Cpt. av. Pretor D. Dimitrie

[Mihai Popteanu]

I read in the book "Cavalerii bimotoarelor de asalt " by Cornel Marandiuc , not very good references in respect of the Cpt. av. Pretor D. Dimitrie , squadron leader of 60 Squadron from 8 Group Assault . In the same time I saw that he become on 3/10/1944, Knight of the Michael the Brave Order. Does anybody know the truth about this aviator ? Can be considered a coward as he was described in the book or we talk about a hero?

This post has been edited by Mihai Popteanu on January 31, 2010 08:51 pm

[contras]

I don't know the book, would you give us more info?

[Mihai Popteanu]

The book is edited by Modelism in 2000. It`s about 8 Group Assault airmen .

[D13-th_Mytzu]

Cornel Marandiuc is a famous name when talking about ww2 aviation historians/writers, he also made a free printed magazine called "Orizont Aviatic" (you can find it online - google it). His most known book would be "Inimi cat sa cuprinda cerul patriei".
He wrote "Cavalerii bimotoarelor de asalt" during comunist days however he was only able to publish it after 1989. Some of the info you find in both books need to be very well considered - for example he did not have acces to correct info about Bazu Cantacuzino and in his book "Inimi cat sa cuprinda cerul patriei" he issuesd some really nasty affirmations about Bazu, however later he admited he was wrong to talk about him like that... It wasn't bad intention, just not enough documentation, which during those days can easily be understood.He is actually an extraordinary man which had the guts during comunism times to talk about taboo issues (did I mention he tried to publish "Cavalerii bimotoarelor de asalt" during comunist era ? )

[Vranceanu]

I agree about Cornel Marandiuc, he is an extraordinary man and author, with great talent and his books are very interesting. He had a personal maner of wrinting aviation's history, so attrractive.

The fact Pretor received Mihai Viteazul Order did not mean he couldn't be a bad man...

This post has been edited by Vranceanu on September 16, 2012 10:15 pm