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543

To Paris on April 11th, with Tyndall and Grylls, for the ceremony and gala performance at the Opera Comique when the "Women of France" gave each squadron of the Air Service a hand made pennant.
Arrived Paris evening and report at 45 Ave Montaigne, Air Service Hq. Then as Fate would have it met [[Whinette?]] at the Continental.....

Rehearsal 10A.M. at the Opéra Comique (Sat A.M.) French love of detail in such matters giving a striking example in this case. Americans not quite appreciative of the full significances of this whole affair it seemed to me. 

It went off very nicely. House was packed. Major General Patrick, Chief Air Service and General Duval ^[[ (French Chief) ]] were on stage. 48 American representatives and a like number of French also on the stage. I was very nearly given my baton by Fonck -- but he happened to hit the Captain next to me. Much cheering and neatly done. Had my photo snapped outside

Transcription Notes:
Ren?Fonck, French ace aviator: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9_Fonck