1887-1972 |
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Victor Anastasiu, MD in 1913-1914, when he was Lieutenant Medic (the second medic in the world to become an airplane pilot) Photo from: Realitatea Ilustrata (The Illustrated Reality), year XIII, no. 646, 6th of June, 1939 Edited by "Florin" The beginnings of the Romanian air force Courtesy of Aurelian Simionescu, 12-2-06 |
Via email from Donna Maxwell Lisenby, 6-22-07 He was born in Husi on the 6th of October 1887, the son of Costache and Elise Anastasiu. He and my Grandmother Lola had one child, a daughter Lilianna Tatiana Elizibetha Anastasiu, July 21 1928. My mother married an American Soldier, Vaughn Maxwell in Bucharest 1946. They came back to the USA. My Grandfather Victor died September, 1972 of pancreatic cancer in Bucharest. Lola stayed in Bucharest until 1990 when she came to the USA to live her remaining years with my parents. She died in 1993. My parents had dual citizenship in their retirement years and lived six months of each year in Bucharest in the home that my Grandfather Victor built in Bucharest in 1928. It weathered well over the years. My father is still living however, my mother passed away in 2001. I have fond memories of my late Grandparents, and have numerous photos and memorabilia. I know he would be very proud today. Thank you for your interest. Sincerely, Donna Maxwell Lisenby General Dr. Victor Anastasiu's grand daughter |
Collection of Donna Maxwell Lisenby, 7-12-07 Thank you for your response. Of course I have numerous memorabilia about my Grandfathers history. I have attached some pictures of his early years. He was Knighted by King George V of England as Honorary citizen and was presented the official document by Sir Winston Churchill. I do have the paper and would be happy to mail a copy to you. Victor was also the King of Romania's personal Physician as well. We did not find out until many years later, that he is also on a postage stamp. I do have an extra copy of a book written of his early years, and would be happy to forward a copy to you as well. Prior to her death, my mother provided much information to the people who wrote the book. There are numerous pictures as well, however it is written in Romanian. The last 2 pages of the book are in English. I will forward a copy of his autobiography written by him. His uniforms of course are long gone. I do have several of his medals that I have displayed. His history is definately a interesting topic of discussion. I have shared your interest with my brother Mike as well. He would like to forward you some pictures as well. May I mail you the book to your address that you provided? Sincerely, Donna M. Lisenby |
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1913 : d. lt. dr. Victor Anastasiu. io lectii de pilotaj fiino ostfel ;ptimul medic roman pilot. "1913: Mr. Lieutenant Doctor Victor Anastasiu takes piloting lessons, being this way the first Romanian medic becoming pilot." Photo from: Realitatea Ilustrata (The Illustrated Reality), year XIII, no. 646, 6th of June, 1939 Edited by "Florin" The beginnings of the Romanian air force Courtesy of Aurelian Simionescu, 12-2-06 |
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Victor Anastasiu, MD in 1939, when he was Commander, chief of the medical services of the Romanian Royal Air Force Photo from: Realitatea Ilustrata (The Illustrated Reality), year XIII, no. 646, 6th of June, 1939 Edited by "Florin" The beginnings of the Romanian air force Courtesy of Aurelian Simionescu, 12-2-06 |
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The beginnings of the Romanian air force You may want to use the FIND function on "Anastasiu" to locate the several references to him which are scattered throughout the article. However, if time permits, I think you will want to read the whole, fascinating story. You will recognize that the three photographs on this webpage have come from his article. |
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If you have any more information on this pioneer aviator please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper |
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