ICM Normandy-Neman. Plane of Marcel Lefevre(Yak-9T w.M.Lefevre figure)

As part of the agreement between the National Committee of Free France and the government of the Soviet Union, Fighter Group No. 3 was formed in September 1942, which soon evolved into the Normandy Squadron. On December 4, 1942, the squadron was integrated into the Soviet Air Forces and began combat operations in April 1943. On July 5, 1943, the squadron became the 1st Fighter Regiment "Normandie," which later became known as "Normandie-Neman." Marcel Lefevre was one of the first pilots to join the unit. After training on Soviet aircraft, he achieved his first victory on the Eastern Front in May 1943, shooting down an Hs-126 fighter plane and then a Me-109 fighter plane. Lefevre was an inventive and skillful pilot in combat, energetic and forward-thinking. His experience and skill made him something of a mentor for the new French pilots of the regiment.