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French aviator who ended WWI as the top Allied fighter ace (1894–1953). AMS in French from Rene Fonck, handwritten in ink on an off-white 6.5 x 9 sheet, no date, signed at the conclusion, “Rene Fonck.” The handwritten passage reads (loosely translated): “Many are the battles that I have fought over the soil of Belgium. This land, which I consider in my heart as my second homeland, has been made so glorious in happy days by the valor of its children and its Soldier King.” In very fine condition. Accompanied by a period pearl-finish 6.75 x 4.75 photo of Fonck accepting a cigarette from fellow fighter ace and former enemy Ernst Udet, the highest-scoring German fighter pilot to survive World War I and the second-highest scoring ace after Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron, his commander in the Flying Circus. A desirable format from Fonck, who remains rare across all handwritten formats.
Fonck’s last line refers to Albert I (1875–1934), the king of the Belgians from December 23, 1909 until his death in 1934. He is popularly referred to as the Knight King or Soldier King in Belgium due to his role during World War I.
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