1. Jean Thurel was admonished because, the doors of the fortress being shut, he scaled its walls to gain entry so that he would not miss muster.
11 Facts About Jean Thurel
1. 2.
Jean Thurel's humility is evident in his steadfast refusal to accept any promotions; he remained a low-ranking fusilier for his entire military career.
3.
Jean Thurel was awarded two Medaillon Des Deux Epees in 1771, the year the medal was established, in recognition of the two 24-year periods of time during which he had served up until then.
4.
The 33-year-old king of France, Louis XVI, addressed the 88-year-old Army private in a respectful manner as "father", and asked whether Jean Thurel would prefer to be awarded the Ordre Royal et Militaire de Saint-Louis or a third Medaillon Des Deux Epees medal, in recognition of the period from 1764 to 1788.
5.
Jean Thurel opted to receive a third Medaillon Des Deux Epees, on the condition that the king himself attach the medal to his uniform.
6.
Jean Thurel was the only one to have received it thrice.
7.
In 1788 the officers of his regiment jointly paid for a portrait of Jean Thurel to be painted by Antoine Vestier.
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Louis XVI 8.
On 26 October 1804, at the age of 106, Jean Thurel became one of the first recipients of the newly established Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur, the highest decoration in France.
9.
Jean Thurel was later appointed as the "oldest soldier of Europe".
10.
Jean Thurel remained healthy in body and spirit throughout his remarkably long life.
11.
Jean Thurel died in Tours on 10 March 1807, at the age of 108, after a brief illness.