On August 16, 1948, while in the...

André Le Maître

On August 16, 1948, while in the Far East, I was badly hurt as the result of a parachute jump. A strong gust of wind flung me forcefully to the ground, and I was taken up with multiple fractures of my right leg. I was transported to a military hospital and operated on several hours later.

Because of the climate, the condition of my leg became worse after two months of hospitalization, and I was required to undergo a second surgical operation. Then after further treatment I was sent home to France, hospitalized in Paris, and placed on the list of those awaiting military discharge.

In order to obtain civilian employment. I arranged to take a leave without pay. I walked with difficulty, tired very easily, and was often in pain; so I consulted a civilian doctor, who did not hide his anxiety from me. He spoke of gangrene and of the serious possibility of a need to amputate the leg, and he advised me to go back to see my military doctors. This, however, I did not do, because I was greatly in need of money and was afraid of losing the position which I had obtained.

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