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[[stamped]] FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE [[/stamped]]

his father and two brothers. He was the first Kansas aviator to be killed in the war. His Remains were first buried in a temporary grave, then later were removed to the St. Michiel Cemetery at Thaiucourt. In 1924 his brother Robert carried out Billard's wishes, had the remains cremated and the ashes scattered over the garden at Province, France that had at one time been his mother's home. Later the Rotary Club of Topeka presented a bronze bust of Captain Billard to the city's Memorial Hall. During civic ceremonies in June,1924 the Topeka Airport was named  "BILLARD FIELD" in his honor. In July, 1938 his brothers presented the Kansas Historic Society Museum with one of his early planes for permanent display. Captain L, Phil Billard held F.A.I. Expert Pilot License No. 80.

Flying Pioneer L. Phil Billard was one of those air-minded young man of the early period who, with his means and enthusiastic determination, contributed much to promote flying in his home state, then went on serve his country in World War I, his life to the cause - surely a patriotic young man whos memory must be included in the annals of a early American aviation history.

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