Early Life
Born at Mouilleron-en-Pareds (Vendée), in the same village of WWI leader Georges Clemenceau, to an aristocratic family, he graduated from officer school in 1911 (ranked 5th in his class in Saint-Cyr), fought in World War I and was wounded twice. He specialized in cavalry and was made head of the French War College in 1935. After World War I, he served as an officer in the French headquarters during the Rif War.
He entered General Weygand's headquarters in 1932. Weygand had the choice between de Lattre and de Gaulle and chose de Lattre because of his superior rank and honors. De Lattre then served in the headquarters of an infantry regiment at Metz.
Read more about this topic: Jean De Lattre De Tassigny
Famous quotes containing the words early and/or life:
“Women who marry early are often overly enamored of the kind of man who looks great in wedding pictures and passes the maid of honor his telephone number.”
—Anna Quindlen (b. 1952)
“The happiest excitement in life is to be convinced that one is fighting for all one is worth on behalf of some clearly seen and deeply felt good, and against some greatly scorned evil.”
—Ruth Benedict (1887–1948)