Peter Dmytruk

Peter Dmytruk was born on May 27, 1920, in Radisson, Saskatchewan, to a Ukrainian immigrant family. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in July 1941 and served as a Halifax tail gunner with 405 Squadron RCAF. After his plane was hit by German anti-aircraft fire over France, he survived and was protected by locals who connected him with the French Resistance. Deeply moved by the suffering of the French people under Nazi occupation, he chose to join the Resistance instead of escaping to Spain. Known as "Pierre le Canadien," he was a fearless fighter and was executed by the Germans on December 9, 1943, after sabotaging a German troop and munitions train. His actions saved many lives in Les Martres-de-Veyre, and he was honored posthumously with the Croix de Guerre by the Fourth French Republic. Each year, a parade and memorial service are held at his monument in Les Martres-de-Veyre.