In 1944, the Allies liberated the region of Lorraine in northeastern France, and Roland Gavriloff, who had witnessed the battles in his homeland, turned 18 years old on November 26. He enlisted in the military on December 2, committing himself to serve for the duration of World War II. After several months of combat, his demonstrated qualities and bravery earned him a promotion to first class after 8 months of active campaign. Following Germany's surrender in May 1945, Gavriloff joined the 8th Parachute Ranger Battalion in Trier, Germany, where he was later promoted to corporal and then corporal chief. He completed his qualification on April 2, 1946, in Mont-de-Marsan and underwent instructor parachute training at Camp d'Idron. Just as he turned 20, he was promoted to sergeant. This young, calm, and reflective leader, who trained others and had a strong interest in technical matters, was transferred to the Engineering Company of the 25th Airborne Division. He volunteered for service in Indochina and departed for Tonkin at the North Airfield Base. Over the next two years, he established himself through his technical knowledge, tireless enthusiasm, courage, and authority. In 1948, he participated in several airborne operations, including Mï-Su, Vietri, and Tra-Chau, always leading efforts to clear mines and obstacles to ensure the safe passage of troops. A citation from the Army Corps at the time noted that he "aroused the admiration of all." In 1949, Gavriloff was again notable during the operations "Canigou," "Junon," and "Diabole." In 1950, he was parachuted into the encircled post of Nghia-Lo and participated in the liberation of Cao Bang, where the Minister of National Defense wrote that he "proved to be the perfect type of Assault Engineering Squad Leader." When Sergeant Chief Gavriloff left Indochina in October 1950, he had a palm and four "clous" (a type of decoration) on his War Cross. Back in France, Gavriloff worked and continued his education, obtaining the CIA (Certificat d'Instruction Approfondie) with an average of 16.08 and the First Degree Weapon Certificate with distinction. In December 1951, fighting was taking place in South Korea against the Chinese invader. Gavriloff volunteered and joined the French battalion of the United Nations, assigned to the famous pioneer company, described by Jules Roy as "the most beautiful of the Battalion." Gavriloff, a Lorrainer with a fine head of blond hair and a thin face that emphasized his energy, spoke little and thought a lot. He had a lot of common sense and experience. On October 3, 1952, the Battalion went into line. The pioneers set up in defense on the 281 coast, with no question of retreating. On October 4, the Chinese bombed the position. On October 5, new cannon fire struck. The pioneers, experts in explosives, sensing the attack approaching, strengthened their positions. On October 6, a storm of iron fell on the 281 coast, which appeared to be burning. Behind their sacks, on the ground, the machine guns waited for the enemy's assault. Gavriloff still had the heart to joke. A last convoy of supplies and ammunition passed, then the Chinese suspended their preparation fire and attacked. The hill held by the French emerged from its cloud, "smoking and plowed." The machine guns chattered. The attackers attacked screaming. They were cut down. Other groups passed them, they were in turn pinned on the barbed wire and mines. New waves arrived. The position was overwhelmed. The pioneers defended themselves with grenades. Gavriloff's blockhouses were the last to resist; they were invaded in turn. Gavriloff fought hand-to-hand with a Chinese and crashed with him into the bottom of a ravine. Then the 281 coast, momentarily conquered by the Chinese, exploded under the artillery fire of 250 tubes of the 105 friends. Sergeant Gavriloff received the Military Medal posthumously.