In all, Fonck fired only fifty-six shots, an
average of little more than nine bullets for each enemy brought down--an
extraordinary record, in view of the fact that aviators often fired
hundreds of rounds without crippling their opponent.
The first fight, in which Lieutenant Fonck brought down three German
machines, lasted only a minute and a half, and the young Frenchman fired
only twenty-two shots. Fonck was leading two other companions on a
patrol in the Moreuil-Montdidier sector on May 8th, when the French
squadron met three German two-seater airplanes coming toward them in
arrow formation. Signaling to his companions, Lieutenant Fonck dived at
the leading German plane and, with a few shots sent it down in flames.
Fonck turned to the left, and the second enemy flier followed in an
effort to attack him from behind, but the Frenchman made a quick turn
above him and, with five shots, sent the second German to death. Ten
seconds had barely elapsed between the two victories.
The third enemy pilot headed for home, but when Lieutenant Fonck
apparently gave up the chase and turned back toward the French lines the
German went after him, and was flying parallel and a little below, when
Fonck made a quick turn, drove straight at him and sent him down within
half a mile of the spot where his two comrades hit the earth.
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