“Where are they?” That’s the question that led to this Allée Laure Diebold. This path honors a remarkable woman. Let’s uncover the story of Laure Diebold.
The Allée Laure Diebold begins on Rue Winston Churchill. It ends at Allée de la Haye du Temple. This walkway serves as a tribute to a French Resistance fighter.
Laure Diebold was born Laure Mutschler in 1915. She passed away in 1965. She was a secretary to Jean Moulin. Moulin was a key figure in the French Resistance.
Diebold’s bravery earned her the title of Companion of the Liberation. This honor is especially poignant. She was initially listed as missing in Germany. The award was decreed on November 20, 1944.
Beyond this prestigious recognition, Laure Diebold received other honors. She was a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. Diebold also earned the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945. And she received the Medal of the Resistance with rosette.
Imagine young Laure growing up in Alsace. Her family deeply loved France. They hated Germany. In 1940, the Nazis occupied Alsace. Laure joined the Resistance.
She helped prisoners escape. But she was discovered. Disguised, she fled to Lyon. There, she aided refugees from Alsace-Lorraine. She then joined the Mithridate network in May 1942.
As an agent, she gathered information. She coded it. Then she sent it to London. Laure was first arrested in July 1942. She and her husband were released due to a lack of evidence.
Going underground, she became “Mona.” Soon, she was working directly with Jean Moulin. She proved invaluable. She worked tirelessly day and night.
After Moulin’s arrest in June 1943, she continued her work in Paris. She worked with Claude Bouchinet-Serreulles and Georges Bidault. In September 1943, she was arrested again.
The Gestapo questioned her. She convinced them she was just a messenger. She avoided torture. However, in June 1944, she was deported.
She was sent to Auschwitz. Then she was transferred to Ravensbrück and Taucha. She refused to work. A Czech doctor saved her from the crematorium. He hid her file twice.
Liberated in April 1945, she returned to Paris. She reunited with her husband. He had also survived deportation. Despite poor health, she resumed working.
First, she worked in a ministry in Paris. Later, she worked as a secretary and librarian in Lyon. Laure Diebold passed away in Lyon on October 17, 1965. She was buried in Alsace.
Laure Diebold’s life was one of courage. She risked everything for France. This Allée Laure Diebold reminds us of her service. It also reminds us of the countless women. They played vital roles in the Resistance.
Take a moment to reflect on her legacy as you walk this path. Remember her dedication. Remember her sacrifice. Laure Diebold’s spirit lives on.