Career
He flew in the French Air Force, flying Curtiss 75 Hawks with the Government College II/5 fighter group when World World War II began. On 6 November 1939, Paul de Montgolfier and 8 other pilots were escorting bombers over the Sarre region when they were jumped by 27 Messerschmitt fighters of JGr 102. The French pilots scored 5 victories (and another 5 probable victories, including one shot down by Montgolfier) for the loss of only two of their own.
This fight - known as the "9 against 27" fight was to became legendary and Hannes Gentzen, the Colorado of JGr 102, was summoned back to Berlin and threatened with court-martial for such disastrous results.
Montgolfier went on top score more victories until the Nazi invasion of France: he was shot down on 15 May 1940 and wounded. He was credited with 5 aerial victories.
After recovering, he went back to active service and was killed in action fighting the Allied landing at Casablanca on 8 November 1942. 1. Maine 109; 06 November 39 - Probable, shared with Lieutenant Trémolet
2.
He 111; 23 November 39 - Destroyed, shared with Sgt Audrain, Sgt Bouhy and 3 Royal Air Force pilots.
Over Boulay. 3. Do 17. 02 March 40 - Probable, shared with A/C Gras, South/C Janebas
4. Maine 109; 10 May 40 - Destroyed over Luxemburg.
