André Moynet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
André Moynet
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| Member of the National Assembly of France representing Saône-et-Loire | |
| In office 1946–1967 |
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| Secretary of State for Sport with responsibility for coordinating the Problems of Youth | |
| In office 12 November 1954 – 1955 or 1956 |
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| Mayor of Biot | |
| In office 1971–1977 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 July 1921 Saint-Mandé (Val-de-Marne), France |
| Died | 2 May 1993 (aged 71) Nice (Alpes-Maritimes), France |
| Political party | Républicains indépendants (1946–1955) Centre national des indépendants et paysans (1956–1962) Républicains indépendants (1962–1966) |
André Moynet (born July 19, 1921 – died May 2, 1993) was a brave French fighter pilot during World War II. After the war, he became a test pilot, a businessman, and a politician. He received many awards for his service and achievements.
Contents
André Moynet's Life Story
Early Military Career
André Moynet joined the military on December 26, 1939, to become a fighter pilot. He was part of the famous Normandie-Niémen squadron. During the war, he flew 115 missions and spent 150 hours flying.
Entering Politics
In 1946, Moynet started his political career. He became a representative for Saône-et-Loire in the French National Assembly. On November 12, 1954, he was chosen to be a Secretary of State for Sport. His job was to help coordinate youth programs.
Aviation and Business
Even while in politics, André Moynet continued his work in aviation. He was a test pilot, helping to develop the Caravelle airplane. He also worked with a company called Matra. A small propeller plane, the Moynet M.360 Jupiter, was even named after him.
Moynet also played a big part in Matra's move into making cars. He helped create a special racing car in 1968. This car later won its class at the famous Le Mans race in 1975. Before that, in 1953, he had also driven a D.B. car to victory in a different class at the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
In 1968, Moynet was given the rank of colonel in the Air Force.
Later Life and Legacy
Later, André Moynet moved to the south of France. In 1971, he was elected mayor of the small town of Biot. He served as mayor until 1977. He passed away in Nice on May 2, 1993, and was buried in the cemetery in Biot.
Awards and Honours
André Moynet received many important awards for his service and achievements:
- Grand Officer of the Légion d'honneur (a very high French award)
- Compagnon de la Libération (given to heroes of the French Resistance)
- Croix de guerre 1939–1945 (a French military award for bravery)
- Médaille de la Résistance (for fighting against occupation)
- Médaille de l'Aéronautique (for achievements in aviation)
- Silver Star (USA) (a high US military award)
- Air Medal (USA) (a US award for aerial achievement)
- Order of War for National Salvation (1st, 2nd and 3rd class) (Soviet Union)
- Order of the Red Banner (Soviet Union) (a Soviet military award)
- Medal of the Resistance (Poland)
- Order of the White Eagle (Serbia) (a high Serbian award)
- Order of Aeronautical Merit (Brazil)
