Colonel Marcel Marc Dhôme began his military career during World War I, when he became a flying ace credited with nine confirmed aerial victories.

On 28 April, he reached a frontline unit when he was stationed with Escadrille 81[1] as a Spad VII pilot.

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.

[4] 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[5] and 1929,[6] a Sandford in 1923,[7] a Morgan in 1924,[6] and a Darmont-Morgan Blackburne in 1927.

[9] 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.

[11] Médaille Militaire "Brilliant pursuit pilot possessing courage and moral values.

Médaille Militaire citation, 2 January 1918[11] Légion d'Honneur "Elite officer of superb bravery and spirit.

Constantly distinguishing himself as a pilot without equal by his scorn of danger and by his skill in combat.