Early Life and Military Career

Yves Ezanno was born on 14 July 1912 in Clamart, a town in the Île-de-France region of France. He was certified as an observer in April 1937 and assigned to the 3rd Squadron of the 21st Wing, marking the beginning of his military aviation career.

Training and Promotion

Promoted to lieutenant in April 1939, Ezanno obtained his pilot's license and was assigned to the 101st Flight School in Saint-Cyr as an instructor officer, where he trained other pilots and contributed to France’s aviation readiness before the war escalated.

Refusal of Armistice and Joining the Free French Forces

Refusing the armistice with Nazi Germany, Ezanno joined England on 17 June 1940. He enlisted in the Free French Forces and underwent training on a Spitfire, a British fighter aircraft, in August 1940, preparing for combat operations abroad.

Operations in Africa and the Middle East

Arriving in Cameroon in October 1940, Ezanno became commander of the 4th Squadron of the 1st French Colonial Group. He participated in operations in Gabon using Lysander aircraft in November 1940 and later joined the 2nd French Bomber Squadron for operations in Libya in March 1941.

Leadership in Bomber and Fighter Groups

In September 1941, Ezanno was assigned to the "Lorraine" Bomber Group, within the "Nancy" Squadron, where he conducted 43 sorties. In March 1943, after training on a Boston, he took command of the "Metz" Squadron and later trained on a Typhoon, a British fighter plane, before joining the RAF.

Combat in Normandy and Injuries

Attached to Fighter Squadron No. 198 of the RAF in April 1944, Ezanno distinguished himself by destroying a German headquarters on 28 May 1944. During the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, he attacked enemy armored vehicles in Normandy, conducting a total of 90 sorties before being shot down over Walcheren in November 1944.

Post-War Command and Decorations

After recovering from his injuries, Ezanno took command of the Meknès Fighter School and was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He received numerous military decorations, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and several war medals, reflecting his extensive service and bravery.

Later Career and Legacy

Ezanno served in Indochina and Korea as an inspector of fighter aviation and later commanded the Saint-Dizier base. He held high-ranking positions within NATO and the French military, reaching the rank of air corps general. He retired in 1967 with over 5,230 flight hours and died on 20 October 1996 in Nice, leaving a legacy of service and leadership in aviation.