Paul Tarascon

Colonel Paul Albert Pierre Tarascon (8 December 1882 – 11 June 1977) was a World War I flying ace.

Despite the handicap of an amputated foot, he was credited with twelve confirmed and ten probable victories in aerial combat.

[1] Tarascon joined the French military in 1901; upon his release from active duty, he was assigned to the 4e Regiment d'Infanterie Coloniale.

This would spark his later nickname: l'as la jambe de bois (the ace with the wooden leg).

[1] His Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur citation of 15 November 1916 reads: Adjudant pilot of Escadrille N62.

Although one leg had been amputated, he entered aviation and has carried out numerous reconnaissances over long distances and has had 15 aerial combats.

Nieuport 23 with Paul Tarascon at right and squadronmate Albert Deullin at left. Taken 30 September 1916 at Cachy.