Helicopter Heroine: Valerie Andre-Surgeon, Pioneer Rescue Pilot, and Her Courage Under Fire

Valérie André was a pioneering military aviator who became the first woman to fly a helicopter in combat and one of the first three helicopter medevac pilots. She flew over 150 rescue missions during the French war in Indochina and parachuted into the field twice, risking her life to treat the wounded. André was born in Strasbourg, France, in 1922 and faced challenges as a woman wanting to fly. During World War II, she studied medicine in Paris and volunteered for mobile surgical units in French Indochina. She became a legend in Indochina, known as "the woman who comes down from the sky" and "Mrs. Ventilator." After Indochina, she continued to innovate in military aviation and medicine and advocated for womens integration into the French military.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2023
Publisher: Stackpole Books

Valérie André, a remarkable military aviator of the 20th century, holds a significant place in history. She achieved groundbreaking feats by becoming the first woman to fly a helicopter in combat and one of the pioneering helicopter medevac pilots. During the French war in Indochina, André undertook over 150 helicopter rescue missions, including notable ones at Dien Bien Phu. Her bravery was evident as she parachuted into the field twice, risking her life to tend to the wounded, regardless of their nationality or allegiance.

André's journey began in Strasbourg, France, in 1922, where her passion for flying was ignited at a young age. However, she faced gender-based obstacles as she pursued her dream. While boys received government-funded flight lessons, André had to fund her own education by tutoring. Undeterred, she persevered and completed her medical studies in Paris during World War II, despite the threat of arrest by the Gestapo.

In the late 1940s, André was assigned to an army hospital in Saigon, French Indochina, where she trained as a neurosurgeon. Her dedication and skill were evident as she performed over 100 procedures monthly. When the French medical corps developed mobile surgical units to be air-dropped into military outposts, André eagerly volunteered, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to aiding the wounded.

As the service acquired a few primitive helicopters, André once again stepped forward, eager to learn the art of flying them in combat. Despite the challenges she faced, including navigating through bullets and bombs, fatigue, parasitic illness, and mechanical issues with the helicopters, André's determination and skill propelled her to become a legend in Indochina. The Vietnamese hailed her as "the woman who comes down from the sky" and "Mrs. Ventilator."

André's contributions to aviation and medicine were immense. She paved the way for women in military aviation and demonstrated the invaluable role of helicopters in combat. Her bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations.

In conclusion, Valérie André's remarkable life and achievements serve as a testament to the power of determination, courage, and innovation. Her legacy as a military aviator and pioneer in battlefield medicine will forever be remembered.

Weight: 774g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780811771924