Honored across the Atlantic; Pvt. Lowell Rotes esteemed as a fallen hero

 

 

Eighty-two years after his ultimate sacrifice in WW II, Pvt. Lowell Rotes was honored May 8, 2026 in Jolivet, France for his part in the town’s liberation

 

By Jennifer Lane, Editor

Compiled from the research of Pierre Simonet and Véronique Simonet of Jolivet, France.

PLEASE SEE PHOTOS AT THE END OF THIS STORY. A link to the full album can be found found here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18nsn8sxfB/

 Last Friday, May 8, 2026 a tribute ceremony was held in Jolivet, France to  honor a fallen soldier, and Rosiclare, Illinois native, Lowell Rotes. At the young age of 23, Private Rotes gave the ultimate sacrifice during the liberation of Jolivet in World War II when his tank was hit by German fire. 

Unknown identity –

 For over 20 years, Pierre Simonet has been researching the event, looking to find the name of the American soldier who lost his life while liberating his hometown.  Pierre had several testimonies from former Jolivet employees describing an American soldier who had died at the controls of his tank during the liberation of Jolivet. A few friends tried to help with research, but they got nowhere.

 In 2024 one evening over dinner, Pierre asked his technologically savvy daughter-in-law, Véronique Simonet, to join forces with him to resume his research. With only three elements: photos of the damaged tank, testimony from a Red Cross nurse, and a military After Action Report, the two were on a mission to find answers. 

 Due to an unclear date of death, they hit a few stumbling blocks before finding Rotes’ name. They were able to carry out more research efforts when they found his birthplace (Rosiclare) and connected locally with people through the internet. Things came into place when a professional genealogist provided them with Rotes’ family tree and they were able to connect with Rotes’ great-niece through a post made by the Hardin County Independent on Facebook. (See more about connecting with locals at the end of this article.)

 When they finally brought Pvt. Rotes out of anonymity, they were determined to honor him in front of their town.

The liberation –

 On September 17, 1944, American allied forces initiated a coordinated attack while exiting Lunéville  and entering Jolivet in a column of tanks. Pvt. Rotes was at the head of the convoy and at the controls of his Sherman tank. He was accompanied by Staff Sergeant Jean Marland Cline, Robert Gerald Blessing, and two others.

 Quickly, the town became a site of intense fighting. Posted at the heights of the town in a wooded  area called Thieves’ Bridge, German forces from the 15th Panzer Division immediately counter attacked with heavy armor, leading to a major battle. 

 A shell hit the turret of Pvt. Rotes’ tank. A turret sits atop the hull on the tank in a circular ring and uses traverse gears to pivot 360 degrees horizontally to position its gun. Inside the turret, the gunner, loader, and commander each occupy specialized roles. The strike killed Pvt. Rotes and wounded Cline. With the help of the three other soldiers Cline managed to escape while under brutal German gunfire. Sadly they had to leave their fallen comrade behind.

 With Pvt. Rotes inside, the tank ran empty all day and into the evening until it burned all its fuel. The next morning on September 18 around 6:00 a.m., taking advantage of a lull in the shelling, a Red Cross nurse Mrs. Marguerite Boissel went to the tank with two assistants to locate the missing soldier. They carried Pvt. Rotes’ body, which had suffered massive wounds, to the mill where it was buried. To find his identity, Mrs. Boissel asked the assistants to search  his pockets, but neither of them had the courage to do so.

 At the same time, the town milkman informed Mrs. Boissel that two German soldiers had died at the foot of their artillery piece. They were covered with straw. Boissel and her assistants transported and buried them with Pvt. Rotes. 

 Later that day, in the early afternoon, the townspeople of Jolivet heard the sounds of boots on the ground and shouting in German. A  company of about 80 German soldiers took possession of the village claiming retaliation for two dead soldiers. They said one was wounded in the hand and had been executed for civilians. German soldiers searched all the cellars where townspeople had taken refuge and removed all the men.  About 35 men found themselves lined up against a wall in the town square facing a firing squad.

 Mrs. Boissel spoke up, speaking in German, and explained that as part of The Red Cross, she was in charge of collecting the wounded in order to treat them, but also the dead in order to bury them. She said she had collected the bodies of their soldiers found dead. She offered to take the officer to see their remains.

 When the German officer found that the wounds of his two soldiers were due to combat, and that the bodies were respected and buried properly, he lifted the firing squad and took away the bodies, leaving Pvt. Rotes in the grave.

 The bravery of Mrs. Boissel should be noted as she experienced horrific scenes in her work, and faced the German soldiers with the truth to save so many innocent people in the town.

 The battle was won for the town of Jolivet after American reinforcements arrived, securing the town following a successful defense and subsequent fight for control of the area.

 After 48 hours, Americans came to recover Pvt. Rotes’ body. They transported it to the American military hospital, temporarily set up at Bayon, where he was officially declared dead.

 Pvt. Rotes was first buried on September 26, 1944 at the military cemetery in Andilly where American and German soldiers are buried. This cemetery later became only a German cemetery.

 Over a year later, in a parcel, sent on November 12, 1945, his parents received some of his belongings: 

• a check for $43.21

• a lighter

• a wallet containing 8 photos, 3 souvenir medals, and 2,142 old francs

• a soapbox

• a sewing kit

 Three years after his death in August 1947, his father informed the military that he would not have Pvt. Rotes’ body returned to the United States, but to have his permanent resting place be on French soil. 

 On January 29, 1949 Lowell’s body was given its final burial in the American Military Cemetery of Saint Avold with great dignity and solemnity. He rests in plot C, Row 15, Pitch 22. The U.S. government made a commitment to his family it would maintain his grave with care and respect in perpetuity.

More about Pvt. Lowell Rotes –   

 Sebastian “Bass” and Nellie Rotes welcomed their fifth child, Lowell, on March 9, 1921. Lowell grew up in Rosiclare, one of six siblings. 

 At the age of 21, the 5’ 9” blonde haired, blue eyed Lowell Rotes was working for Aluminum Ore Company in Rosiclare when he was mandated to sign up for the draft on February 16, 1942. By August 1943 he joined the U.S. Army and was serving in the 749th Tank Battalion.  

 Pvt. Rotes left for England in January 1944 and then he embarked in Southampton that led him to set foot on French soil at Utah Beach the night of June 29th. 

 After traveling through France via Laval, Le Mans, and Joinville, he arrived at Jolivet where he met his fate …  and later, much later … recognition due from that September day.

 Pvt. Rotes was awarded a Purple Heart soon after death. The Simonets gave his a beautiful tribute ceremony May 8th.

It took months for someone to find a photograph of Lowell Rotes, but Cheryl Humm Thornton finally found it in the “Photographs and Memories of Hardin County” book published by Regina Austin in 1984.

 

The tribute ceremony –

  In France, May 8th (Victory in Europe Day) is a public holiday for people to celebrate the German surrender that ended the Second World War in Europe. All the towns and villages in France hold a ceremony of homage in front of their war memorials. 

 The May 8, 2026 ceremony took place as follows: 

• People wore period outfits and there was a display of American military vehicles.

• Military Review: There was a  presence of soldiers from the 53rd Infantry Regiment of Lunéville.

• Reading by the Jolivet Mayor of the letter from the Minister of the Armed Forces. This letter is read by all the mayors of towns in France.

• The flag bearers positioned themselves around the war memorial to pay tribute to the dead. They are official representatives of veterans and former resistance fighters.

• Wreath-laying at the monument

• Ringing for the dead

• Minute of silence

• Marseillaise, the French National Anthem was sung first by the students of the village and then a second time by the military.

• Resting of the troops

 After the usual ceremony ended, the Mayor once again took the floor to announce that they would commemorate American soldier Pvt. Lowell Rotes. He introduced Pierre Simonet and Véronique Simonet who told the story of Pvt. Rotes. 

  Véronique ended her speech by saying, “Now, let us pay tribute to Lowell Rotes for his bravery and courage, who died for the liberation of Jolivet on September 17, 1944 at the age of 23.” 

 During her presentation, French flag bearers were in position around Rotes’ plaque to pay their respects to him.  The current mayor (elected in March 2026) and the previous mayor (who accompanied the Simonets during their last two years of research) unveiled Rotes’ plaque which was covered by a 48-star American Flag. After presenting Rotes’ with the weapons, a minute of silence was observed.

 The 60 x 40 c.m. plaque was inaugurated in Pvt. Rotes’ honor, dedicated to his memory and sacrifice. It was designed by a local high school class, financed by the town, and was set on a metal base constructed by the Boutet-de-Monvel High School. For their assistance, Pierre and Véronique previously visited the school and gave a lesson on Pvt. Rotes’ story.

 Buttons with a picture of Rotes were handed out and worn by those who helped. Local school children who made drawings received buttons, too.

 The Simonets were very proud to have Nurse Boissel’s niece, Mrs. Manciaux, in attendance as Mrs. Boissel was also a hero in this story.

 “It was a magnificent day, bright sunshine, a beautiful ceremony, a huge crowd, and we received so many congratulations,” said Véronique. “Lowell had a perfect ceremony. When the plaque was unveiled, people went ‘Wow.’ Now, Lowell no longer belongs to us; his story is known, and everyone is grateful. We were honored to have a prominent local official there and, most importantly, a niece of the nurse who received Lowell’s body. I was deeply moved. At the end of the ceremony, my father-in-law and I were in tears. Two years of research together, finally rewarded.”

 

 As part of the tribute day, a reception was held following the ceremony at the Jolivet Village Hall. A huge  exhibition of photos, research, and information collected by Pierre and Véronique was on display. Local school children (Class of CE2-CM1-CM2) drew pictures thanking and honoring Pvt. Rotes for his sacrifice. Those were also included in the display. There, Pierre gave a presentation on the stages of their research. 

  (See some drawings at the end of this story and the full album at this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18nsn8sxfB/ ).

The week before the event, Pierre and Véronique were featured on the front page of the local newspaper:

L’Est Républicain – The Lunéville Edition. See below.

Pierre and Véronique gave thanks to all who contributed in one way or another. They included the following locals from Illinois who helped through the internet:

Cheryl Cossey, Pope County Historical Society;

Sandy Bauer, Hardin and Pope County Coordinator;

Jeffrey Humm, Author and Genealogist;

Jennifer Lane, Publisher and Editor of the Hardin County Independent;

Cheryl Humm Thornton for her research and long-awaited photo of Pvt. Rotes, just in time before the plaque was created.

Donna Yates Beavers, great-niece of Pvt. Rotes; and

Stanley Brandt, cousin of Rotes. Stanley’s 91 year old father, Claude Brandt, shared memories of Rotes,’ as he was 10 years old at that time of his death.

This spring, Véronique collected soil from the location where Pvt. Rotes died. She shipped it across the Atlantic to Rosiclare where Jennifer Lane deposited it at his parents’ grave site in Fluorite Cemetery. Jennifer sent soil from his parents’ grave to France and it will be deposited at Pvt. Rotes’ resting place on May 25, Memorial Day, along with a wreath.

“Now they will be united by the bonds of the earth,” said Véronique.

 

This article was published in the May 14, 2026 Hardin County Independent

For your own copy, contact Jennifer Lane at 618-287-2361 or email her at [email protected]. 

Better yet, subscribe to the Hardin County Independent. We need your support.

$42 in Hardin County, $44 Elsewhere, $37 e-Edition. Subscribe online or call 618-287-2361.

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Editor’s note: See perspectives from his hometown through articles published from the Hardin County Independent.

“Out of the Past” recently published in the May 14, 2026 Hardin County Independent:

Reprinted from the Hardin County Independent, 1935-1945

 Theme: Pvt. Lowell Rotes who was killed in action September 1944 at the very young age of 23.

Compiled by former editor, Julie Hurford Farley

June 6, 1935–

Scholarship Promotions for the Schools of Hardin County as Reported by E. N. Hall

From UNION SCHOOL, whose teacher is Eschol Jackson, comes Arthur Shelton. Paul Anderson, Joseph Cochran, Leroy Cochran, Irene Foe, Herman Siener, Lowell Rotes, Freeman Rotes, Francis Parkman, Paul Joiner, Robert Halter, Sue Percell, Earl Parkinson and Mav Twitchell.

March 19, 1942–

First 77 Names Of Men Drawn In Draft List Given

The first order number applying to anyone in Hardin County‘s third registration, drawn in the lottery in Washington, Tuesday was the fourth number drawn on the national basis. The number was 441 and had been assigned to Orval Foster of Sparks Hill, when the Hardin County draft board shuffled cards last week.

Foster will be assigned order No. T-10,001 by the local draft board. He will be the first one considered by the board when the call comes for men to go into service, from the group between ages of 20 to 45 who registered in the first or second draft registration.

The next number drawn affecting a registrant in Hardin County was serial number 176. This serial number will be assigned to T-10,002 by the local draft board and will be the second one called. The 176 had been assigned before the drawing to Clarence Anderson, Golconda R-4 by the local draft board.

The following is the unofficial list of the drawing Tuesday night and does not include all registrants in the last draft but is composed of all the serial numbers available at the time of publication of this week’s paper.

The order in which numbers appear is the order in which the men will be called for military service in this county–first, second, third, etc.

(Note from archivist:) Names of all 77 are not listed here; however, Lowell Rotes, Rosiclare, the subject of this column, was #69.

February 25, 1943–

No Charges To Be Filed Against Boys

Boy, car and lumber burned in attempt to take gas from drum at sawmill

Lacking gasoline to take a trip Monday night, two boys decided to do some pilfering–but before they could pour the gasoline which they drew out of a drum into a car, the gasoline caught on fire and burned Rudey Raines about the legs severely, burned up the car which the boys had borrowed, and burned 5,000 feet of lumber. The lumber was still burning Tuesday morning.

Raines’ companion, Lowell Rotes, was not burned, and gave himself up to Ivy K. Joyner the next morning.

W.A. Leach, owner of a sawmill and of the gasoline and lumber destroyed, is not going to press charges against the youths as Lowell and his father Bass Rotes who live near the Wye, made arrangements to pay damages of $250.

Sheriff Joyner said that according to Lowell’s story, Raines threw down a lighted match after the gasoline had been drawn.

The gasoline which had splashed onto Raines’ clothes ignited and Raines started to run. Rotes caught him and threw him down and put out the fire burning him.

The boys started to walk from the sawmill, West of the Wye, to the home of relatives who brought them to the hospital in Rosiclare.

The car which was burned belonged to Rotes’ brother-in-law, Glenn Yates of Pope County.

October 7, 1943–

Mr. and Mrs. Bass Rotes’ son Lowell, who has been in the service since July 12, is located at Fort Knox, Ky. His brother Freeman who was injured in Guadalcanal is now in a hospital in Boston.

October 12, 1944 –

Lowell Rotes Missing Since September 20th

War Department Notifies His Parents; His Brother Coming Home Today

Mr. and Mrs. Bass Rotes, Rosiclare, were notified by the War Department, Friday, that their son Pvt. Lowell Rotes, aged 23, was missing in action in France.

His parents and his sister think that he was with Patton’s third army. He took part in the invasion of France on June 6, and had been in England about six months before that. The War Department said that he had been missing since Sept. 20.

Lowell Rotes had been in the service since August 1943. He was home on furlough last December before sailing overseas.

Mr. and Mrs. Rotes’ son Freeman, who was injured on Guadalcanal, is now stationed at Camp Stewart, Ga. He is to start home today on furlough.

Rumor About Gibson Denied-

Rumor that “Hoot” Gibson was killed in action in France has been denied. The story was that Mr. and Mrs. Edgar (Peg) O’Neal, Rosiclare, Gibson’s former father-in-law and mother-in-law, had received word from the War Department that Gibson had been killed in France, The O’Neals, who had taken their daughter’s boy to raise after their daughter’s death, had received no such word. Their daughter, Gibson’s first wife, had died when the baby was born.

A call’ by Mrs. O’Neal and Mrs. B. Burgess from Rosiclare to Golconda, to “Hoot’s” second wife, daughter of Jake Gibson, received the answer that they had heard no such message.

A call by Mrs. O’Neal and Mrs. B. Burgess from Rosiclare to Golconda, to “Hoot’s” second wife, daughter of Jake Gibson, received the answer that they had heard of no such thing, and would let Mrs. O’Neal know of any news ever received concerning Gibson.

October 19, 1944–

New Message Is That Rotes Was Killed in Action

First one from War Dept. had said he was missing in France since Sept. 20

Instead of receiving a follow-up telegram that their son Lowell, reported missing in action, had been located, or was a prisoner, Mr. and Mrs. Bass Rotes, Rosiclare, received a telegram from the War Department Saturday that their son had been killed in action.

Lowell Rotes had been with Patton’s 3rd army and fighting in France since the Invasion Day, June 6, 1944. It is believed that he drove a tank, and that his group got ahead of the others, and were cut off, so he was reported missing, since Sept. 20. Then perhaps, the tank, possibly destroyed, was located, and the second report made to Lowell’s home.

He was 23 years old and had been in the service since June 28, 1943.

Lowell’s brother, Freeman, who had been injured at Guadalcanal, is on furlough from Camp Stewart, Ga. He has not yet arrived home but a telephone message to his family, Monday, was that he was to be married in Boston and then would come to Rosiclare.

In addition to his parents, Lowell is survived by two brothers, Freeman and Cornelius of Rosiclare; and three sisters, Dosia Rotes who works at the hospital, Vada Rotes who works in the post office and Melba Yates who also lives in Rosiclare. Melba’s husband is now in England.

November 30, 1944–

Card of Thanks

We wish to thank our Friends and Neighbors for the many comforting words, both by mail and person, during the hours of sorrow in the loss of our son, Pvt. Lowell Rotes, who was killed in action  somewhere in France on Sept. 20. May God’s richest blessings be upon each of you is our prayer.

Mr. and Mrs. Bass Rotes and Family

November 30, 1944–

In The Service

Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Bramlet, Rosiclare, received a letter from their son, Pvt. Kenneth E. Bramlett which was written when he had a few hours in Tours. He’s been in France since invasion Day. He wrote that he had an infection in his right hand so that he could hardly hold a pen, much less write, previous to this letter.

He said he was sending pictures home of himself and “Too bad about Lowell Rotes. He was so young.” He said that he hoped it would not be long till the war ends, but said “I do not want to come home till it does” (but would if I had a chance) he admitted in parenthesis.

November 30, 1944–

17 Dead or Missing Since War 2 Began

2 men reported killed, one missing in Europe within five days

Those from Hardin county who have been killed in action, have been reported missing, or who have died while in service since World War II began, include:

Troy Partain, in Alaska; Wilford Lanham, New Caledonia; Floyd Mathews and John M. Drenan, South Pacific; Seba E. Blair, Lake Michigan; and in Europe: Cecil Cowsert, Troy Brandon, Marvin Shetler, L. B. Brandt, Joe Boswell, Roy Woodring, Lowell Rotes, Avis McDonald, Evans Young, Douglas Watson and Gaylord Holbrook.

Pfc. Herschel Austin, Lt. Lee McDonald and S/Sgt. Wayland Barber, at first reported missing, are prisoners in Germany. Lt. Jack Quarant is a prisoner of the Japanese.

Hardin County lost seven men in the first World War. They were: Paul C. Rowan, Louis H. Hossler, Clifford Ferrell, John T. Lackey, Eddie Odum, Alvin Smith and Chas. V. Ledbetter.

Thursday, July 5, 1945

Marriage–

Mrs. Nannie Dial, Elizabethtown, is announcing the marriage of her daughter, Geneva, to Sgt. Bill McCandless, son of Claude McCandless of Golconda, at Palo Pinto, Tex., on June 28.

Sgt. McCandless is located at Camp Eolters, Tex., returned from 18 months overseas. He was with Lowell Rotes when he was killed in action.

The bride plans to remain near Camp Eolters. She had attended Rosiclare Community High School before she started working at Golconda a year ago.

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Photos from the ceremony. See full album here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18nsn8sxfB/

 

 

A few of the drawings by French school children ages 7-10 (Class of CE2-CM1-CM2). See more in full album https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18nsn8sxfB/.