Pierre Wertheim

See also Aerial victory standards of World War I

Pierre Armand Wertheim was born on 17 March 1888 in Paris.[2]

He began his required military service on 7 October 1909, becoming an infantryman. On 24 September 1911, he was released to reserve duty. The start of World War I saw him recalled to duty. However, on 8 August 1914, he went to hospital. He returned to his regiment in a few days, being tasked as a machine gunner. He served in that role until 30 March 1916, when he was sent for pilot training.[2]

Wertheim graduated primary training with his Military Pilot's Brevet on 9 September 1916. After advanced training, he was posted to Escadrille N.84 on 3 February 1917. On 5 December 1917, he was raised from the enlisted ranks to the rank of temporary Sous lieutenant.[2]

Wertheim shot down a German two-seated airplane with his SPAD on 16 February 1918, then downed a couple of Fokker Dr.1 triplanes on 31 March. On 20 April, he became a permanent Sous lieutenant. The next day, he teamed with Lieutenant Jean Chaput to down a Pfalz D.III fighter for a fourth victory.[2]

On 3 August 1918, Wertheim was inducted into the Legion d'honneur. On the 28th, he was given command of his squadron, which had been outfitted with SPADs to become Escadrille Spa.84. On 9 September 1918, he was promoted to temporary Lieutenant. On 10 October 1918, he managed the highly hazardous task of destroying an observation balloon, to become an ace.[2]

Pierre Wertheim also served during World War II in the rank of Capitaine.[2]

• Chevalier of the Legion d'honneur awarded 3 August 1918[3]

• Appointed Officer of the Legion d'honneur on 24 December 1936

• Decreed Commander of the Legion d'honneur on 13 July 1961[2]

• Croix de guerre with four palmes and three etoiles de vermeil[4]

• Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank (1993). Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918. London, UK: Grub Street Publishing.