Pierre Clostermann was a notable French fighter pilot and writer, born on February 28, 1921, in Curitiba, Brazil, and passed away on March 22, 2006, in Montesquieu-des-Albères, France. His career and writings provide a vivid account of aerial warfare during World War II.
Clostermann was the son of Madeleine Carlier and Jacques Clostermann, a French diplomat. His early years were spent in Brazil, but his family moved to France where he completed his education. He studied engineering at the École Nationale Supérieure d'Électrotechnique, d'Électronique, d'Informatique et d'Hydraulique de Toulouse before joining the French Army.
After the fall of France to Nazi Germany in 1940, Clostermann fled to England to join the Free French Forces. He initially served in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, training as a pilot. In 1942, he was assigned to No. 341 Squadron, a French fighter squadron in the RAF, where he flew Supermarine Spitfires and later Hawker Tempests.
Clostermann became one of the most successful Allied fighter pilots, credited with 33 enemy aircraft destroyed, 19 probably destroyed, and many more damaged. His combat experience included operations over France, Belgium, and Germany. His flying skill, bravery, and contribution to the war effort earned him several decorations including the Companion of the Order of Liberation, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two bars, and the Croix de Guerre with 19 palms.
After the war, Clostermann returned to engineering but remained involved in aviation. He founded Société Anonyme Française d'Étude et de Construction (SAFELEC), which later became part of Thales Group. He also served as an advisor to several aviation and defense companies.
Clostermann's most famous work is his memoir, "Le Grand Circus," published in 1948, detailing his wartime experiences. This book has been translated into multiple languages and remains a classic of World War II literature. His other works include "Feux du Ciel" and "Appui-Feu."
His legacy includes not only his contributions to aviation but also his advocacy for French aviation history and veterans. In 1994, he was made an Officer of the Legion of Honour.