David,
I have come across this type of behavior frequently in reading about Nungesser. He seems to have been one ace who appreciated the good life and it is said that he even dated Mata Hari with the knowledge she was a spy. He also is reported to have had more than his share of automobile accidents - something one would assume involved high speeds and high blood/alcohol levels.
I have cut and pasted the following from the 'Flying Circle Graphics' website:
"Nungesser's ground conquests became as legendary as those scored in the air. He burned up the road from his base to his hometown in a German staff car (a Mercedes captured during his cavalry days) or in a Rolls Royce. He palled around with ace and kindred spirit,
Jean Navarre, to savor Parisian night-life. Was it the many battle scars, or was it Nungesser's clanking, glittering medals that telegraphed "MALE ANIMAL!" to the jeunes filles? Sometimes he reported for dawn patrols in tuxedo, slightly hung-over; a woman on his arm. He was the Rock Star of his age."
VBR
Rod