The Role of Hemingway as a De Facto Leader in Village Militia Dynamics

In July 1944, renowned author Ernest Hemingway attached himself to the 22nd Infantry Regiment, commanded by Colonel Charles 'Buck' Lanham, as they advanced towards Paris. During this time, Hemingway took on the role of de facto leader for a small group of village militia in Rambouillet, located just outside the city. His involvement with the Resistance was notable, as he organized and led these local fighters against the occupying forces. However, this action raised significant ethical and legal concerns. Paul Fussell, a noted literary critic and veteran, pointed out that Hemingway faced considerable trouble for assuming the role of an infantry captain, which was against the norms for war correspondents. According to the Geneva Convention, correspondents are not permitted to lead troops, regardless of their effectiveness in doing so. Hemingway was subsequently brought up on formal charges but managed to evade serious consequences by claiming that he merely offered advice rather than direct orders. This incident highlights the complexities and moral ambiguities faced by individuals in wartime, particularly those who straddle the lines between combatants and non-combatants. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #Hemingway #22ndInfantryRegiment #WorldWarIi #Resistance #Rambouillet