Joseph Darnand (19 March 1897 – 10 October 1945) was a French far-right political figure, Nazi collaborator and convicted war criminal during the Second World War. A decorated veteran of the First World War and the Battle of France in 1940, he later pledged allegiance to Nazi Germany, joining the Waffen-SS on 8 August 1943.
Darnand was the de facto leader of the Milice française, a fascist paramilitary organisation established under the Vichy regime to combat the French Resistance, persecute Jews, and enforce forced labour drafts. On 1 January 1944, at the request of the German authorities, he was appointed Secretary General for Law and Order, before becoming Secretary of State for the Interior on 14 June 1944.
Following the liberation of France, he was arrested, tried for treason, sentenced to death, and executed by firing squad on 10 October 1945.
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Early years and war service
Darnand was born at Coligny, Ain, Rhône-Alpes in France.
On 8 January 1916, he enlisted in the 35th Infantry Regiment. He was promoted to corporal in April 1917, sergeant on 1 June 1917 and to adjutant (warrant officer) in 1918. He volunteered for a squadron that undertook dangerous missions. For his efforts in July 1918 penetrating German lines in the Champagne sector with a small force that captured prisoners and secured information about a forthcoming German offensive, "Darnand emerged a major war hero."