“Six kilometers from Paris a hero fell” This is Rue de l’Adjudant-Chef Dericbourg. Here in Chevilly-Larue stands a street named after a courageous soldier. Adjudant-Chef Dericbourg’s name echoes with bravery and sacrifice. His story is one of unwavering determination and ultimately tragic loss.
He dreamt of liberating Paris. Dericbourg a miner’s son joined the cavalry at eighteen. He served under de Gaulle himself. Later he fought in Syria and Tunisia. After the armistice he married Yvette Legris. Together they left northern France for a new life.
In 1944 he was with Leclerc’s forces. Dericbourg made a daring pledge. He vowed to be the first Frenchman to enter Paris. Wounded at Argentan he refused medical treatment. He continued fighting determined to keep his promise.
Paris was on the brink of disaster. Von Choltitz repeatedly received orders to destroy the city. A young FFI fighter Jacques Petit-Leroy warned the Allied forces. General Leclerc responded with an ultimatum. He demanded von Choltitz preserve the city.
Dericbourg volunteered for a dangerous mission. He would deliver the ultimatum. He drove a jeep with Petit-Leroy by his side. Their journey ended tragically. Eight German soldiers were hidden in a Chevilly-Larue monastery. They opened fire. Petit-Leroy died instantly. Dericbourg severely wounded returned fire. He killed one German soldier. Another then shot him dead.
Dericbourg died just six kilometers from Paris. He never fulfilled his dream. He died a hero. A letter from Captain de Boissieu arrived for his wife. It praised his courage. It said his children would always be proud. A monument stands here. It honors Dericbourg’s sacrifice. It commemorates his mission to hasten Paris’s liberation. His story reminds us of the cost of freedom. The cost of a dream so close to fulfillment. This street remembers a hero’s ultimate sacrifice.