TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

ben Mohamed El Abed, Ahmed

Date of birth:
November 20th, 1915 (Msaken, Tunisia)
Date of death:
June 20th, 2005 (Sousse, Tunisia)
Nationality:
Tunesian (1957-present, Republic)

Biography

Ahmed El Abed was the first soldier of the 4th Regiment Tiralleurs Tunisiens crossing the Lauter river on 19 March 1945.

On 1 July 1956 he is promoted to Captain.

He commanded the 10th Battalion of the Tunisian Blue Helmets during the United Nations Operation in Congo (UNOC) in the early 1960s.

Just before his death in 2005, he told relatives that he had killed 3 German soldiers between 19 March 1945 and the surrender of Germany.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
adjudant-chef
Unit:
6ème compagnie, 4ème régiment de tirailleurs tunisiens, 3ème division d'infanterie Algérienne
Awarded on:
August 19th, 1945
With two palms and three stars.

Citation: "Chef de section magnifique. Le 19.13.45 a entrainé sa section dans un élan splendid à l'assaut du village de Scheibenhardt fortement tenu par une unité SS, a traversé la Lauter ayant de l'eau jusqu' aux époules sous un feu nourri d'armes automatiques et de mines puis a mené vigoureusement le nettoyage du village, contribuant ainsi à la constitution de la 1ère tête de pont en territoire Allemand."

Translation of citation: Magnificent section leader. 19.13.45 led his section in splendid momentum to attack the village of Scheibenhardt strongly held by an SS unit, crossed the Lauter with water up to his shoulders under heavy fire from automatic weapons and mines then vigorously led the cleaning of the village, thus contributing to the creation of the first bridgehead in German territory.
Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)
Citation: "Chef de section magnifique. Le 19.13.45 a entrainé sa section dans un élan splendid à l'assaut du village de Scheibenhardt fortement tenu par une unité SS, a traversé la Lauter ayant de l'eau jusqu' aux époules sous un feu nourri d'armes automatiques et de mines puis a mené vigoureusement le nettoyage du village, contribuant ainsi à la constitution de la 1ère tête de pont en territoire Allemand."

Translation of citation: Magnificent section leader. 19.13.45 led his section in splendid momentum to attack the village of Scheibenhardt strongly held by an SS unit, crossed the Lauter with water up to his shoulders under heavy fire from automatic weapons and mines then vigorously led the cleaning of the village, thus contributing to the creation of the first bridgehead in German territory.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
- France
- Allemagne
- Liberation
Médaille Commemorative de la Guerre 1939-1945
Period:
Congo crisis (1960-1965)
Unit:
10e bataillon, Casques Blues Tunisiens
He commanded the 10th battalion of the Tunisian Blue Helmets in the early 60's during the United Nations Operation in the Congo (UNOC).
United Nations Medal for Congo ONUC 1960-1964

Sources