Jean Trescases facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jean Trescases
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| Native name |
Jean Jules Émile Trescases
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| Birth name | Jean Jules Émile Trescases |
| Born | April 5, 1916 Palalda |
| Died | November 21, 1951 Bang-Son, Vietnam |
| Allegiance | French Army |
| Years of service | 1934–1951 |
| Rank | |
| Battles/wars | Second World War Indochina War |
| Awards | Chevalier (Knight) of the Légion d'honneur
Military medal. Croix de guerre 1939–1945 with 1 silver star. |
| Memorials | Mémorial des guerres en Indochinein Fréjus |
| Spouse(s) |
Yvonne Marie Louise FULACHIER
(m. 1946) |
| Children | Paul Trescases |
Jean Jules Émile Trescases (born April 5, 1916 – died November 21, 1951) was a brave French soldier. He was a Chief warrant officer in the French Army. Jean Trescases fought in important conflicts like World War II and the Indochina War. He was born in Palalda, France, and sadly died in battle in Vietnam.
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Jean Trescases' Early Life and Family
Jean Trescases was born on April 5, 1916. He was the youngest of four children. His father, Julien Pierre Joseph Trescases, was a farmer. Jean joined the army at 18 in Perpignan, France. He was known for his strong sense of discipline.
In 1946, Jean Trescases married Yvonne Marie Louise FULACHIER. They had one son together, named Paul Trescases.
Military Service and Key Battles
Jean Trescases served in the French Army for many years, from 1934 to 1951. He was part of different military groups. These included the 17th Regiment of Senegalese Tirailleurs. He also served with the 42nd Malagasy Machine Gun Battalion.
He fought in two major wars. The first was World War II. The second was the Indochina War. This war took place in Southeast Asia.
Joining the Fight
In August 1934, Jean Trescases went to Beirut to join his first unit. Two years later, he became a corporal. In 1937, he moved to France. He served with the 42nd Malagasy Machine Gun Battalion.
He was promoted to master corporal in September 1937. Eighteen months later, he became a sergeant. He then volunteered to serve in French West Africa. He arrived there in June 1939. By June 1941, he was a first sergeant.
World War II and Free France
During World War II, parts of France were occupied by German forces. In 1942, Jean Trescases decided to join the Free France movement. This group fought against the German occupation. He traveled through Spain and Portugal. He arrived in Great Britain by plane in January 1943.
He became an instructor at a special school. This school trained Free French cadets. He helped prepare new soldiers for the war.
Service in Indochina
After World War II, Jean Trescases continued his military career. In 1946, he was promoted to chief warrant officer. He then volunteered to serve in the Far East. This region included Indochina.
He showed great courage during battles in Indochina. He was praised many times for his heroic actions. His captain once said he was "one of the finest fighters in Indochina." His bravery was well-known throughout Tonkin, a region in Vietnam.
A Hero's End
On November 21, 1951, Jean Trescases was involved in an ambush. This happened near the village of Bang-Son in Vietnam. He was badly wounded during this attack. Sadly, he died that day. He left behind a legacy of bravery and dedicated service.
Awards and Honors
Jean Trescases received many awards for his courage. These awards recognized his actions on the battlefield.
- Légion d'honneur: He was made a Chevalier (Knight) of this very important French award.
- Military medal: A medal for bravery.
- Croix de Guerre 1939–1945: This medal was given for his service in World War II. It had one silver star.
- Croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures: This medal recognized his service in wars outside France. It had two palms, one vermeil star, one silver star, and three bronze stars.
- Colonial Medal: This medal had a "Far East" clasp.
- Indochina Campaign Commemorative Medal: For his service in the Indochina War.
- French commemorative medal for operations in the Middle East.
During his time in the army, Jean Trescases received 8 special commendations. These were official praises for his outstanding actions.
Remembering Jean Trescases
Jean Trescases is remembered as a very brave soldier. His courage and bravery are still recognized by those who served with him. He is seen as an example for future generations of soldiers.
His name is listed on the Mémorial des guerres en Indochine in Fréjus, France. This memorial honors those who fought in the Indochina War.
