Caroline Aigle
Caroline Aigle | |
|---|---|
French Air Force | |
| Years of service | 2000-2007 |
| Rank |  Commandant |
| Unit | 2/2 Squadron |
Background
Born in
Career
After graduating from the Polytechnique, Aigle chose to join the
Aigle was a keen athlete and represented the Air Force in inter-service sports competitions. She was the 1997 French military champion in
Death
Aigle was pregnant when she was first diagnosed with rapidly progressing cancer, and refused to undergo an abortion despite the increased difficulty in cancer treatment options.[1] Her son Gabriel was delivered by caesarean section, five-and-a half months into term, fifteen days before her death on 21 August 2007. She and her husband already had one other child.[4]
On 2 October 2007, President Sarkozy posthumously awarded her the Médaille de l'Aéronautique (Aeronautics Medal).
Personal life
Aigle was married to Christophe "Douky" Deketelaere (born 27 September 1964), a former Air Force fighter pilot and deputy leader of the Breitling Jet Team. They had two sons, Marc and Gabriel.
See also
- Marie Marvingt - the first woman to fly in combat for France.
References
- ^ a b "From fighter pilot to courageous mother: the story of Caroline Aigle". Catholic News Agency. 26 September 2007.
- ^ "Ministère de la Défense". 2007-11-12. Archived from the original on 2007-11-12. Retrieved 2023-05-12.
- ^ "Adieu à une princesse de l'armée de l'air" (in French). La Dépêche du Midi. 6 September 2007.
- ^ "Courage. Elle sauve son bébé avant de mourir" (in French). La Dépêche du Midi. 6 September 2007.
- A brief magazine interview {in French} with Caroline Aigle
- Caroline Aigle biographical details {in French}
- Caroline Aigle identity card {in French} with date and place of birth
- Announcement {in French} of the birth of Caroline Aigle's and "Douky" Deketelaere's son Marc on 12 July 2005
- Text of the eulogy delivered at Caroline Aigle's funeral mass (in French)
External links
