Didier Masson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 23 February 1886 Asnières, France |
| Died | 2 June 1950 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico |
| Allegiance | France/United States |
| Service | Infantry; aviation |
| Rank | Adjutant |
| Unit | 129eme Regiment d'Infanterie, 36eme Regiment d'Infanterie, Escadrille 18, Escadrille 16, Lafayette Escadrille |
Didier Masson (23 February 1886 – 2 June 1950) was a pioneering French aviator. He was born in Asnières, France.[2] He died and was buried in Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.[3] Among his adventures was his life as a pioneering barnstormer, being the second flier in history to bomb a surface warship, as well as combat service in the Lafayette Escadrille with Edwin C. Parsons and Charles Nungesser. In one of the more unusual aerial victories of history, Masson shot down an enemy plane after his own plane's motor quit running. Later in life, he was a manager for pioneer Pan American World Airways, as well as a French consular officer.
- ^ "Where is Didier Masson?".
- ^ SPA124 Lafayette Escadrille: American Volunteer Airmen in World War 1. p. 14.
- ^ "Pioneering Air-Sea Engagement". www.earlyaviators.com. Retrieved 18 November 2010.[title missing]