# Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque

> French general (1902–1947)

**Wikidata**: [Q312391](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q312391)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippe_Leclerc_de_Hauteclocque)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/philippe-leclerc-de-hauteclocque

## Summary
Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque was a French general (1902–1947) who served in World War II and the French Resistance. He is best known for his leadership in the Free French Forces and his role in the liberation of France during the war. His military career spanned multiple conflicts and earned him numerous awards, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour and the Croix de guerre.

## Biography
- Born: November 22, 1902
- Nationality: French
- Education:
  - École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (1802–present)
  - Lycée privé Sainte-Geneviève (1854–1967)
  - Cavalry Training School Saumur
- Known for: Leading the Free French Forces and liberating France during World War II
- Employer(s):
  - École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr
  - Lycée privé Sainte-Geneviève
  - Cavalry Training School Saumur
- Field(s): Military leadership, resistance movement

## Contributions
- Led the Free French Forces during World War II, playing a crucial role in the liberation of France.
- Commanded the 2nd Armored Division and the 3rd Army Corps, contributing to military operations in North Africa and Europe.
- Participated in the War in Southern Vietnam (1945–1946) as part of the French Far East Expeditionary Corps.
- Received numerous awards, including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Croix de guerre 1939–1945, and the Distinguished Service Order from the United Kingdom.

## FAQs
**What military roles did Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque hold?**
Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque commanded the 2nd Armored Division and the 3rd Army Corps, leading key military operations during World War II and the French Resistance.

**Which awards did Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque receive?**
He received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Croix de guerre 1939–1945, the Distinguished Service Order, the Resistance Medal, and numerous other decorations from France and allied nations.

**Where did Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque receive his education?**
He attended the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, Lycée privé Sainte-Geneviève, and the Cavalry Training School Saumur.

**What was Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque's role in World War II?**
He led the Free French Forces, played a significant role in the liberation of France, and commanded military units in North Africa and Europe.

**Which conflicts did Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque participate in?**
He served in World War II, the War in Southern Vietnam (1945–1946), and the Rif War (1921–1926).

## Why They Matter
Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque's leadership during World War II and the French Resistance was instrumental in the liberation of France. His military campaigns and strategic contributions earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards. His legacy continues to be celebrated in France and beyond, symbolizing courage and resistance against oppression.

## Notable For
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (1945)
- Croix de guerre 1939–1945
- Distinguished Service Order (1945)
- Resistance Medal (1943)
- Leadership of the Free French Forces during World War II
- Command of the 2nd Armored Division and 3rd Army Corps
- Participation in the War in Southern Vietnam (1945–1946)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque was born on November 22, 1902. He received his military education at the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, Lycée privé Sainte-Geneviève, and the Cavalry Training School Saumur. His early training laid the foundation for his future military career.

### Military Career
Leclerc began his military career in 1924 and served in various capacities, including commanding the 2nd Armored Division and the 3rd Army Corps. His leadership was crucial during World War II, where he played a key role in the liberation of France as part of the Free French Forces.

### Key Military Operations
- **World War II**: Leclerc commanded military units in North Africa and Europe, contributing to the Allied victory.
- **War in Southern Vietnam (1945–1946)**: He participated in this conflict as part of the French Far East Expeditionary Corps.
- **Rif War (1921–1926)**: He served in this conflict, furthering his military experience.

### Awards and Recognition
Leclerc received numerous awards and decorations, including:
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (1945)
- Croix de guerre 1939–1945
- Distinguished Service Order (1945)
- Resistance Medal (1943)
- Silver Star (1945)
- Médaille militaire
- Colonial Medal
- Insignia for the Military Wounded
- Czechoslovak War Cross 1939–1945
- Order of the Million Elephants and the White Parasol
- Order of Glory
- Bronze Star Medal
- Croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures
- Escapees' Medal
- Commemorative medal for voluntary service in Free France
- Médaille commémorative de la guerre 1939–1945
- Croix de guerre (Belgium)
- War Cross (Greece)
- Order of the Bath (UK)

### Legacy and Influence
Leclerc's legacy is deeply tied to the French Resistance and the liberation of France during World War II. His military campaigns and strategic contributions earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards. His actions continue to be celebrated in France and beyond, symbolizing courage and resistance against oppression.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. [Source](https://imagesdefense.gouv.fr/fr/un-voyage-du-general-d-armee-philippe-leclerc-de-hauteclocque-au-maroc.html)
3. Mémoire des hommes
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. www.academieoutremer.fr
6. [Source](https://francearchives.fr/fr/file/ad46ac22be9df6a4d1dae40326de46d8a5cbd19d/FRSHD_PUB_00000355.pdf)
7. SNAC
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. Find a Grave
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
12. GeneaStar
13. Roglo
14. Munzinger Personen
15. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Virtual International Authority File
18. Swiss National Library
19. La France savante
20. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)