Was it just a simple street naming or more? Rue du Capitaine Morinet. It is a street in Le Kremlin-Bicêtre. But the story behind the name is quite remarkable.
This street commemorates Roger Morinet. He was a true hero of the French Resistance. Let’s delve into his life and the events that led to this honor.
Roger Morinet was born on October 26, 1921. His birthplace was Villejuif. He was the son of Henri Morinet and Marie Antoinette Bienfait. Roger lived at 16 bis rue des Écoles in Villejuif. He worked as a town hall employee.
During World War II, Roger became a member of the National Free Corps. Under the alias Victor, he rose to the rank of Captain in the French Forces of the Interior. This promotion happened on July 4, 1944.
Tragically, Roger Morinet’s life was cut short. He was killed in action on August 26, 1944. The location was Soisy-sur-Seine during the liberation combats. He died in the Sénart forest.
His bravery did not go unnoticed. Roger Morinet was recognized as Mort pour la France. This acknowledgment was for his audacious mission. He was posthumously granted the rank of captain. The decision was made on November 16, 1950. His services were validated from June 1, 1944.
Further honors were bestowed upon him. He received the Resistance Medal with rosette on April 24, 1946. The announcement appeared in the Journal Officiel on May 17, 1946.
Roger Morinet’s legacy lives on in Villejuif. He was buried in the communal cemetery. A street was named after him. His name is also engraved on the commemorative plaque at the Saint-Cyr-Sainte-Julitte church. It is also on the war memorial of Villejuif.
His clandestine activities were extensive. He organized a center for making false papers. Roger created a Free Corps. He initiated a clandestine newspaper called La sirène. He organized the destruction of road signs. He even attacked a cellular van on National 7. This allowed Paul Levy to escape.
Morinet organized the marking and signaling on the ground. This was during the bombing of the Chevilly transformers. He also attacked the Vitry insulators factory. He destroyed the STO file of Villejuif. Roger organized the requisition of food tickets. He also set up arms depots.
So, as we stand here on Rue du Capitaine Morinet. Remember the brave man behind the name. He gave his life for the liberation of France. His actions continue to inspire.