Adrien L. J. Leps

Major Adrien Louis Jacques Leps was a French World War I flying ace credited with twelve confirmed aerial victories, as well as two probables. He served originally in the cavalry, before shifting to flying. In later years, he served under General Armand Pinsard during World War II.

Early life

Adrien Louis Jacques Leps was born on 27 September 1893 in Angers.

Leps was elevated to command of Escadrille 81 on 24 February 1918, as the squadron re-equipped with Spads. He knocked down a German plane in a solo victory on 6 April 1918. In May 1918, he teamed with Gabriel Guérin and Paul Santelli in wins over three German observation balloons and an Albatros; on the 11th of the month, he received the British Military Cross. On 6 June, he shared a win over another balloon with Pierre Cardon. On the 15th, he singlehandedly shot down his fifth enemy gasbag, becoming a balloon buster ace. In the wake of this dozenth victory, he was upgraded to capitaine on 14 August 1918. By war's end, he had the Croix de Guerre with nine palmes to accompany his Légion d'honneur and MC.

Post World War I Leps commanded Escadrille 81 until its disbandment on 31 December 1919.

He returned to service for World War II, was assigned as a major to Groupe de Chasse No. 21 under General Armand Pinsard. He was very seriously wounded by a German bombing on 6 June 1940, and took no part in any military action during the remainder of the war. For his service, he earned a promotion to Commandeur of the Légion d'honneur, the 1939–1945 Croix de Guerre, and a final promotion to lieutenant colonel. Following World War II, he pursued his passion for tennis, he became a tennis referee at the Roland-Garros championship.

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