immediately captured by a enemy patrol. The Germans wishing to discourage
escape, took all of his personal identification except for the bronze medallion
which he wore in a small leather pouch around his neck. He was taken to a
small town near the front. Bombardment was heavy that night, he escaped his
captors, but without his identification.  He made his way to the front lines avoiding German patrols and with great difficulty,
he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he managed to stumble onto a French
outpost. Unfortunately for him, the French in that area had been plagued by
sabotage. The saboteurs often masqueraded as civilians. The French didn't
recognize the lieutenant's American accent and were ready to execute him as
a spy when he remembered the leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed
the medallion to them and they recognized the squadron insignia on it. His
medallion bought him enough time to confirm his identity. Now instead of shooting
the young lieutenant, they gave him a bottle of wine.
When he was returned to his squadron and his companions heard his story, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion at all times. To ensure that each member carried their
|
