This follows my letter of motivation for the sculpture "Jean Moulin".
75 % of 2 millions french war prisoners never fought because of the rout of a totally disorganized army as well as the decision of the political power to surrender, after june 16th. The collective subconscious had become stained with humiliation that had fallen upon the whole army because of the defeat.

However, before june 15th there were violent fights close to Paris historian do no tell much about. Those events remain unknown in history books even.

More than 100.000 soldiers were killed within 4 weeks only, between may 15th and june 15th 1940. By comparison, the war in Algeria-Tunisia-Morroco lasted 8 years during which there were 30.000 dead people including those who died from sicknesses and by accidents. However, the context was quite different. Those who really fought, coming back from captivity for 5 years in Germany, have felt victims of the french society attitude of indifference towards them.

My father commanded one of the 4 reservist platoons composed of 29 years old soldiers during fights at VARENNE SUR MARNE. On june 11th and 12th, within 2 days only, there were 83 % losses after fierce fights till short of munitions against a much more powerful German army.

He too had witnessed a french officer, fleeing from the enemy. Afterwards, this coward officer has been given military Legion of Honour even though!!

In 1963, my father was proposed the Military Legion of Honour as well as the National Order of Merit in 1965. He did not even answer those propositions because of the loss of value of these decorations which were distributed in questionable ways after 1940.

On my insistance, he will accept the Military Legion of Honour which should be proposed to him during spring 2007. This account is a sort of deserved gratitude to my father who knew how to instil the sense of honour and human values in his children.Thanks to him.
Jean Paul Floch


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