Sous lieutenant François Portron was a French World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1]
François Portron | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 13, 1890 Lusignan, France |
| Died | January 21, 1973 (aged 82) |
| Buried | Lusignan, France |
| Allegiance | France |
| Service | Flying service |
| Rank | Sous lieutenant |
| Awards | Legion d'honneur Croix de Guerre |
Biography
editSee also Aerial victory standards of World War I
François Portron was born in Lusignan, France on 13 June 1890.[2]
He was recalled from the military reserves as the First World War started, being posted to an artillery regiment on 3 August 1914. He was sent to aviation service on 10 October as a supply sergeant. On 21 January 1915, he was assigned to Escadrille V.24; on 20 February, he moved on to Escadrille C.39. He was subsequently selected for pilot's training. On 8 March 1916, he graduated with his Military Pilot's Brevet.[2]
After further training, on 17 February 1917, he became a flight instructor. On 14 September, he was promoted from the enlisted ranks to Sous lieutenant. On 15 October 1917, he finally drew a combat assignment, with Escadrille N.31.[2]
Beginning 22 May 1918 and ending 1 October 1918, François Portron scored five separate aerial victories, over a German reconnaissance plane, a scout, two Fokkers, and an observation balloon.[2]
Honors and awards
edit- Legion d'honneur[3]
- Croix de Guerre[4] with five palmes and two etoiles de vermeil.[2]
End notes
edit- ^ The Aerodrome website page on Portron [1] Retrieved 28 August 2020
- ^ a b c d e Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918, pp. 208-209
- ^ The Aerodrome website page on the medal [2] Retrieved 28 August 2020
- ^ The Aerodrome website page on the medal [3] Retrieved 28 August 2020
References
edit- Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank (1993). Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918. London, UK: Grub Street Publishing.
Further reading
edit- Catillon, Marcel (1997). Mémorial de l'Aéronautique : qui était qui ?. Vol. 1. Nouvelles Éditions Latines. ISBN 2-7233-0529-5. Catillon, Marcel (2004). Mémorial de l'Aéronautique : qui était qui ?. Vol. 2. Nouvelles Éditions Latines. ISBN 2-7233-2053-7. (note: date of birth erroneously given as the 16th of June)
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