McConnell was killed in aerial combat with two German planes, above the Somme battlefields, near the village of Flavy-le-Martel, Aisne, on March 19, 1917. He thereby became the last American pilot of the squadron to die under French colors, before American entrance into the war in April 1917. Pictured here is the memorial at the site where he fell.

French Memorials and Awards
   
The text on the plaque reads "In honor of James Rogers McConnell, 1887-1917." The text on the obelisk reads:

James Rogers McConnell,
a citizen of Carthage, joined the French Army early in 1915 and, after two years of distinguished service, fell in heroic battle with German aeroplanes on March 19, 1917. He fought for humanity, liberty and democracy, lighted the way for his countrymen and showed all men how to dare nobly and to die gloriously. A founder of the Lafayette Escadrille.

Read the memorial issue of the Moore County News, McConnell's hometown newspaper.

Memorial in Carthage, N.C.
McConnell's Hometown
   
"Soaring Like an Eagle Into New Heavens of Valor and Devotion"





The Aviator
Gutzon Borglum
University of Virginia
   
Mademoiselle Marcelle Guérin and her Memoir





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