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Léon
Bourjade
Name: Léon Jean
Pierre Bourjade
Country: France
Rank: Lieutenant
Service: French Air Service
Units: N152, Spa152
Victories: 28
Date Of Birth: 25 May 1889
Place of Birth: Montauban
Date Of Death: 22 October 1924
Place of Death: Yui Island, British New Guinea
When the war began, Bourjade was in Switzerland training for
the priesthood. Having served with the 23eme Regiment d'Artillerie
during the Battle of the Marne, he transferred to the 125e Brigade
de Bombardiers in 1915. In 1917, he requested a transfer to
aviation and received his Military Pilot's Brevet on 17 June.
Following additional training at Pau, he was assigned to
Escadrille N152 and became the highest scoring ace to serve with
this unit. By the end of the war, he was credited with downing 27
balloons and 1 enemy aircraft. In 1924, Bourjade died while
serving as a missionary in British New Guinea.
Légion d'Honneur (Chevalier)
"Officer pilot of uncommon bravery and audacity. After brilliant
conduct in the artillery, he has proven the highest qualities of
courage by attacking numerous balloons and has shot down four.
Four citations." Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation, June
5, 1918
Légion d'Honneur (Officier)
"Officer of the highest value; pursuit pilot of heroic bravery.
Specialist in the attack of enemy observation balloons, has
rendered brilliant service, proven by the numbers of his victories
and by magnificent personal examples. Fourteen citations. One
wound." Officier de la Légion d'Honneur citation, June 16, 1920.
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