Pierre Wertheim

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Not to be confused with the French businessman Pierre Wertheimer.
Pierre Armand Wertheim alias Pierre Armand Wertheimer
Born17 March 1888
Paris, France
Died30 April 1971
Paris, France
AllegianceFrance
Service/branchAviation
RankCapitaine
UnitEscadrille N.84
Commands heldEscadrille Spa.84
AwardsLegion d'Honneur
Croix de Guerre

Capitaine Pierre Armand Wertheim, alias Pierre Armand Wertheimer, (17 March 1888 – 30 April 1971) was a French World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1]

Biography[]

See also Aerial victory standards of World War I

Pierre Armand Wertheim was born on 17 March 1888 in Paris.[2]

He began his required military service on 7 October 1909, becoming an infantryman. On 24 September 1911, he was released to reserve duty. The start of World War I saw him recalled to duty. However, on 8 August 1914, he went to hospital. He returned to his regiment in a few days, being tasked as a machine gunner. He served in that role until 30 March 1916, when he was sent for pilot training.[2]

Wertheim graduated primary training with his Military Pilot's Brevet on 9 September 1916. After advanced training, he was posted to Escadrille N.84 on 3 February 1917. On 5 December 1917, he was raised from the enlisted ranks to the rank of temporary Sous lieutenant.[2]

Wertheim shot down a German two-seated airplane with his SPAD on 16 February 1918, then downed a couple of Fokker Dr.1 triplanes on 31 March. On 20 April, he became a permanent Sous lieutenant. The next day, he teamed with Lieutenant Jean Chaput to down a Pfalz D.III fighter for a fourth victory.[2]

On 3 August 1918, Wertheim was inducted into the Legion d'honneur. On the 28th, he was given command of his squadron, which had been outfitted with SPADs to become Escadrille Spa.84. On 9 September 1918, he was promoted to temporary Lieutenant. On 10 October 1918, he managed the highly hazardous task of destroying an observation balloon, to become an ace.[2]

Pierre Wertheim also served during World War II in the rank of Capitaine.[2]

Honors and awards[]

  • Appointed Officer of the Legion d'honneur on 24 December 1936
  • Decreed Commander of the Legion d'honneur on 13 July 1961[2]
  • Croix de guerre with four palmes and three etoiles de vermeil[4]

End notes[]

  1. ^ The Aerodrome website page on Wertheim [1] Retrieved on 10 September 2020
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918, p. 227
  3. ^ The Aerodrome website page on the Legion d'honneur [2] Retrieved on 10 September 2020
  4. ^ The Aerodrome website page on the Croix de guerre [3] Retrieved on 10 September 2020

Reference[]

  • 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.


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