COMMEMORATIVE SOUVENIR OF ESCADRILLE C 39. Rabbit playing the trumpet in laiton nickelé (collective insignia adopted by the squadron). Square Portor marble base engraved "C 39 1914-1918". H. 21.5 cm. Case. Minor wear. Provenance: Given to General Joseph VUILLEMIN (1883-1963), probably in the 1920s. Then by descent. On January 13, 1915, the CM 39 squadron came under the command of Lieutenant Joseph Vuillemin. It was renamed C 39 on March 10, 1915. Although an observation pilot, Vuillemin never hesitated to attack enemy aircraft that crossed his path. Promoted to captain on June 26, 1915, he took charge of the C11 observation squadron at the Verdun stronghold, and distinguished himself on numerous occasions. Although not a fighter pilot, Vuillemin ended the war with a total of 7 victories. A rare honor for a First World War pilot, he was awarded the rosette of Officer of the Legion of Honor before the Armistice.