Bruch, Louis Mason (Died)

Biographical Information Wilmette Resident Died in Military Service World War I

Louis Mason Bruch
Second Lieutenant, Aviation Service, Pilot R.M.A.

Lt. Bruch's last flight was November 10, 1918, when he and his observer received orders to make observations along the entire battle line from Verdun to Sedan. They left Souilly at 11:30 a.m. Because of the fog, they were obliged to fly very low and remained in the air for over three hours In making repeated observations at Inor on the Meuse river, they were shot by the anit-aircraft guns concealed in the four corners of a German Red Cross trap. Bruch was killed instantly while flying. He was buried by the Germans in the Chateau Garden at Inor and was later moved to Beaumont Cemetery.

On October 16, 1921 the members of the Young Men's Class of the First Methodist Church of Wilmette planted an elm tree in the parkway of the church and unveiled a tablet in his memory.

Survived at the time of his death by:
Parents, Louis and Helen Mason Bruch, 1201 Greenwood Av., Wilmette

Born August 5, 1893 in Chicago. Entered the first officer's training camp at Fort Sheridan in May 1917, and was rejected. He underwent three operations to enable him to qualify. After making seventeen applications to re-enter various branches of the Army and Marine Corps, he secured entrance to the Aviation Service on December 29, 1917. He received first flying instructions at Kelly Field #2 and at Chanute Field, Rantoul, Ill., and was commissioned second lieutenant pilot, R.M.A. on May 25, 1918.

Received advanced instructions in Oklahoma and Texas, and sailed for France on September 14, on the steamer "St. Louis," arriving in Brest on September 27. He was placed in the 91st Aero Squadron, reached the front on November 2, 1918, and made daily flights over the lines.

Sources:
Honor Roll in World War, Wilmette, Illinois (Historical Society)
Memorial plaque, Trinity United Methodist Church of Wilmette.