German soldiers march through Paris, France. (left); Virginia moved from Florida to France. (right)

Sueddeutsche Zeitung Photo/Alamy Stock Photo (Paris); American Heroine in the French Resistance (Virginia d’Albert-Lake)

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An American Hero

March 18, 2019

In 1943, an American woman named Virginia d’Albert-Lake was living in France. It was a dangerous time to be there. A war called World War II was raging. Germany had taken over several countries in Europe, including much of France. Like many people, Virginia was terrified of the invaders. But she beat back her fear—and went on a secret mission to save lives.

In 1943, an American woman named Virginia d’Albert-Lake was living in France. It was a dangerous time to be there. A war called World War II was going on. Germany had taken over several countries in Europe, including much of France. Virginia was terrified of the invaders. But she beat back her fear. She went on a secret mission to save lives.

Pilots in Danger

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

During the war, Britain, America, and other nations fought to stop the Germans and free France. They were known as the Allies. 

Sometimes the Allies sent planes to bomb spots in France where the Germans were making weapons or gathering troops. The Germans shot at the planes. The airmen often had to parachute to the ground and land in enemy territory. 

One day, Virginia learned a secret. People had set up a system to help Allied airmen get to safety. It was called the Comet Line. Virginia and her husband signed up to help the men escape.

During the war, Britain, America, and other nations teamed up. They fought to stop the Germans and free France. They were known as the Allies. 

Sometimes the Allies sent planes to France. They would bomb spots where the Germans were making weapons or gathering troops. The Germans shot at the planes and hit some of them. The airmen often had to parachute to the ground. They would land in enemy territory. 

One day, Virginia learned a secret. People had set up a system to help Allied airmen get to safety. It was called the Comet Line. Virginia and her husband signed up to help the men escape.

Saving Lives

The couple hid airmen in their home. They showed the men how to blend in and not draw the attention of the Germans. As they helped the airmen sneak out of France, the couple had to be careful. If the Germans caught them, they could be killed.  

In less than a year, Virginia and her husband saved 66 airmen. Then something awful happened. While guiding an airman to safety, Virginia was caught by Germans. She had a list of Comet Line helpers in her purse. To keep the Germans from seeing it, she swallowed it!

The couple hid airmen in their home. They showed the men how to blend in and not draw the attention of the Germans. Then they helped the airmen sneak out of France. But the couple had to be careful. If the Germans caught them, they could be killed.  

Virginia and her husband saved 66 airmen. Then something awful happened. While guiding an airman to safety, Virginia was caught by Germans. She had a list of Comet Line helpers in her purse. She swallowed it to keep the Germans from seeing it!

Finding Freedom

The Germans sent Virginia to a prison camp. She struggled to stay alive. Then, in May 1945, she learned that the Allies had achieved victory. The war in Europe was over—and she was free.

After the war, Virginia received medals for her work. She was a true hero who risked her life to save others.

The Germans sent Virginia to a prison camp. She struggled to stay alive. Then, in May 1945, she learned that the Allies had achieved victory. The war in Europe was over. She was free.

Virginia later received many medals for her work. She was a true hero who risked her life to save others.

If You Landed in Enemy Territory

nw10photography/Shutterstock.com (beret); Brooke Becker/ Shutterstock.com (fork); EHStockphoto/ Shutterstock.com (coins)

American airmen didn't want to stand out and get captured. Comet Line helpers suggested ways they could blend in.

  • Wear a beret the right way. Putting on this French hat at the wrong angle could give you away.
  • Watch how you eat. Europeans didn't switch forks and knives from one hand to the other while eating.
  • Keep hands out of pockets. Europeans didn't jangle their change or keys as they walked.

If You Landed in Enemy Territory

nw10photography/Shutterstock.com (beret); Brooke Becker/ Shutterstock.com (fork); EHStockphoto/ Shutterstock.com (coins)

American airmen didn't want to stand out and get captured. Comet Line helpers suggested ways they could blend in.

  • Wear a beret the right way. Putting on this French hat at the wrong angle could give you away.
  • Watch how you eat. Europeans didn't switch forks and knives from one hand to the other while eating.
  • Keep hands out of pockets. Europeans didn't jangle their change or keys as they walked.

1. Who are the “invaders” mentioned in the first paragraph?

2. How did Virginia d’Albert-Lake and her husband help airmen whose planes were shot down?

3. According to the sidebar, why did American airmen in France have to wear berets correctly and keep their hands out of their pockets?

1. Who are the “invaders” mentioned in the first paragraph?

2. How did Virginia d’Albert-Lake and her husband help airmen whose planes were shot down?

3. According to the sidebar, why did American airmen in France have to wear berets correctly and keep their hands out of their pockets?

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