Seven months of intense training to make them paratroopers of the 8th RPIMa. This is what endured the 48 young recruits composing the section of Warrant Officer Poenui Temauri, who were given, this Friday morning February 11, on the Escoussens stadium, in the foothills of the Montagne Noire, the prestigious forager of the regiment. In reality, the paratroopers of the “8” do not wear one, but three different colored fodder, which reflect the actions of the regiment in different theaters of operations, including Indochina. This distinction was given to them, after taking the oath of the para of the “8”, by their brothers in arms or by retired soldiers who are members of the friendly elders of the 8.
Presentation of medals
The ceremony was preceded by a presentation of medals, to seven recipients, from the hands of Colonel Degand, commanding officer of the 8th RPIMa. Thus, the reserve captain Didier Frémy was made Knight of the National Order of Merit. Staff Sergeants Benjamin Grand and Alexandre Robinet, as well as Master Corporal Mickaël Sénégas and Corporal Yann Grosjean were awarded the Military Valor Cross. Finally, Staff Sergeants Bruno and Stanislas received the National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star. The ceremony ended with the parade, in the street, of Warrant Officer Poenui Temauri’s section, facing the army executives (among whom were several generals) and the large families of soldiers who had come.
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