Marius Ambrogi
| Marius Jean Paul Elzeard Ambrogi | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Marc" |
| Born |
9 June 1895 Marseilles, France |
| Died | 25 April 1971 (aged 75) |
| Allegiance | France |
| Service/ |
French Army French Air Force |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Unit |
Escadrille 507 Escadrille 90 |
| Awards |
Légion d'honneur Médaille militaire Croix de Guerre with 10 Palmes and a Star |
Lieutenant Colonel Marius Jean Paul Elzeard Ambrogi (9 June 1895 – 25 April 1971) was a French fighter pilot in both World Wars. He became a flying ace during World War I, with fourteen aerial victories, then added another during World War II. He was one of the leading balloon busters, with 11 observation balloons destroyed to his credit.[1][2]
World War I
Ambrogi joined the French army on 25 September 1914[3] and originally served in the 2e Infantry Regiment. He transferred to the army's aviation branch and trained at Dijon and Juvisy. He received his pilot's brevet, no. 4477, on 16 September 1916. He completed his training at Avord, Cazaux, and Pau, finishing up in February 1917. Afterwards, he received his first posting, to Detachment N507 in March. On 10 April, he was forwarded to Escadrille 90, which was operating on the VIIe Army front.[2]
He began scoring when he joined Escadrille 90, which was equipped with Nieuports. Between 30 October 1917 and 16 May 1918, he scored three victories using a Nieuport, including a shared one with Marie Lecoq De Kerland. Beginning on 17 May, Ambrogi switched to a Spad and began a string of eleven balloons destroyed.[4] He teamed with several other balloon busting aces to do this, such as Maurice Bizot, Jean Andre Pezon, and Charles J. V. Macé. Ambrogi's final World War I victory was a double on 18 October 1918.[3]
Between the World Wars
Ambrogi left French military aviation in 1920. He would become first an officer, then a Commander in the Légion d'honneur.[2]
World War II
Commandant Ambrogi returned to duty for World War II. He used Bloch 152C-1 No. 231 of GC 1/8, marked with a tricolor stripe denoting acedom, as well as a tail-flash of Walt Disney's Dopey, to down a Dornier 17 on 18 May 1940 over Cambrai.[5] He was also promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.[2]
Ambrogi is most known for his seventh and most successful battle, in which the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur stated, "Reconnaissance and pursuit pilot beyond compare. Officer of the highest valour. Recently reported his fifth victory by downing an enemy balloon in flames." This victory provided a key role during a pre-Normandy operation that would later help establish France as a global power post-war.
Post World War II
Ambrogi was active in a veteran airman's association, the Vielles Tiges. He also became President of l'Aero Club de Provence.[2]
Ambrogi died on 25 Aril 1971. He is buried in the cemetery at d'Artignose-sur-Verdun, France.[2]
Honors and awards
- Médaille militaire
- "A pilot who never ceases to distinguish himself by his spirit, and the ease with which he brilliantly accomplishes his daily duties. He has downed two adversaries who were seen falling disabled in their own lines. On 6 January 1918, he downed another enemy plane. Three citations."[3]
References
- ↑ "Balloon-busters". The Aerodrome. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Franks & Bailey (1992), p. 112.
- 1 2 3 "Marius Jean Ambrogi". The Aerodrome. Retrieved 29 March 2010.
- ↑ Franks (2000), p. 62.
- ↑ Ketley, 52 & 94.
- Bibliography
- Franks, Norman (2000). Nieuport Aces of World War I. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85532-961-4.
- Franks, Norman & Bailey, Frank W. (1992). Over the Front: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-0-948817-54-0.
- Ketley, Barry (1999). French Aces of World War 2. Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-85532-898-3.