Jean Olié
Jean Olié | |
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Born |
March 24, 1904 France |
Died | 2003 (99 years of age) |
Allegiance |
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Service/branch |
French Army![]() |
Years of service | 1924-1961 |
Rank | Général d'armée |
Commands held |
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Battles/wars | World War II |
Other work | Secretariat-General for National Defence and Security |
Jean Olié (March 24, 1904 - 2003) was a French Général of the French Army, the 1st Inspector of the Autonomous Group of the Foreign Legion and served primarily in the French Foreign Legion from 1924 to 1961.
Military career
Jean entered the École spéciale militaire in 1924, and was a commissioned a sous-lieutenant in 1926 (Rif promotion). Following his commission, he served in the 4th Foreign Regiment 4e R.E. and with the Goums (French: Les Goums; light infantry units of the Army of Africa) where he acquired a great deal of cultural knowledge and was an expert connaisseur around Muslim affairs.
World War II
In 1939, while serving in the general staff headquarters of the 14th Infantry Division (French: 14e Division d'Infanterie), he was wounded and held captive. He managed to escape and joined Morocco.
In 1943, while delegating responsibility of the operations bureau of the 1st Army, he prepared the disembarkings of Elba and the disembarking of Provence. He then became the commander of the general staff headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division (French: 5e Division d'Infanterie).
In 1944, he took command of the Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (French: Régiment de marche de la Légion étrangère, R.M.L.E) towards the end of the war.
He then assumed more commanding responsibility functions at the territorial level, with civilian powers of authority in North Africa.
In 1950, he reorganized the French Foreign Legion by creating the Operational Group of the Foreign Legion. He then commanded the École spéciale militaire and École militaire interarmes of Saint-Cyr.
He was then nominated as the civilian and military governor of grand Kabylie, and of the corps d'armée of Constantine.
In 1960, he was nominated as the commander of the particular general headquarters staff of the President of the Republic, as well as the Secretariat-General for National Defence and Security (French: Secrétariat général de la défense et de la sécurité nationale).
He ended his service on July 31, 1961.
Recognitions and Honors
- Grand croix de la Légion d'honneur
- Croix de guerre 1939-1945
- Croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures
- Croix de la Valeur militaire
- Médaille du sauvetage
- Médaille des évadés
- Chevalier de l'ordre du Mérite agricole
- Distinguished Service Order (U.K)
- Bronze Star Medal (U.S.)
- Honorary Battlefield Badge Honneur du champ de bataille (U.S.)
- Mérite Militaire Chérifien
He totalized 14 citations.
See also
References
Sources
- Képi blanc History and Patrimony Division of the French Foreign Legion (French: Division histoire et patrimoine de la Légion étrangère)