On 13 August, Sperrle had approved Leie's preferential promotion to Hauptmann (captain). The Gruppe saw relatively little action in October. In fear of an Allied invasion on the French Mediterranean coast, I. Gruppe was ordered to Marseille-Marignane airfield on 8 November.
On August 13, Sperrle gave Leie a special promotion to Hauptmann (captain). The group had little involvement in October. As a result of fear of an Allied invasion along the French Mediterranean coast, I. Gruppe was relocated to Marseille-Marignane airfield by November 8.