José Falcó Sanmartín (born September 27, 1916, in Barcelona — died May 10, 2014, in Toulouse) was a Spanish aviator who flew with the Spanish Republican Air Force during the Spanish Civil War. Military records credit him with eight confirmed aerial victories. After the war he went into exile and settled in France, where he lived until his death at age 97.
Early life
Born in Barcelona in 1916, Falcó Sanmartín came of age as political tensions in Spain were rising. Details about his family and childhood are limited in public records, but he trained as a pilot and entered military aviation service as the civil conflict intensified.
Service in the Spanish Civil War
During the conflict he served with the Spanish Republican Air Force. Contemporary accounts and official tallies attribute eight confirmed victories to him as a fighter pilot. Like many Republican servicemen, his military career was cut short by the Nationalist victory and the subsequent collapse of the Republic.
Exile and later years
Following the end of the war he left Spain and took refuge in France. He remained there for the rest of his life. Public notices record that he died in Toulouse on 10 May 2014 from natural causes at the age of 97.
Summary
- Name: José Falcó Sanmartín
- Born: September 27, 1916 — Barcelona
- Military role: Pilot, Spanish Republican Air Force
- Conflict: Spanish Civil War
- Combat record: Eight confirmed aerial victories
- Exile: Relocated to France
- Died: May 10, 2014 — Toulouse, aged 97