General Valérie André, the First Woman to Fly Helicopter Rescue in a Combat Zone

BACKGROUND: General Valérie André flew away one last time. She died at the age of 102 on January 21, 2025. A flight surgeon, paratrooper, helicopter pilot, and pioneer of medical evacuations, she was the first woman in France to attain the rank of general. Decorated with the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor, the highest French civilian and military decoration, and the United States Legion of Merit, Valérie André remains an icon of resilience and service, an inspiration to all who strive to make a difference. She was a pioneer among pioneers, always the first. She was the first woman to pilot a helicopter in a combat zone, performing over 500 medical evacuations during her career, sometimes under enemy fire during the Indochina War. Her courage shattered barriers, and her legacy as one of the most decorated women in the world speaks to her extraordinary dedication. Her second battle was fought in the civilian world, far from the battlefields. Her personal campaign: the integration of women into the armed forces, where she was also a pioneer.

Sauvet F. General Valérie André, the first woman to fly helicopter rescue in a combat zone. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2025; 96(7):593–595.