The Cajuns of World War II!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning and Happy Veterans Day! To celebrate, I wanted to take a deep look into a particular group of American World War II veterans known as “Frenchies”! I was even lucky enough to ask one of them; Norris “Frenchie” Morvant who is 101 years old, a couple of questions!

When World War II swept across Europe, thousands of young men from Louisiana’s Cajun country answered the call to serve. They carried with them the resilience of the bayous and a language that set them apart: Cajun French. At first, the military considered their bilingualism a challenge, but once these soldiers landed in French-speaking regions, it became one of their greatest assets. They were soon nicknamed “Frenchies,” and their ability to translate not only helped commanders deliver orders but also allowed them to connect with civilians and resistance fighters in occupied France.

These Cajun soldiers became unexpected liaisons between cultures, easing communication in villages, gathering intelligence, and even calming frightened families who encountered American troops for the first time. Historian Jason Theriot has documented how widespread this phenomenon was, showing that Louisiana’s cultural heritage became a strategic advantage on the front lines. For many French citizens, hearing their own language spoken fluently by an American soldier was nothing short of astonishing.

One of the most enduring examples of this legacy is Norris J. “Frenchie” Morvant (picture of him below) of Thibodaux. Growing up, French was his first language, and English only came later. During the war, he was attached to General Eisenhower’s headquarters in the Air Corps, driving a jeep across France to deliver orders and supplies. His Cajun roots made him a natural translator, and French villagers often stopped in amazement when they heard him speak their language with ease. Morvant’s service reflected the unique role Cajun soldiers played: they were not just fighters, but cultural bridges in a time of war.

Decades later, Morvant was honored with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, in recognition of his contributions to liberation efforts. His story is one of many, but it captures the essence of the Cajun “Frenchies”: men whose heritage once marked them as outsiders at home but became a vital strength overseas. Together, they showed that language and culture could be as powerful as weapons in the fight for freedom, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate in both Louisiana and France. 

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: What do you hope younger generations will remember about World War II?

Norris: The suffering of the service people and the loss of life which is unimaginable to anyone alive in the world- a senseless happening. I myself spent almost three years away from home and family.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Norris: The advice that was in my training was to listen good about what was shown to me to survive the war. The instructors would say, “I am not your Mama so listen well because when you face the enemy it is you or me.”

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo