Jason P. Theriot, author of “To Honor Our Veterans”, to speak at the Acadian Memorial, St. Martinville, LA

Topic: “Cajun Espionage: The Story of the French-Speaking Special Forces Operatives in France, 1944 ”
Date and Location: March 19th, Acadian Memorial (During the Acadian Memorial Festival: Calling All Cajuns.) 
Theme: Commemation of the Acadian Deportation Anniversay 

As the Invasion of Normandy unfolded in June 1944, thousands of Free French Resistance Fighters emerged from their secret hideouts to conduct hit-n-run raids on German communications and transportation. The French Marquis were part of an elaborate Allied deception plan which included Double-cross agents and OSS Special Forces Operatives. During the campaign in France, undercover French-Speaking ops worked closely with the French Resistance to undermine the enemy through the secret art of espionage. Among this special band of soldiers were three young men of Acadian decent, whose French upbringing in south Louisiana made them ideal OSS Operatives.  Join us at the Acadian Memorial on Saturday, March 19, 2005, 2:00 p.m. as author/historian Jason P. Theriot tells the amazing story of three unique World War II soldiers from the Bayou Country: Robert LeBlanc, Roy Armentor and Sam Broussard.

– Jason P. Theriot clearly demonstrates his unique knowledge of the Acadian culture of the southwest Louisiana soldier during World War II. Better than anyone else, he gives us a greater understanding of the value of the French-speaking soldier during the campaigns in North Africa and Europe…A required read for military students and World War II enthusiasts.”

—– Robert J. LeBlanc, Brigadier General (Retired), U.S. Army