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Heible, Louis

Date of birth:
May 29th, 1924 (Longeville-lès-Saint Avold, France)
Date of death:
September 25th, 1994 (Zimming, France)
Nationality:
French (1870-present, Republic)

Biography

Louis Heible lived a normal life like any other boy in France.

In 1940, when he was 16 years old, the German soldiers invaded France and also the areas Alsace and Moselle which became a real part of Germany.
In 1942, when he was 18 years, Louis Heible refused to be incorporated in the STO (Service du travail obligatoire). The Germans forced the inhabitants of Alsace and Moselle (the North East) to work in German factories, in order to manufacture war material.

As a result of his refusal, he decided to join the FFI (French resistance) in the Vienne (department in the South West of France).nBecause of his refusal to go in the STO, his parents and his sister were imprisoned in a labour camp. During the period he worked in the resistance, he used the nickname "Napoléon" to avoid denunciation.

He later went to England and was incorporated the Special Air Service (SAS) with whom he joined in the Campaign to liberate the Netherlands. during operation Amherst from 4th until 20th April 1945 with 22/HQ Squadron, 3rd SAS.
He later joined the JRCP (Regiment of young paratrooper) until the end of the war.
He also received the Resistance medal

After the war he lived in Zimming, a village in Moselle were he married Marie Louise Klein and became father of 7 children (Solange, Mireille, Claude, Brigitte, Hugues, Yves, Sylvie).
He worked as a bricklayer, and also worked in a coal mine.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Chasseur 1ere Classe (Private 1st Class)
Unit:
Stick 22, HQ Squadron, 3rd SAS Regiment, Special Air Service (SAS), British Army
Awarded on:
January 2nd, 1951
Awarded for:
Operation Amherst
"For having distinguished himself in courageous and tactful conduct against the enemy by having landed by parachute behind enemy lines in Drenthe in the night April of 7 and 8, 1945 and having taken part in a courageous manner in the ensuing fighting, being injured in the process. By his actions having participated in the liberation of the Netherlands and hence having served the interests of the Dutch State."

Royal decree no.15 dated January 2nd, 1951.
Bronzen Kruis (BK)

Sources

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