Biographical Information Wilmette Resident Died in Military Service World War I: Eugene Blanchard Jones

Eugene Blanchard Jones, First Lieutenant, 103rd Aero Squadron (the Lafayette Escadrille), American Expeditionary Force (AEF)

Died September 13, 1918 in aerial combat. A tracer bullet went through his gas tank and his plane burst into flames. He leaped from the burning plane. The flight was under observation of the 168th Infantry, who gave him a religious and military burial near St. Benoit, France. Early in the spring of 1921 his remains were brought to the U.S. and he was laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie.

Was awarded the bronze medal of the Ligur Aeronautique de France; the fourra gere from the government of France, indicating two French citations; and holds a citation from General Pershing for exceptional gallantry in action at St. Mihiel on September 12th, 1918.

Survived, at the time of his death, by:
Parents, Ira A. & Josephine G. Jones of 1027 Central Av., Wilmette.

Born June 9, 1895 in Indianapolis. Grduated from N ew Trier High School. Attended the University of Wisconsin and had two years at Northwestern University School of Commerce.

Enlisted in the Air Service on December 28, 1916 and was sent to Fort Winter Flying Field in Memphis, Tenn. In the spring of 1917 he was transferred to Ashborne, Ill., and then to Rantour, IL, where he received his commission as first Lieutenant in Aviation.

In October 1917, he sailed for France where he had three months further training and was then assigned to the 95th Aero Squadron. In June 1918, he was transferred to the 103rd Aero Squadron, the Lafayette Escadrille, and saw much active service with this squadron.