Armand
Pinsard
Country: France
Rank: Capitaine
Service: French Air Service
Units: MS23; N26, N78; Spa23
Victories: 27
Date Of Birth: May 28, 1887
Place of Birth: Nercillac
Date Of Death: May 10, 1953
Place of Death: Ceyzeriat
Pinsard joined the army in 1906 and was decorated twice for
service in Africa. In 1912, he transferred to the French Air
Service and was serving with MS23 when the war began. On February
8, 1915, he was captured when his aircraft was forced down behind
enemy lines. More than a year later, after several unsuccessful
escape attempts, he and another prisoner succeeded in tunnelling
through a 12 foot wall and escaped from a German prison. Promoted
to Lieutenant and retrained on aircraft developed during his
incarceration, Pinsard returned to combat duty with N26 and went
on to become a leading ace for France. During World War II, he
served with Groupe de Classe 21, losing a leg during a bombing
raid on June 6, 1940.
Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur
"Has shown, under particularly difficult circumstances,
exceptional energy and tenacity. Assigned to an escadrille de
chasse, at his request, he has had numerous combats during the
course of which his plane was riddled by bullets. On August 7.
1916, during an infantry attack, he made six strafing runs from a
height of 200 meters as German reserves massed for a counter
attack. Already cited twice." Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur
citation
Officier de la Légion d'Honneur
"Incomparable escadrille commander, and at the same time an
admirable pilot. Constant example of self-denial, spirit and
sacrifice, a model of bravery, audacity and strength. Possesses
the highest qualities of a leading pilot. Seriously wounded in
1917, he returned to take his place at the front and continue his
glorious exploits, bringing his total to 25 victories. Chevalier
de la Légion d'Honneur for feats of war, cited 13 times in army
orders." Officier de la Légion d'Honneur citation.