Edgard Tupët-Thomé facts for kids

Edgard Tupët-Thomé (born April 19, 1920 – died September 9, 2020) was a brave French soldier. He was a key member of the Free French Forces during World War II. These forces fought against Nazi Germany when France was occupied.

Edgard Tupët-Thomé: A French Hero

Early Life and World War II

Edgard Tupët-Thomé first studied theology. But he soon decided to join the French Armed Forces. He became a sergeant in the 8th Zouaves Regiment. In 1939, his unit was attacked in Lorraine, France. The next year, they faced attacks in Belgium.

He was part of the famous Dunkirk evacuation in May and June 1940. This was when many Allied soldiers were rescued from France by sea. Edgard was captured by the enemy the day after the evacuation. But he managed to escape back to France during his transfer.

Joining the Free French Forces

Back in France, Edgard met people who were secretly working against the occupation. They asked him to find hidden airstrips. Soon after, he became one of the first people to join the Free French Forces. This group was led by Charles de Gaulle. They continued to fight for France's freedom from outside the country.

On December 9, 1941, Edgard parachuted into Châteauroux, France. He was injured during his landing. This meant he had to stop fighting for a while. Six months later, he went to England for treatment. While in London, he wanted to get back into combat. He then worked as a commando instructor in Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Daring Parachute Missions

In August 1943, Edgard joined the 4th Air Infantry Battalion. This unit later became the 2nd Parachute Chasseur Regiment. It was part of the special Brigade SAS. He became a certified parachutist the next month. In January 1944, he became second-in-command of the 3rd Parachute Chasseur Regiment.

His regiment's first mission was in Daoulas, France, in August 1944. His small group of 12 men bravely fought against 60 German soldiers. He then led an attack on Germany's strong base in Landerneau. His actions helped to free the city. After that, he also helped free Clerval. His very last parachute mission was in the Netherlands on April 7, 1945.

Life After the War

After World War II ended in 1945, Edgard Tupët-Thomé left the French Armed Forces. He went to a special school for colonial administrators. In January 1946, he became an administrator in French Tunisia. He later managed a wine production company there.

In 1950, he moved to Canada and ran a farm. He returned to France in 1955. He continued his studies and became an engineer. He also worked for a pharmaceutical company. Later, he worked for a company called Panhard. He finished his career working for a tourism agency.

A Century of Service and Honors

After he retired, Edgard Tupët-Thomé lived in Binic, France. He often took part in ceremonies to remember important events. Later, he moved to Les Invalides in Paris. This is a famous place for French military veterans.

Edgard received many high honors for his bravery. He was given the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour. He was also named a Companion of the Liberation. This is a very special award for those who fought for France's freedom.

In 2020, he was made an honorary member of the Order of the British Empire. This was announced by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Edgard received this honor on July 2, 2020.

Edgard Tupët-Thomé passed away at Les Invalides on September 9, 2020. He was 100 years old. The French President Emmanuel Macron praised him. He said Edgard was a "resistance from the first hour" and a "committed man." Other French ministers also honored him. They said he "personified the honor of France." Military honors were held for him on September 17, 2020.

Awards and Recognition

• Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (2019)
• Companion of the Liberation
• Croix de Guerre 1939–1945
• Military Cross
• King's Medal for Courage in the Cause of Freedom
• Order of Orange-Nassau
• Netherlands War Cross
• Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (2020)

His Book

• Spécial Air Service : 1940-1945, l’épopée d’un parachutiste en zone occupée (1980)

See also

In Spanish: Edgard Tupët-Thomé para niños