______The World War One "Knights of the Air" had many colorful characters among their ranks, but one of the most interesting individuals would have to be the French Sous-Lieutenant Charles Nungesser. Like so many cavalry officers frustrated by trench warfare, Nungesser wrangled a transfer to his country's Flying Service, in his case a transfer that came about when he received recognition for a daring escape in which he stole a German staff car.
Nungesser scored 43 kills.
______Nungesser was a natural pilot. His thirst for danger had led him to get flying experience prior to the War. Once in the air he ruthlessly chalked up victory after victory, even gaining a unique "roving commission" to fly and fight where he wished.
______Apparently a fatalist, Charles Nungesser chose for his emblem a coffin, candlesticks, and skull-and-crossbones, all in a black heart. He cheated death many times over the Western Front, leading to extensive injuries which would have grounded anyone else. Nungesser kept flying and by the end of the war he was France's third-highest ranking ace.
Nungesser's personal emblem
______Following the war, Nungesser tried his hand at several ventures, none of which were successful. On 8MAY1927 he flew a PL8 named L'Oiseau Blanc in an attempt to cross the Atlantic non-stop. He was never seen again and to this day his fate remains a mystery.
