Mirage F1 CT 1942-2002 60 years Normandie-Niemen celebration livery
For those who wonder why a Russian red star on a french aircraft
see explanations on the description
For those who wonder why a Russian red star on a french aircraft
The Normandie-Niemen Fighter Regiment (French: Régiment de Chasse Normandie-Niémen – (Russian: Нормандия-Неман) has adopted different formations and designations since 1942. Originally formed as Groupe de Chasse Normandie 3 in 1942, then redesignated as a regiment (with and without the "Niemen" designation in the same year) in 1944, then given four different squadron numbers (1953, 1962, 1993, and 1995), and later two regiment designations (2008 and 2011).
The unit served on the Eastern Front of the European Theatre of World War II with the 1st Air Army. The regiment is notable for being one of only three units from Western Allied countries to see combat on the Eastern Front during World War II, and Normandie-Niemen was the only Western Allied unit that fought with the Soviet forces until the end of the war in Europe.[2][3]
Initially, the Groupe de Chasse 3 (GC 3) (3rd Fighter Group) in the Free French Air Force comprised a group of French fighter pilots sent to aid Soviet forces on the Eastern Front at the suggestion of Charles de Gaulle, leader of the Free French Forces, who felt it important that French servicemen serve on all fronts in the war. The group, first commanded by Jean Tulasne, fought in three campaigns on behalf of the Soviet Union between 22 March 1943 and 9 May 1945, when it destroyed 273 enemy aircraft and received numerous orders, citations and decorations from both the Free French and Soviet governments, including the French Légion d'Honneur and the Soviet Order of the Red Banner. Joseph Stalin awarded the unit the name Niemen for its participation in the Battle of the Niemen River.
more infos here
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escadron_de_Chasse_2/30_Normandie-Niemen
