Marc Monchal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marc Monchal
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Portrait of Marc Monchal
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| Born | 27 August 1935 Die, France |
| Died | 12 November 2020 (aged 85) |
| Allegiance |  France |
| Army | |
| Years of service | 1954–1996 |
| Rank | General |
| Unit | 24th Artillery Regiment |
| Commands held | 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Algerian War Yugoslav Wars |
| Awards | Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour Cross for Military Valour Combatant's Cross North Africa Security and Order Operations Commemorative Medal Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany |
| Alma mater | École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr |
Marc Monchal (born August 27, 1935 – died November 12, 2020) was an important French army general. He was the top leader of the French Army for several years. He also worked as a key advisor to the Minister of Defence.
Contents
Life and Military Career
Early Life and Education
Marc Monchal had a challenging childhood. He lost his father when he was just one year old. His mother worked hard as a grocer to support their family.
In 1954, he joined a famous military school called the École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr. He decided to specialize in artillery, which involves using large guns. After that, he went to another special school for artillery in Metz.
Serving in the Army
Marc Monchal served in the Algerian War. He was part of the 24th Artillery Regiment. Later, he joined the 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment. In June 1984, he was promoted to brigadier general. This is a high rank in the army.
In April 1989, the Minister of Armed Forces, Jean-Pierre Chevènement, chose Monchal for an important role. He became the Head of the Minister of Defence's military cabinet. This meant he was a top military advisor to the Minister.
Leading the French Army
In April 1991, Marc Monchal became the Chief of Staff of the French Army. This is the highest military position in the French Army. He was in charge of all army operations and planning.
During his time as head of the French Army, he led France through difficult times. This included the Yugoslav Wars and the Rwandan genocide. He helped guide the army's actions during these conflicts.
In 1993, he created a special group called the Cellule d’aide aux blessés de l’armée de Terre. This group was set up to help soldiers who were injured while serving. In 1996, at the age of 61, he retired from the Army.
Later Years
Marc Monchal passed away on November 12, 2020, at the age of 85.
Awards and Honors
General Monchal received many important awards for his service. These include:
- Legion of Honour (Grand Cross, Grand Officer, and Commander ranks)
- Cross for Military Valour
- Combatant's Cross
- North Africa Security and Order Operations Commemorative Medal
- Médaille de la jeunesse, des sports et de l'engagement associatif
- Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
