Even a hundred years later, little is known about the fate of this man. Marcel Plya, also known as Marcel Manigovich Pla, was born in the 1890s in French Polynesia. His mother brought him to the Russian Empire, where she found work as a nanny in the house of a wealthy gentleman. Over time, Marcel grew up, got married, and became a father. However, soon World War I began. Despite being a French subject, Marcel did not refuse to serve in the Russian army.

He found himself in the exotic air force of that time. As a gunner and senior mechanic, Marcel became a crew member of the aircraft 'Ilya Muromets'. His first combat baptism took place on April 13, 1916, when 'Ilya Muromets' took off to bomb the Daudzev station. During the mission, the aircraft came under heavy anti-aircraft fire, and the pilot was seriously wounded and lost consciousness. The plane began to dive. Another pilot took the pilot's place, but the engine on the left wing would not start. Then mechanic Marcel Plya, tying himself with straps to the strut, crawled out onto the wing and started the engine. The aircraft successfully returned to the airfield, having over 70 bullet holes. All crew members were awarded the George Cross.

On another occasion, Marcel Plya saved the aircraft from German fighters that were pursuing it. During the battle, he reached the machine gun, opened fire, and shot down two opponents, for which he received his second cross. The fame of the black hero of the Russian army spread across the front, and metropolitan reporters became interested in him. Journalists from 'Ogonyok' noted that Marcel Plya spoke Russian well and was skilled in soldier slang. Unfortunately, after the February Revolution, his trail goes cold. According to one version, he emigrated from the country; according to another, he fought for the Whites and perished on the battlefields.