It may be recorded here that a new name has been added to the official list of French aviators considered worthy of mention in dispatches. This distinction is awarded only after an aviator has brought down his fifth enemy machine. At the time of writing (October, 1916), the following heroic French aviators enjoy this remarkable distinction: Sous-Lieutenant Guynemer, who has brought down eighteen enemy machines; Sous-Lieutenant Nungesser, seventeen; Adjutant Dorme, fifteen; Sous-Lieutenant Navarre, twelve; Adjutant Lenoir, eleven; Lieutenant Heurtaux, ten; Sergeant Chainat, nine; Lieutenant Deullin, eight; Sous-Lieutenant Chaput, eight; Sous-Lieutenant De la Tour, seven; Sous-Lieutenant Pégoud, six (killed in action); Sous-Lieutenant De Rochefort, six (killed in action); Adjutant Tarascon, six; Adjutant Bloch, Sergeant Viallet, Sergeant Sauvage, Adjutant Lufbery (American), and Marechal des Logis Flachaire, each five. There can be no fitting praise in view of such achievements. Truly France has many heroic sons! Again comes the cry—_Vive la France!_ CHAPTER XXVII AWARDS AND DECORATIONS The various awards and decorations conferred upon aviators and other men of heroic stamp claim our keenest interest. Mention has already been made of the Victoria Cross and other familiar orders. Here we purpose setting down a few of the outstanding points of interest regarding leading French and Russian orders and decorations, and of certain medals awarded by our own King for heroic and meritorious service. The Legion of Honour is the only _Order_ of France. It was instituted by Napoleon in 1802 as a general military and civil order of merit. The French Cross of War dates from 1915, and is awarded for distinguished service to both officers and men. The qualification for the distinction is that the action must be mentioned in the orders of the day. The French military medal was created in 1852. N.C.O.’s and men are eligible. It is also deemed the highest decoration for generals. The Russian Order of St. George was founded in 1769 by the Empress Catherine II. It was originally intended to be a reward for conspicuous bravery in the field. It consists of eight classes, the first four of which are higher degrees, and are awarded to officers only, the remaining four being reserved for men. The peculiar method of tying the ribbon of the order indicates the various classes.