Crédit MNHM (Musée National d'Histoire Militaire du Luxembourg) ©
France Libre (Free French)
Engagement date :
08/04/1943
Matricule :
10022FN43
1er Bataillon de Fusiliers Marins Commandos
Service duration
Engagement date :
17/01/1944
Release date :
02/11/1944
290
days
Assigned troop
Troop 8
Rank upon leaving the battalion
Private
Missions
D-Day landings
Normandy Campaign
Landing at Flushing
Netherlands Campaign
Raids
Badge(s)
189
225
Injury(ies)
Died for France
Decorations and Citations
Decorations
Médaille Militaire posthumously
Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 with a silver-gilt star
Citations
“A Luxembourger, enlisted in the Free French Forces. Volunteered for the commandos, he took part with his unit in the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 at Ouistreham, as well as in the entire Normandy campaign.
During the landing at Flushing on 1 November 1944, cut off from his unit and isolated behind German lines, he refused to surrender and continued fighting alone, attempting to rejoin his company until he was mortally wounded. He locked himself in a room to prevent the enemy from discovering him. He was found a few hours later by our troops during a counterattack and died while being evacuated.”
Call for Testimonies
The Association des Familles de Commandos de la France Libre works to restore the full history of these men, beyond just June 6, 1944. Testimonies and family archives help keep alive the memory of all the men who served in the unit between 1942 and 1945.
If you have stories, documents, or memories to share, please contact us. Your contribution is invaluable in preserving their legacy.
Collection Famille Kieffer ©