Origins & Early Life

Marie Félicie Élisabeth Marvingt (French pronunciation: [maʁi maʁvɛ̃]; 20 February 1875 – 14 December 1963) was a French athlete, mountaineer, aviator, and journalist. She was the first woman to climb many of the peaks in the French and Swiss Alps. Marvingt was a record-breaking balloonist, and during World War I she became the first female combat pilot. She won numerous prizes for her sporting achievements including those of swimming, cycling, mountain climbing, winter sports, ballooning, flying, riding, gymnastics, athletics, rifle shooting, and fencing.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She was also a qualified surgical nurse, was the first trained and certified flight nurse in the world, and worked for the establishment of air ambulance services throughout the world. In 1903 Mr. de Château-Thierry de Beaumanoir named her "the fiancée of danger", which newspapers used to describe her for the rest of her life. It is also included on the commemorative plaque on the façade of the house where she lived at 8 Place de la Carrière, Nancy. Marie Félicie Élisabeth Marvingt was born at 6:30 p.m on 20 February 1875, in Aurillac, the prefecture of the French department of Cantal.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1875 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1875
• February 20 (02-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 20
• 1963 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1963
• December 14 (12-14) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 14