[Gunther]

According to an out of print book (Above & Beyond: the Aviation Medals of Honor, Smithsonian Press) Oct. 25 was Rickenbacker's first day commanding the 94th Squadron, and he was trying to set an example of aggressiveness. After landing, he took another officer and went to the front near Verdun and obtained some sort of statement from a French soldier. However, it appears that Rickenbacker's combat occurred too far behind the lines to be seen by allied witnesses on the ground. Perhaps since he was then in command, he could confirm his own claims.