Beneath our feet lies the Mail Rino Della Negra a tribute to a man of courage. It honors Rino Della Negra a French footballer and resistance member. His story is one of athletic promise and unwavering dedication.
Rino Della Negra was born in Vimy in 1923. His parents were Italian immigrants. The family relocated to Argenteuil near Paris in 1926. This area became known as Mazzagrande due to its Italian community.
Della Negra began working as an apprentice. But his passion was football. He played for FC Argenteuillais. Later he joined the Red Star Olympique. He played as a goalkeeper and right winger.
In 1942 Rino Della Negra’s life took a dramatic turn. Instead of compulsory service in Germany he joined the French Resistance. He became a member of the Francs-tireurs et partisans. This group was part of the Main-d’Œuvre Immigrée. Missak Manouchian led this group.
Della Negra participated in several operations. These included the execution of General Von Apt. He also attacked the Italian Fascist Party headquarters. Another attack targeted the Guynemer barracks.
Unfortunately Della Negra was wounded and captured. This happened during an attack on German fund carriers. He was condemned to death. He was executed at Fort Mont-Valérien in 1944. He died with 23 members of the Manouchian group.
The Nazis tried to discredit him. They emphasized his Italian origins. They claimed his parents lacked French nationality. But Della Negra’s commitment to France never wavered.
After the war Della Negra became a symbol of resistance. Argenteuil named a street and a hall after him. The Red Star football club also honors him. A commemorative plaque stands at the stadium entrance.
The Mail Rino Della Negra connects us to this legacy. It reminds us of his sacrifice. The Red Star fans still chant his name. Their song keeps his memory alive.
In 2023 Saint-Ouen also named a street after Rino Della Negra. This further cements his place in history. He was officially recognized as “Mort pour la France.”
The story of Rino Della Negra is a moving one. It highlights the courage of ordinary people. These people risked everything for freedom. The Mail Rino Della Negra stands as a lasting symbol. It ensures his story continues to inspire generations.