Romanian Forces

Pilot of Seaplane Flotilla

Lieutenant Traian Popteanu ( born : 7 April1912 in Margau , Cluj County , Romania ) pilot of Seaplane Flotilla (photo from October 1941). He executed during the war about 150 war missions (in particular reconnaissance mission in the Black Sea and anti-submarine escort for the convoys of vessels) in the period June 22, 1941 - June 1944. For his merits in this period is distinguished with the rank of Knight of Aeronautical Virtue Order. He retired from Royal Rumanian Air Force in September 1946 with the rank of Captain - Commander (equivalent to Lieutenant Colonel). After the war he was arrested by the communists and run 4 years of political detention between December 26, 1950 to December 24, 1954. Died January 4, 1997 in Constanta , with the rank of Commander in retirement (equivalent to Colonel).