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World War II Honoree

Civilian on the Home Front

Janine Marguerite 'Mama' Coakley

Hometown

Paris, France

Honored By

Friends of American Heroes

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

A FRENCH WAR BRIDE, SHE WORKED IN THE UNDERGROUND DURING THE GERMAN OCCUPATION OF FRANCE, WHICH LASTED FROM 1940 TO 1944. SHE RISKED DEATH IF CAUGHT HELPING ESCORT DOWNED AMERICAN PILOTS TO SAFETY. IN 1945, SHE FELL GRAVELY ILL WITH RHEUMATIC FEVER, AND WORD OF HER BRAVERY REACHED THE HEAD OF THE VOICE OF AMERICA IN FRANCE. THE U.S. ARMY PROVIDED A SYRINGE AND THE NEW 'MIRACLE DRUG' PENICILLIN, WHICH SAVED HER LIFE.