Collection Famille Kieffer ©
Philippe KIEFFER
Charles, Marie, Joseph, Philippe KIEFFER
Birth
24/10/1899
Port-au-Prince
Haïti
Death
20/11/1962
Cormeilles-en-Parisis
(95 - Val-d'Oise)
63
years old
age at death
Job before the war
Bank manager
Job after the war
Municipal Councillor of Grandcamp-les-Bains
Departmental Councillor for the Canton of Isigny
Head of the Inter-Allied Reparations Agency in Berlin
Head of Administrative Services at NATO
Author
France Libre (Free French)
Engagement date :
01/07/1940
Matricule :
113FNFL
1er Bataillon de Fusiliers Marins Commandos
Service duration
Engagement date :
03/12/1941
Release date :
01/07/1945
1306
days
Assigned troop
Command
Rank upon leaving the battalion
Major
Missions
D-Day landings
Normandy Campaign
Landings at Flushing
Netherlands Campaign
Raids
-
Badge(s)
1
341
354
Injury(ies)
June 6, 1944 – Wounded in the left thigh by a shell fragment during the landing on the beach at Colleville-sur-Orne.
Wounded in the left elbow during the attack on the Ouistreham Casino.
Evacuated on the evening of June 8; returned to combat on July 8.
Decorations and Citations
Decorations
Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur pour faits de guerre (21.10.44)
Officier de la Légion d'Honneur pour faits de guerre (26.4-46).
Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur du 31.12.54 (Décret du 25.10.55)•
4 citations at the Naval Army order
Croix de la Libération (28.8.44).
Military Cross
British Empire Medal.
Officier de l'Ordre et Mérite
Citations
Citation at the Naval Army order
Under the orders of Lieutenant de Vaisseau Philippe KIEFFER, he was among the first to land at Ouistreham on 6 June 1944 on a heavily defended coast. Under intense enemy fire, he neutralized defensive positions and achieved all assigned objectives at the cost of very heavy losses. He displayed outstanding courage and the finest spirit of sacrifice.
Decision No. 93 of the President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic, dated 21 October 1944 (Notification 97 EMG/3 of 14 November 1944)
This citation includes the award of the Croix de Guerre with Palm, and replaces the previous decision of 4 September 1944 granting a citation at Army level to the 1st Battalion of Fusiliers-Marins Commandos.
Citation at the Naval Army order
The 1st Battalion of Fusiliers-Marins Commandos, an outstanding unit attached to the 4th British Commando and under the command of Capitaine de Corvette P. KIEFFER, participated on 1 November 1944 in a surprise landing assault on the port of Flushing (Walcheren Island). The port was captured after seven hours of fierce fighting, despite the enemy being heavily entrenched and three times superior in number. The battalion then took part in the general attack on the island, ending all enemy resistance on the seventh day and obtaining the surrender of the German Colonel, 35 officers, and 1,500 men defending it. This brilliant feat of arms was recognized by the Supreme Allied Command as one of the most courageous and audacious of the war.
Decision 454 of 1 March 1945
On the proposal of the Minister of the Navy, General de GAULLE, President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic, Chief of the Armed Forces, cites the battalion at the Naval Army order.
This citation includes, for Capitaine de Corvette P. KIEFFER, the award of the Croix de Guerre with Palm.
Citation at the Naval Army order
The 1st Battalion of Fusiliers-Marins Commandos, a French unit incorporated into a British Commando Brigade under the command of Brigadier Leicester, and operating under Commandant P. KIEFFER, played a leading role in the Walcheren landing operations. Renowned for its courage, discipline, and drive among the troops, the battalion captured the port of Flushing itself—a success that determined the outcome of the entire operation.
Decision 871 dated 23 June 1945
General de GAULLE, President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic, Chief of the Armed Forces, cites the battalion at the Naval Army level.
This citation includes, for Commandant KIEFFER, the award of the Croix de Guerre with Palm.
Citation at the Naval Army order
The 1st Battalion of Fusiliers-Marins Commandos, under the command of Capitaine de Corvette Philippe KIEFFER, the 1st Battalion of Fusiliers-Marins Commandos demonstrated extraordinary spirit of sacrifice while conducting secret raids and reconnaissance of enemy defenses along the French coast in preparation for the final landing. Despite serious losses, the battalion played a leading role in the execution of the glorious raids at Dieppe, Isigny, Gravelines, the Hook of Holland, and Bray-Dunes, which provided intelligence of the highest importance.
Decision 1116 of 10 September 1945
General de GAULLE, President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic, Chief of the Armed Forces, cites the battalion at the Naval Army order.
This citation includes, for Capitaine de Corvette P. KIEFFER, the award of the Croix de Guerre with Palm.
Citation at the Legion of Honour
Article 1: Appointed to the rank of Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion of Honour:
Lieutenant de Vaisseau Auxiliaire Philippe KIEFFER (C), commanding the 1st Battalion of Fusiliers-Marins Commandos, landed at the head of his unit at Ouistreham on 6 June 1944 on a heavily defended coast. Although seriously wounded at the start of the combat, he continued to lead his unit with admirable ardor, refusing evacuation until the evening of 8 June. He greatly contributed, through his leadership and the enthusiasm he inspired in his men, to the success of the operation, earning the admiration of the British command.
Excerpt from the Decree of 21 October 1944 (Official Journal, 24 October 1944)
This citation includes the award of the Croix de Guerre with Palm.
Decree dated 26 April 1946 (Official Journal, 16 May 1946)
Capitaine de Corvette of the Reserve P.C. KIEFFER was promoted within the National Order of the Legion of Honour to the rank of Officer for the following reason:
He brilliantly commanded the 1st Battalion of Fusiliers-Marins Commandos, from the heroic period of secret raids along the French coasts up to the landings at Ouistreham and Flushing (Walcheren).
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 ©