Jacques Ortoli

Name: Jacques Toussaint Francois Ortoli
Country: France
Rank: Lieutenant
Service: French Air Service
Units: MF8; N31, N77; Spa57
Victories: 11
Date Of Birth: July 16, 1895
Place of Birth: Poggio di Tallano
Date Of Death: June 19, 1947
Place of Death: Tunis

Ortoli joined the army on September 2, 1914. He already had a civilian pilot's license, and was assigned to the French Air Service, receiving a Pilot's Brevet on September 30, 1914. Ortoli joined Escadrille MF8 on October 15, 1914, he scored his first victory in April 1915 but was wounded in action on July 8, 1915.

Returning to duty on September 3, he was assigned to N31 on October 7, 1915 and scored his second and third victories in June of 1916. He was reassigned to N77 on September 24 1916, he remained with this unit for only a short time before rejoining N31 on January 16, 1917. Following a promotion in April of 1918, he assumed command of Spa57 on May 10, 1918. Ortoli served with this unit until the end of the war, scoring eight more victories. Ortoli also served in the French military during World War II.

Médaille Militaire
"A pilot of exceptional skill and audacity. On June 4, 1916 he succeeded in downing an enemy plane behind our lines; he had already shot down two others in the enemy lines on April 28, 1915 and February 21, 1916." Médaille Militaire citation, June 13, 1916

Légion d'Honneur
"Magnificent soldier and incomparable pilot with an admirable desire for combat. Has shot down eight enemy planes, and has shown intelligence, tenacity and rare courage in his long distance reconnaissances. Cited five times in orders and the Médaille Militaire." Légion d'Honneur citation