During an event honoring middle school students from Corisande-d’Andoins and Jean-Moulin for their participation in a special project, they paid tribute to the extraordinary life of an Indochina hero by laying roses on his tomb. Known as the “Black Tiger,” Roger Vandenberghe was raised by the Lacomme family and buried in Castillon-d’Arthez, becoming one of the most remarkable figures of the Indochina War. The Chief of Staff, Marshal de Lattre, once said, “Give me a hundred Vandenberghe and Indochina will be saved.” He remains the most decorated non-commissioned officer of the French army in the 20th century, with eighteen citations and eight injuries.
This active participation by the students was part of the ongoing project “Armies-Nation/Youth” focused on Indochina throughout the 2025-2026 school year. The principals of both schools, Corinne Caussade and Philippe Combernoux, emphasized that the Defense Class of Artix has been established for two years and that of Arthez-de-Béarn for one year. Each class consists of approximately twenty volunteer students from 8th and 9th grades in Artix, and 9th grade in Arthez-de-Béarn.
Following the ceremony, the mayor of the village, Gilles Mardelle, invited all participants to visit an exhibition about the Indochina War and Vandenberghe’s exceptional role in it at the town hall.
