In brief
Valérie André's remarkable contributions as a pioneering female pilot and surgeon in military history have left an enduring legacy.
Valérie André, a pioneering figure in French military aviation, passed away on January 21, 2025, at 102 years old, in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a suburb of Paris. Known as the first woman to fly rescue missions in combat zones, André had once dreamt of becoming an airplane pilot after presenting a bouquet to legendary aviator Maryse Hilsz at the age of 10. This encounter deeply inspired her, leading her to forge a career as a brain surgeon, parachutist, and helicopter pilot, shattering glass ceilings in both medicine and military.In her distinguished career, she was promoted to the rank of general, making her the first female general in the French Army, a title that highlighted her groundbreaking role in a historically male-dominated field. Valérie André's valor in the First Indochina War earned her five Croix de Guerre medals for bravery, as she completed 120 combat missions and transported 168 wounded soldiers — including enemy combatants — from war-torn regions to hospitals.The French Ministry of Defense commemorated her legacy, recalling her determination to open pathways for women in various airs of military responsibility: “It all began with the dream of a 10-year-old girl, flying like a star," said spokeswoman Olivia Penichou. Though the announcement did not specify survivors, it is evident that her legacy in both medicine and aviation will inspire future generations.
