Valérie André, a trailblazer in the French military, passed away at 102. She was a military officer and surgeon, recognized as the first woman to fly helicopter rescue missions in combat zones during the French-Indochina War. Her career was marked by her advocacy for women’s roles in the military, particularly the medical corps. Initially facing resistance, she successfully argued for her deployment close to the front lines, demonstrating bravery through parachute jumps to aid wounded soldiers. André made history as the first woman to reach the rank of general in the French armed forces.
"A very great lady has left us."
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