Jorge Sanjinez Lenz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jorge Sanjinez Lenz
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Sanjinez in 2019. Official photo of the Ministry of Defense of Peru.
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| Born | January 24, 1917 Moquegua, Moquegua, Peru |
| Died | August 24, 2020 (aged 103) Pucallpa, Ucayali, Peru |
| Buried |
Pucallpa, Peru
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| Allegiance | Belgium |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Independent Belgian Brigade |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Legion of Honour |
Jorge Sanjinez Lenz (January 24, 1917 – August 24, 2020) was a brave Peruvian soldier. He volunteered to fight in World War II alongside the Allies. His goal was to help free Europe from the Axis Powers. He joined a special group called the Piron Brigade.
Contents
Early Life
Jorge Sanjinez Lenz was born on January 24, 1917. His hometown was Moquegua, Peru. He spent parts of his childhood in both Peru and Bolivia.
Fighting in World War II
In December 1942, during World War II, Sanjinez decided to help. He went to the Belgian embassy in Lima. He wanted to join the fight against the Nazi occupation. The Peruvian Armed Forces supported his decision. They gave him special training. Peru was part of the Allies, who were fighting against the Axis Powers.
He traveled on a ship from Chile to New York. From there, he went to London, England. While in London, he and a friend got lost in Hyde Park, London. They survived a period of heavy bombing known as The Blitz.
Sanjinez first fought in August 1944. This was during the important Battle of Normandy. After that, he took part in campaigns to free parts of the Netherlands.
He also helped free cities in France in 1944. These included Cabourg, Deauville, and Honfleur. He then helped free Brussels in Belgium on September 3.
Life After the War
In 1946, Jorge Sanjinez returned to Peru. He had finished his volunteer service in 1945. He married his third wife, Meldín Alava, from Pucallpa. They had two children together. He also had three other children from earlier marriages. For many years, he worked for an airline company called Faucett.
His Final Years
Jorge Sanjinez Lenz passed away on August 24, 2020. He was 103 years old. He died at his home in Pucallpa from lung cancer. He was the last Latin American soldier who fought on D-Day to pass away.
Awards and Honors
Sanjinez received many awards for his bravery. The most important was the Legion of Honour medal. This top French award was given to him in 2017. It was presented by the French embassy.
See also
In Spanish: Jorge Sanjinez Lenz para niños
