Jean Turco, veteran and oldest Frenchman, visiting Normandy Victory Museum

The 9 may 2026, the Normandy Victory Museum will welcome Jean Turco, a World War II veteran and the oldest living Frenchman. At 108 years old, he is one of the last direct witnesses of the 1940 French campaign.

His visit will give the public the opportunity to meet one of those witnesses whose voices are becoming increasingly rare today, and to discuss his journey and experience.

Enlisting in the 46th GRDI during the French campaign of May-June 1940, Jean Turco was mobilized in 1938 and was serving when the war began. Taken prisoner, he attempted to escape twice before regaining his freedom at the end of the conflict.

After the war, he entered public life alongside Hubert Germain, serving as his substitute in the National Assembly for several decades. Now the oldest living Frenchman, he continues to share his life story and pass on his memories to the public.

To mark his visit, a new area of ​​the museum will be officially inaugurated and will henceforth bear the name of Jean Turco. Located at the beginning of the exhibition, this space is dedicated to the first months of the Second World War and the 1940 campaign in France.

This moment will mark an important step in the visitor journey, linking the story told in the museum with the direct testimony of those who lived it.

His testimony, collected during a filmed interview by Florent Plana, professional guide and founder of WWII Veterans' Memories, will also be broadcast in this space.

→ Take advantage of your visit to discover the museum and the new space