When the war began, Bourjade was in Switzerland training for the priesthood. Having served with the 23eme Regiment d'Artillerie during the Battle of the Marne, he transferred to the 125e Brigade de Bombardiers in 1915. In 1917, he requested a transfer to aviation and received his Military Pilot's Brevet on 17 June. Following additional training at Pau, he was assigned to Escadrille N152 and became the highest scoring ace to serve with this unit. By the end of the war, he was credited with downing 27 balloons and 1 enemy aircraft. In 1924, Bourjade died while serving as a missionary in British New Guinea.

Légion d'Honneur (Chevalier)
"Officer pilot of uncommon bravery and audacity. After brilliant conduct in the artillery, he has proven the highest qualities of courage by attacking numerous balloons and has shot down four. Four citations." Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation, June 5, 1918

Légion d'Honneur (Officier)
"Officer of the highest value; pursuit pilot of heroic bravery. Specialist in the attack of enemy observation balloons, has rendered brilliant service, proven by the numbers of his victories and by magnificent personal examples. Fourteen citations. One wound." Officier de la Légion d'Honneur citation, June 16, 1920