Hector Garaud

Sous Lieutenant Hector Eugene Joseph Garaud was a World War I flying ace credited with thirteen aerial victories.

[1] Garaud began his military service on 12 July 1915, being assigned directly to the 2e Groupe d'Aviation as an enlisted soldier.

On 22 December 1917, he became an ace, teaming up with Marcel Henriot and Gabriel Guérin to shoot down a German two-seater over Livry-Louvercy.

Hector Garaud's war ended with 495 hours flight time in his logbook,[2] and the Légion d'honneur, Médaille militaire, and Croix de Guerre with eight palmes and two etoiles on his chest.

[1] Garaud died in a flying accident on 2 April 1940, piloting a Curtiss P-36 fighter ; he held the rank of Commandant upon his death.

[1] Text of award of the Médaille militaire A pilot of admirable experience, endurance, willingness and exemplary courage, who has given since his arrival at the escadrille the full measure of his undoubted qualities of audacity and skill.

[1] Text of award of Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur "Pursuit pilot beyond compare, he has downed eleven enemy planes.