Francis Godon facts for kids

Francis Godon (1924–2019) was a brave Canadian Métis soldier. The Métis are a special group of Indigenous people in Canada with mixed Indigenous and European heritage. Francis Godon served his country during World War II, showing great courage and determination.

Francis Godon: A Canadian War Hero

Francis Godon was born in Dunseith, North Dakota, USA, on August 19, 1924. When he was just five years old, his family moved to Manitoba, Canada. This is where he grew up.

Early Life and Joining the Army

When World War II began, Francis wanted to join the Canadian Army to help his country. He tried to enlist three times, but he was turned down each time. This was because he identified himself as Métis. Back then, some people faced unfair treatment because of their background.

On his fourth try, Francis said he was French-Canadian. This time, he was finally accepted into the army. This shows how determined he was to serve.

Serving in World War II

Once he was in the army, Francis Godon was sent to Europe. He became a member of a famous group called the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. This was an important infantry regiment.

By 1944, Francis had become a corporal. This is a non-commissioned officer rank, meaning he led a small group of soldiers. He took part in a very important event called Operation Overlord. This was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, which started with the D-Day landings. It was a huge operation to free Europe from enemy control.

Captured as a Prisoner of War

During the fighting, Francis Godon was reported as missing in action. This means the army didn't know where he was. They thought he might have died. However, Francis was actually captured by enemy forces. He became a prisoner of war (POW).

He was held in a German labour camp. This was a place where prisoners were forced to do hard work. Francis spent 11 long months in this camp. Finally, he was freed by American soldiers.

Honored for His Service

Many years after the war, Francis Godon was recognized for his bravery. In 2015, he received a very special award from France. It was called the French Legion of Honour medal. This is one of France's highest awards. It is given to people who have done great things for France or for humanity.

Legacy

Francis Godon passed away on January 12, 2019. He was 94 years old. After his death, his son, Frank, made sure his father's story would be remembered. He donated Francis's army uniform to the Juno Beach Centre.

The Juno Beach Centre is a museum in France. It honors the Canadian soldiers who fought on D-Day. By donating his uniform, Francis Godon's family helped to preserve his memory. It also helps future generations learn about the important role Canadians played in World War II.