Allegiance France Years of service 1913 – 1955 | Rank Colonel Name Marcel Dhome | |
Died 6 May 1960(1960-05-06) (aged 67) Service/branch Aviation; infantry; aviation Unit 1e Groupe Aeronautique, 2e Groupe de Aviation, 140e Regiment d\'Infanterie, 1e Groupe de Aviation, Escadrille 81 | ||
Colonel Marcel Marc Dhôme began his military career during World War I, when he became a flying ace credited with nine confirmed aerial victories. He also served his nation in World War II, and during the Korean War.
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World War I
On 22 October 1913, Dhôme voluntarily enlisted for three years military service. He was assigned to aviation. After World War I broke out, on 25 September 1914, he was transferred to infantry duty. While in this assignment, he was wounded by shrapnel in the right thigh on 10 June. On 1 October 1915, he was transferred back to aviation to attend pilot's training. On 16 November, he reported to the aviation school at Buc. On 5 February 1916, Dhôme received his Military Pilot's Brevet, No. 2624. Six days later, he was promoted to Corporal. On 10 August 1916, he was assigned to instruct at Juvisy. On 14 December 1916, he was promoted to Sergeant.
Dhôme was then rotated through schools at Avord, Cazaux, and Pau. On 2 March 1917, he was stationed at Villacoublay. On 28 April, he reached a frontline unit when he was stationed with Escadrille 81 as a Spad VII pilot. He scored his first win on 12 August 1917. He shared his second triumph with another pilot a week later. After his third victory on 23 September, he was advanced to Adjutant on 15 November 1917. He downed an enemy plane on both the 11th and 15 December to become an ace, a feat which earned him the Médaille militaire to add to his Croix de guerre.
Dhôme received his MM on 2 January 1918. Two days later, he shared his sixth victory with Henri Péronneau. Dhôme would reap three more wins during 1918, including a win over an observation balloon (which was shared with Armand de Turenne). On 11 August, Dhôme was awarded the Légion d'honneur. On 24 September, he was commissioned a Sous lieutenant.
Post World War I
Dhôme competed in motor racing during the 1920s and 1930s, driving three- and four-wheeled cyclecars. Scattered records show him campaigning a Lombard in 1922 and 1929, a Sandford in 1923, a Morgan in 1924, and a Darmont-Morgan Blackburne in 1927. His last known entry in racing came in 1931. This was the same year he registered his private plane there in France; on 26 June 1931, he was listed as a part-owner for Potez 36.14 with civil marking FALJY.
He would be elevated within the Légion d'honneur to Officier in December 1932.
Dhôme also served during World War II, commanding Groupe de Chasse 1/55 and rising to the rank of commandant. He would be promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1945. In May 1947, he reached the top level of the Legion, becoming a Commandeur.
Marcel Marc Dhôme retired as a colonel on 24 January 1955.