Saturday December 14, 2024, in the council room of the town hall of Chambray-lès-Tours, a very moving ceremony was held. Louis Viauvy, 103, was made a knight of the Legion of Honor by General Éric Breuille, in the presence of the city’s mayor, Christian Gatard, the recipient’s family, a large audience and veterans.
A whole career in the army
After recalling the history of the Legion of Honor, General Breuille presented the new knight. Enlisted in 1941 in the armistice army, Louis Viauvy then participated in the operations of the Charles Martel brigade, dependent on the Army Resistance Organization, particularly in telecommunications. In November 1944, he was appointed master corporal. He will be rewarded for his participation in the Liberation operations with two citations, including one with the award of the Croix de Guerre 39-45.
In 1946, he was named sergeant, in July 1948, staff sergeant. After Indochina, in January 1952, he was appointed adjutant. In April 1957, after three years in Germany, he was appointed chief warrant officer and received the military medal. Louis Viauvy will then be assigned to Algeria, to Reggane, where the first four French nuclear bombs were tested.
He returned to mainland France in March 1961 after being awarded the Cross for Military Valor. It was during this period that he settled with his family in Chambray-lès-Tours, in Allée de la Forêt, where he was one of the first inhabitants. For his neighbors, he is a discreet man “who you can count on”.
After his 25 years of service in the army, he returned to civilian activity, retiring for good in 1986, at age 65. A retirement that he devoted for thirty years to the associative world of his town and his parish.
Related News :