Military career spans decades

Chief Corporal First Class Soakimi Pise, a decorated non-commissioned officer in the French military, has died at the age of 51. Pise left the military in November 2018 after a 35-year career, transitioning to civilian defense personnel within the 6th Squadron of the 1st Regiment of African Light Infantry. He was one of the most decorated non-commissioned officers in France.

Early service and military path

Pise was initially not destined for a military career. He was called up for service in 1989 under the National Service and enlisted in the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment two years later, with the rank of corporal. From that point on, his life would be marked by external operations.

Participation in international missions

He participated in Operation Noroît in Rwanda, where he was designated as a sharpshooter. He then participated in several other operations, including in the former Yugoslavia: Bosnia and Herzegovina (FORPRONU, IFOR), operations Salamande in Macedonia and Trident in Kosovo.

Notable actions in Sarajevo and Chad

In 1996, deployed with his company on the "Sniper Alley" in Sarajevo, to secure French facilities, he showed exceptional calm and courage, which earned him the commendation of General Douin, then Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Attached to the Marching Regiment of Chad, based in Noyon, Pise distinguished himself on several occasions in Côte d'Ivoire [Operation Licorne], to the point of being cited by the regiment.

Heroism in Afghanistan

In August 2008, deployed in Operation Pamir in Afghanistan, Pise distinguished himself again during the ambush at Uzbeen, during which ten of his comrades lost their lives. Under fire from the Taliban, he supported the section of the 8th Marine Infantry Parachutist Regiment, which was severely attacked, until the exhaustion of his ammunition. He would not leave his position until he received the order to do so.

Awards and legacy

He was awarded the Military Medal in April 2010. "A rare occurrence for a non-commissioned officer," noted the 1st RCA, his last regiment. Within it, Pise joined the "shooting cell," sharing his already extensive operational experience with it.

Recognition and tribute

In 2015, "almost unique," noted the 1st RCA, he was made a knight of the National Order of Merit, "thus becoming one of the most decorated non-commissioned officers in the French army." "Fully devoted to the institution," Chief Corporal First Class Pise "embodied both the example, loyalty and humility, marks of exceptional soldiers," stated the 1st RCA in the tribute paid to him.