Story of a patriot and member
of the Luxembourg and Belgian resistance

In 2025 as we commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Luxembourg, I could find very little online about the individual contributions of the brave members of the resistance. Members who survived World War II are no longer with us to share their stories personally. Stories of courage, tenacity, living in constant danger of being caught, tortured and executed. Stories which should be easily and readily available for current and future generations so we never forget the sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

A trip to Luxembourg’s national archives and other allied archives, as well as feedback from family and friends, provided invaluable information to piece together and share the story of my father-in-law’s remarkable journey in Nazi occupied Europe.

Pierre Schon hid and brought to safety well over 100 people, Allied airmen shot down over Europe, French prisoners of war, Jews, Luxembourg deserters conscripted into the German army, and fellow resistance fighters, many of whom would likely have faced serious consequences, even death if captured by the occupying forces.

Like millions of others, his fate was profoundly shaped by the course of the war. In April 1943, to evade arrest by the Gestapo, he was forced to flee. Taking refuge in the Belgian Ardennes, he joined the Secret Army, operating from the dense forests and leading a guerrilla unit, or maquis, near Lavacherie. Operating under the umbrella of the Belgian Resistance, he carried out acts of sabotage against Nazi forces, both to pave the way for the Allied advance after D-Day and to support the liberation of Europe.

The scope and impact of his resistance activities were reflected in the high honours he received, both in his homeland of Luxembourg and internationally from numerous Allied nations, including France, Belgium, the British Commonwealth, the United States, and Poland.

This is his story!

This site is also in remembrance of all the brave men and women who were not fortunate enough to witness the liberation in 1945 and who paid the ultimate price.

Key milestones of WWII in Western Europe and highlights of Pierre`s parallel journey