JANM Talk on 100th/442nd Campaign in Vosges, France

Sylvie and Hervé Claudon will share their extensive research into the World War II liberation of their native Vosges Mountains region in France on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m. at the Japanese American National Museum. Free with museum admission.

Sylvie and Hervé Claudon

As a young boy, Hervé was fascinated by wartime stories of courage and strength demonstrated by the French Resistance and also by “the Hawaiians,” the local name given to the Nisei soldiers who helped to liberate his hometown of Bruyères from a prolonged occupation by German troops.

Since the 1980s, Hervé and his wife Sylvie have studied the Vosges Campaigns together and worked on a variety of commemorative projects. From interviews with the local French people as well as the Nisei soldiers, they have been able to map out the events that took place, and Hervé has organized plaques at specific locations to commemorate the heroic Nisei sacrifices.

For example, working with Medal of Honor recipient Joe Sakato, Hervé located Hill 617, the hill Sakato charged as a diversionary tactic during the rescue of the Lost Battalion.

Hervé and Sylvie’s presentation will offer a uniquely French perspective on the contributions of the 100th/442nd.

A members’ only meet-and-greet with the Claudons will take place prior to their talk at 1 p.m. This is limited to 40 members. RSVP by Oct. 9 to memberevents@janm.org or (213) 830-5646.