
(DCWatchdog.com) – A trailblazing female leader, Valérie André, the first French woman to be promoted to the rank of general, has passed away at the age of 102.
See the tweet below!
The passing of Valérie André marks not only the end of an extraordinary life but also the closing of a chapter in military history where she stood as an inspiration.
With her service, she shattered barriers and inspired women to assume roles traditionally dominated by men.
Born on April 21, 1922, André’s journey into aviation began at the young age of 17 when she commenced flying lessons in Strasbourg, France.
By 1948, she had already obtained her parachutist diploma, paving the way for the remarkable feats she would soon embark upon.
In the French-Indochina war, André broke new ground by serving as both a doctor and helicopter pilot, daringly flying rescue missions and transporting wounded combatants from the battlefield.
Despite facing opposition because of her gender, she took these experiences in stride, ultimately finding them exhilarating, and established herself as a symbol of perseverance and courage.
Her extraordinary service in wartime did not go unrewarded.
Throughout her career, André completed over 4,200 flying hours, executed more than 100 medical evacuations, and engaged in 496 combat missions.
For her exceptional bravery and commitment, she was decorated with several honors, including the Croix de Guerre.
“A very great lady has left us,” said French defense ministry spokeswoman Olivia Penichou, cited by The Local.
In 1976, André achieved another milestone when she was promoted to the position of General Physician in the Health Service of the Armed Forces, a role equivalent to a general rank.
This was followed by her promotion to Major-General five years later.
Through her relentless drive for excellence, André played a critical role in advocating for more women in the armed forces.
By the time of her retirement in 1981, André had created a transformative path, influencing the high employment rate of women in the French military.
Her passing at the age of 102 is not just a loss to France but to the countless individuals she inspired globally.
In recognition of her tremendous impact, the Paris Heliport was named in her honor in 2022.
During a time when women faced numerous barriers in pursuing military careers, André became a beacon of hope and progress, showing through her actions that courage, resolve, and skill know no gender.
“When I was 10, I told my parents that I would be an aviator,” she once said.
Valérie André, first woman to fly helicopter rescue missions in combat, dies at 102 https://t.co/uLTD41PaYQ
— The OSS Society (@osssociety) January 22, 2025
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