FRANCE Resistance medal for Vice-Admiral Pothuau. Bronze. Ribbon. SUP. Biography: Marie Matthieu Pierre Louis POTHUAU (1896-1974). On September 16, 1938, he was commander of the torpedo boat TRIOMPHANT. Captain on November 17, 1940. In February 1941, he commanded the cruiser FOCH in TOULON. From May 16 to November 27, 1942, he commanded the destroyer TARTU and the 5th torpedo boat division. He joined the Resistance in 1942, but was arrested, tortured and deported while attempting to cross into North Africa. Rear-admiral on May 1, 1945. Vice-Admiral on January 18, 1950. Major General of the French Navy in May 1953 (Information taken from the website: http: / / ecole.nav.traditions.free.fr)