“Who was Roger Morinet?” is the question that echoes through time here on Rue Roger Morinet. This street honors a man of courage and conviction. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the tumultuous years of World War II.
Rue Roger Morinet is more than just a street. It is a tribute to a local hero. Roger Morinet was born in Villejuif on October 26 1921. He was an ordinary man who rose to extraordinary circumstances.
Morinet worked as a town hall employee. He lived at 16 Impasse Arago in Villejuif. In June 1941 Morinet became deeply involved in the local resistance movement. By January 1944 the Committee of Liberation of Villejuif appointed him captain.
His leadership was confirmed on July 4 1944. Lieutenant-Colonel Rivière recognized Morinet’s crucial role. Rivière commanded the FFI. This was the French Forces of the Interior in the southern suburbs.
Roger Morinet was a whirlwind of clandestine activity. He organized a center for creating false papers. Morinet also created a corps-franc or a free corps. He established a secret newspaper called “La sirène.” Further actions included the destruction of road signs.
Morinet’s bravery shone in daring operations. He attacked a police van on National Route 7. This allowed Paul Levy to escape. He organized the signaling for the bombing. This targeted the transformers of Chevilly. Morinet attacked the insulators factory in Vitry. He destroyed the STO file of Villejuif. This file was a record for mandatory work service. He requisitioned food stamps and organized weapon caches.
Tragically Roger Morinet’s life was cut short. On August 26 1944 German soldiers killed him. This happened in the Sènart forest in Soisy-sur-Seine.
Posthumously Morinet received honors for his valor. He was awarded the War Cross with a bronze star. He also received the Resistance Medal with rosette.
Roger Morinet was buried in the communal cemetery of Villejuif. A street was named in his honor. Recognized as “Mort pour la France” or “Died for France” he was honored as a soldier of the FFI. This was with the rank of captain. His services were validated from June 1 1944.
His name is engraved on the commemorative plaque. This is at the Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte church. It is also on the war memorial of Villejuif. Rue Roger Morinet stands as a testament to his life. It reminds us of his dedication to freedom.