Harold Vormezeele - French Solider killed in Mali, Africa

Staff Sergeant Harold Vormezeele, age 33, died on February 19, 2013, in the Iforhas region of northern Mali, in Africa. 

He was a commando with the Second Foreign Parachute Regiment, an elite unit of the French Foreign Legion.

He died in a clash with Islamists. The parachute regiment of 150 soldiers supported by a heavy vehicle patrol and Mirage fighter jets had come under fire. Harold was killed in the cross-fire.

The French-led operation aims at preventing the rebels, who are fighting to introduce Islamic law, from taking more territory in the country of Mali. 

Saint Bernadette of Lourdes,
who said "I am ground like
a grain of wheat",
pray for Harold, Sister.

Harold was born in Belgium. He joined the Foreign Legion in 1999. He became a radio operator. He joined the paratroopers section and was appointed sergeant in 2005.

He had previously served in operations in Bosnia, Gabon, Djibouti (2 times), New Caledonia, Côte d'Ivoire, Central African Republic and Afghanistan (3 times). 

Harold became a French citizen in 2010. 

Military officials state that he was reliable and devoted to his profession.

Harold is survived by many loving friends, comrades and relatives. 

Let us pray that Harold Vormezeele is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.

- Mort pour La France -