Changes

Bertrand was born in Kinder in Allen Parish in southwestern Louisiana to the former Ethel Marie Acosta and Joseph Claude Bertrand. The family moved to Lafayette in 1932, when Joseph Bertrand sold his electrical operation to a major utility company. Bertrand graduated from Lafayette High School in 1936 and attended [[Louisiana State University]] and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, when that institution was known as Southwestern Louisiana Institute. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in [[accounting]] and business.<ref  name=obit>{{cite web|url=​https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/bertrand/782/|title=J. Rayburn Bertrand|publisher=genealogy.com|date=March 8, 2005|authorr=Velia Bertrand, Jr.|accessdate=December 10, 2019}}</ref>

Bertrand was born in Kinder in Allen Parish in southwestern Louisiana to the former Ethel Marie Acosta and Joseph Claude Bertrand. The family moved to Lafayette in 1932, when Joseph Bertrand sold his electrical operation to a major utility company. Bertrand graduated from Lafayette High School in 1936 and attended [[Louisiana State University]] and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, when that institution was known as Southwestern Louisiana Institute. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in [[accounting]] and business.<ref  name=obit>{{cite web|url=​https://www.genealogy.com/forum/surnames/topics/bertrand/782/|title=J. Rayburn Bertrand|publisher=genealogy.com|date=March 8, 2005|authorr=Velia Bertrand, Jr.|accessdate=December 10, 2019}}</ref>

==World War II==​

==World War II==

Shortly after graduation, Bertrand applied for aviation cadet training with the [[United States Army Air Forces]] and was accepted in December 1941, after previoiusly working an accountant with a [[New Orleans]] firm.<ref name=obit/>​

Shortly after graduation, Bertrand applied for aviation cadet training with the [[United States Army Air Forces]] and was accepted in December 1941, after previoiusly working an accountant with a [[New Orleans]] firm.<ref name=obit/>​

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Bertrand became a fighter pilot early in the war. He flew from [[England]] with the 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group. He was part of its first mission, which was also the first combat mission of the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane. During two years with the group, Bertrand flew eighty-eight combat missions over enemy territory. He earned two [[Distinguished Flying Cross]]es and seven Air Medals. His group was honored with the Presidential Unit Citation. Bertrand flew every position from wing man to group leader of ninety ships. His missions included bomber escort, strafing, fighter sweeps, and drive bombing. He was promoted to the rank of [[major]] while he was on combat duty. He retired as a [[lieutenant colonel]].​<ref name=obit/>

Bertrand became a fighter pilot early in the war. He flew from [[England]] with the 84th Fighter Squadron, 78th Fighter Group. He was part of its first mission, which was also the first combat mission of the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane. During two years with the group, Bertrand flew eighty-eight combat missions over enemy territory. He earned two [[Distinguished Flying Cross]]es and seven Air Medals. His group was honored with the Presidential Unit Citation. Bertrand flew every position from wing man to group leader of ninety ships. His missions included bomber escort, strafing, fighter sweeps, and drive bombing. He was promoted to the rank of [[major]] while he was on combat duty. He retired as a [[lieutenant colonel]].​<ref name=obit/>

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==Political career==

==Political career==

Prior to his election as mayor, Bertrand worked in the [[real estate]] and [[insurance]] fields.​

Prior to his election as mayor, Bertrand worked in the [[real estate]] and [[insurance]] fields.​