The Translator
16"x 20"
Oil on Canvas
by S. Moar

After watching the episodes "No Trumpets, No Drums" and "Ambush" I was completely drawn into the character of Paul "Caje" LeMay (portrayed by Pierre Jalbert). In his role as the French speaking Cajun, he often acts as translator between the squad and many of the French natives they cross paths with in their travels.

In "Ambush" we are presented with the story of a young lady who's father is murdered by their own villagers, accused of being a German collaborator. In reality he was working for the Americans to gather intelligence, and it is the job of the squad to go after her and bring her back to the village for questioning. She has gone to her uncle's farm and along the way she sees where the German's have a tank hidden.

Sargeant Saunders (portrayed by Vic Morrow) needs that information to save the village from destruction, and it is the job of Caje the translator to put into words the
importance of Marie helping them, though no one had helped her to save her father. She is bitter, distraught, and shows us a woman with strength and vulnerability. We never hear a word of english from her but we never doubt that living in a war zone and having your family torn apart in an instant is almost too much to bear... yet she retains her humanity and reaches out to help the very people that turned their backs on her.

This is a great episode with a strong and accurate portrayal of a woman's role, and the regular cast is superb. In my painting I have Saunders and Marie silent while Caje bears the burden of translating.

S. Moar