Biography

Pierre Messmer was born on March 20, 1916 in Vincennes, Val-de-Marne, France. He died on August 29, 2007 in Paris, France.

Prime Minister of France (1972-1974).

After the war, he entered politics. He was appointed prime minister in 1972 by president Georges Pompidou. Following Pompidou's death in 1974, Messmer was considered a potential successor. However, he was out-maneuvered by his rivals, and he never held another major political office.

He became a member of the French Resistance in 1940. He participated in major campaigns in North Africa, and took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

French Minister of Armies (February 5, 1960 to June 22, 1969).