The two dashing pilots could not have been better cast for their roles. Both François Coli, 45 (left) and Charles Nungesser, 35, were officers of the French Legion of Honor because of their flying exploits during World War I, and Coli was already known for the first nonstop flight across the Mediterranean. The unusual skull and crossbones marking had been Nungesser's insignia during the war.





Charles Nungesser, heroic aviator of World War I, was known as the “Prince of Pilots.” His disappearance over the Atlantic was a tragedy that was deeply felt by the entire aviation community.