Changes

==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/>​

 

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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