André Salvat
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
France
Free FranceAndré Salvat | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 16 May 1920 Prades, Pyrénées-Orientales, France |
| Died | 9 February 2017 (aged 96) Perpignan, France |
| Allegiance | France Free France |
| Branch | Army |
| Service years | 1938–1973 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Awards | Legion of Honour Order of Liberation Croix de Guerre Colonial Medal Médaille Commémorative de la Campagne d'Indochine Croix de la Vaillance Vietnamienne Croix Militaire de 1ère classe |
André Salvat (16 May 1920 – 9 February 2017) was a colonel in the French Army. He was a veteran of World War II, the First Indochina War and the Algerian War. He was made a Companion of the Liberation for his World War II service.
André Salvat was born on 16 May 1920 in Prades near Perpignan.[1] His father was a veteran of World War I and his mother was a shopkeeper.[2] He was educated in a military preparatory school in Perpignan.[1][2]
World War II
Salvat joined the French Army in May 1938.[1][2] By July 1939, he was a sergeant under General Eugène Mittelhauser, stationed in Tripoli, Libya.[1][2] Salvat refused to accept the armistice of 22 June 1940 and joined the Free France forces in Mandatory Palestine under Captain Raphaël Folliot.[2] Stationed in Moascar, Egypt, he fought in the Battle of Sidi Barrani, Sollum, Bardia, the Siege of Tobruk, Benghazi and El Agueila under Lieutenant Roger Barberot.[2] He fought in the First Battle of El Alamein in Egypt in July 1942 under General Marie-Pierre Kœnig and the Second Battle of El Alamein in October–November 1942.[1] He became a lieutenant in December 1943 and fought in the Italian campaign.[1] He subsequently received the Colonial Medal for his service in Libya.[2]
Salvat returned to France on 17 August 1944, landing in Provence, where he joined the French Resistance.[1] He subsequently fought in the Battle of Alsace and the Battle of Authion.[1] He became a Companion of the Liberation for his service.[1][3][4] He also received the Croix de Guerre.[2]