On 3 June 1944, Jean Vilat (58), a veteran and member of the FTP (Francs-tireurs et partisans, the name of the French internal resistance movement), left his farm to warn a camp of Resistance fighters of the arrival of the Nazis. Pierre Denaes, 20 years old, who was on guard, was shot by the assailants. On his return, John was arrested and tied to a tree in front of his house. Jean would not talk despite torture and horrible mutilation, thus saving many resistance fighters.