Philippe Erulin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 5 July 1932 Dole, France |
| Died | 26 September 1979 (aged 47) Paris, France |
| Allegiance |  France |
| Service/ | |
| Years of service | 1952-1979 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands | 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment 2e REP |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Commander of the Légion d'honneur Croix de la Valeur militaire |
Philippe Louis Edmé Marie François Erulin (5 July 1932 – 26 September 1979) was a senior French military officer. He is best known as the Colonel Commandant of the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment 2e REP, who directed the military intervention in Zaïre during the Shaba II conflict against rebels of the Congolese National Liberation Front (FLNC).
His regiment was the success in the Battle of Kolwezi which resulted in the rescuing of hostages who were held hostage by the FLNC rebels. However, Erulin was later accused of having used torture during the Algeria War; an accusation that remains unsubstantiated and controversial. He came from a family of renowned officers and military traditions.