The name Dassault originated from his brother's resistance codename, a linguistic play on the French term for an assault tank. Born Marcel Ferdinand Bloch in 1892, he emerged from a career defined by aviation invention and industrial manufacturing to become one of the most significant figures in the French aerospace sector during the twentieth century.
Formative Years and Education
Born in the 9th arrondissement of Paris to Adolphe Bloch and Noémie Allatini, he received his education at the Lycée Condorcet. He pursued technical studies at ESIEE Paris and the Institut Supérieur de l'Aérologie et de l'Espace, later known as Supaéro. During his time at the latter, he studied alongside Mikhail Gurevich, who would eventually influence the design of the MiG aircraft series.
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During World War I, he served at the French Aeronautics Research Laboratory in Chalais-Meudon, developing a new type of aircraft propeller. He co-founded the Société d'Études Aéronautiques in 1916 and later established the Société des Avions Marcel Bloch in 1928. His professional life faced severe disruption during the German occupation of France when he refused to collaborate, leading to his imprisonment at the Buchenwald concentration camp.
Post-War Industrial Expansion
Following his release from Buchenwald in 1945, he resumed his industrial activities and legally changed his name to Dassault. His business interests expanded significantly, eventually including roles as a media proprietor and film producer. He acquired the landmark property at 7 and 9 rond-point des Champs-Élysées in 1952. His influence was acknowledged through numerous distinctions, including the Daniel Guggenheim Medal in 1976 and the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.
Political Engagement
Beyond his industrial career, he maintained a long-term presence in French governance. He served as a member of the French National Assembly across several terms, beginning in 1951 and continuing intermittently until 1986. His parliamentary career spanned thirty-five years, reflecting a dual commitment to both the private aerospace sector and the public political life of France.
Fast facts
- Born: 1892, 9th arrondissement of Paris
- Died: 1986, Neuilly-sur-Seine
- Original Name: Marcel Ferdinand Bloch
- Education: ESIEE Paris and Supaéro
- Major Award: Daniel Guggenheim Medal (1976)
- Political Office: Member of the French National Assembly
- Religion: Roman Catholic (converted in 1950)
Questions readers ask
Why did he change his surname from Bloch to Dassault?
He adopted the name after the pseudonym used by his brother, Darius Paul Bloch, during his service in the French Resistance.
What was his involvement in the French Parliament?
He served as a member of the French National Assembly intermittently from 1951 until his death in 1986.
Achievements
- Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
- Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Educated at Lycée Condorcet, ESIEE Paris and Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace
- Worked as aerospace engineer, inventor and entrepreneur
