. C. and the cross of the Knight of the Legion of Honor. Before being made an officer In the order he had shot down 35 Germans before he was himself brought down in flames in the German lines. Boyau was to have been presented on a date shortly after his disappearance with a diamond and platinum Legion of Honor cross, bought by a half penny subscription made among the athletes In France.