Pierre Clostermann Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Pierre-Henri Clostermann
Pierre Clostermann, c. 1945.
Born	(1921-02-28)28 February 1921 Curitiba, Brazil
Died	22 March 2006(2006-03-22) (aged 85) Montesquieu-des-Albères, France
Allegiance	United Kingdom France
Service/branch	Royal Air Force French Air and Space Force
Years of service	1942–1945, 1956–1957
Rank	Wing Commander (RAF) Lieutenant (France)
Unit	No. 341 Squadron RAF No. 602 Squadron RAF No. 274 Squadron RAF No. 56 Squadron RAF No. 3 Squadron RAF
Battles/wars	World War Two Algerian War
Awards	See List
Other work	Author, engineer and politician.
Website	pierre.clostermann.org

Pierre-Henri Clostermann (born February 28, 1921 – died March 22, 2006) was a brave World War II French fighter pilot. A "flying ace" is a pilot who shoots down many enemy planes.

During the war, he achieved 33 air victories. This means he shot down 33 enemy aircraft. General Charles de Gaulle called him "France's First Fighter." After the war, he wrote a famous book called The Big Show. He also worked as an engineer and became a young member of France's Parliament.

Pierre Clostermann's Early Life and Flying Dreams
Pierre Clostermann's Role in World War II
Life After the War
Pierre Clostermann's Death
Private Life
Honours and Awards
- French Awards
- Awards from Other Countries
See also

Pierre Clostermann's Early Life and Flying Dreams

Pierre Clostermann was born in Curitiba, Brazil. His family was French and worked in diplomacy. He was the only son of Madeleine Carlier and Jacques Clostermann. Pierre spoke Portuguese perfectly.

When he was young, he met famous French pilots like Jean Mermoz. In 1935, he had his first flight in a big seaplane. At 16, in 1937, he learned to fly in Brazil. He got his private pilot's license that same year.

From 1938 to 1940, Pierre studied aeronautical engineering. He went to the Ryan School of Aeronautics in San Diego, USA. He earned his engineering diploma and a professional pilot's license. By then, he had already flown for 315 hours. In 1940, he traveled to England to join the Free French Air Force.

Pierre Clostermann's Role in World War II

When World War II started in 1939, French officials did not let Pierre join the military. So, he went to Los Angeles to become a commercial pilot. He also studied at the California Institute of Technology.

In March 1942, Clostermann joined the Free French Air Force in the United Kingdom. After more training, he became a sergeant pilot. In January 1943, he joined No. 341 Squadron RAF, flying the fast Supermarine Spitfire.

On July 27, 1943, he achieved his first two victories. He shot down two Focke-Wulf Fw 190 planes over France. In October 1943, Pierre became an officer. He then joined the British No. 602 Squadron RAF. He stayed with this squadron for ten months.

Pierre flew many types of missions. These included fighting enemy planes and protecting bombers. He also attacked German V-1 rocket sites. He provided air cover for the Normandy Landings (D-Day). On June 11, he was one of the first French pilots to land back on French soil. He landed at a temporary airfield near Bazenville.

Clostermann while serving with No. 341 Squadron RAF "Alsace"

Pierre received the Distinguished Flying Cross award. After this, he was sent to the French Air Force Headquarters. In December 1944, he returned to the front lines. He joined No. 274 Squadron RAF, flying the new Hawker Tempest Mk V. He named his aircraft Le Grand Charles. This name honored both a French World War I ace and Charles de Gaulle.

In his Tempest, Clostermann flew many successful missions. He attacked airfields and intercepted German Messerschmitt Me 262 jet fighters. He also attacked trains in northern Germany.

In March 1945, he was wounded in the leg by German anti-aircraft fire. He had to land his damaged plane and spent a week in the hospital. From April 8, 1945, he led a flight in No. 3 Squadron RAF. He received another bar for his DFC. He was later promoted to Wing Commander at just 24 years old. This was a very high rank in the Royal Air Force.

On May 12, 1945, during a victory fly-past, his plane collided with another. He had to parachute out of his plane. His parachute opened just a few meters above the ground. He continued flying with No. 122 Wing RAF. He left the military on July 27, 1945.

Pierre Clostermann was officially credited with 33 victories. This means he shot down 33 enemy aircraft. He also destroyed many vehicles, locomotives, and tanks on the ground.

Life After the War

In 1951, Pierre Clostermann wrote a book about his war experiences. It was called Le Grand Cirque (The Big Show). This book became very popular and sold over two and a half million copies. Another famous author, William Faulkner, said it was the best aviation book from World War II. Pierre also wrote Feux du Ciel (Flames in the Sky) in 1957. This book shared stories of brave air combat from both sides of the war.

After the war, Clostermann continued his work as an engineer. He helped create a company called Reims Aviation. He also worked for car companies like Renault.

Pierre Clostermann also became a politician. He served eight terms as a member of parliament in France. This means he was elected to represent people in the French government. He served from 1946 to 1969.

He briefly rejoined the French Air Force in 1956–57. He flew ground-attack missions during the Algerian War. He later wrote a novel based on these experiences.

In 1982, during the Falklands War, Pierre Clostermann praised the courage of Argentine pilots. He wrote a private letter to Argentine fighter pilots training in France. This letter was published in newspapers in Argentina. Because of this, some people in the British press were upset.

He also caused some debate in France. He strongly spoke out against the 1991 Gulf War.

Pierre Clostermann's Death

Pierre Clostermann passed away on March 22, 2006. He died at his home in Montesquieu-des-Albères, France.

Private Life

Pierre Clostermann met Lydia Jeanne Starbuck in England. They got married on April 28, 1943. Pierre and Lydia had three sons.

Honours and Awards

Pierre Clostermann received many awards for his bravery and service.

On June 6, 2004, a road in Longues-sur-Mer, France, was named after him.

French Awards

Grand Cross of the Légion d'Honneur (Legion of Honour)
Companion of the Ordre de la Libération (Order of Liberation)
Médaille Militaire (Military Medal)
Croix de Guerre 1939–45 (War Cross)
Croix de la Valeur Militaire (Cross of Military Valour)
Médaille de la Résistance (Resistance Medal)
Médaille de l'Aéronautique (Aeronautical Medal)
Insigne des blessés militaires (Badge for Military Wounded)
Médaille commémorative des services volontaires dans la France libre (Commemorative Medal for Voluntary Service in Free France)
Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1939–1945 (1939–1945 Commemorative War Medal)