A Medal of Honor Escape Adventure Waiting for the Big Screen
War stories filled with heroism, danger, and grit have long captivated audiences. Few tales capture these elements better than the incredible story of Edouard Izac, a Navy officer who endured capture, injury, and a harrowing escape during World War I. His dramatic journey brims with intrigue and high-stakes adventure. It’s a story tailor-made for the silver screen, combining espionage, daring escapes, and a personal journey reflecting the human cost of war.
The Real Story
Edouard Victor Michel Izac was born on December 18, 1891, in Cresco, Iowa. From humble beginnings, he ascended to the heights of military service. After graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1915, he quickly found himself at the forefront of conflict. His experience during World War I aboard the doomed USS President Lincoln not only changed the trajectory of his life, but also earned him a place in history as a Medal of Honor recipient. His actions combined valor, intelligence, and a relentless will to survive overwhelming odds.
Plot Points
Story Beats
Captivating films rely on defining moments that shape its hero. Edouard Izac’s story is a tapestry of such beats, each building on the last to weaving a narrative filled with suspense, resilience, and triumph.
Izac’s Character and Early Service
Raised with midwestern values of resilience and determination, Izac’s upbringing in rural Iowa instilled the grit that would define him. His education at the US Naval Academy prepared him for leadership and quick thinking, pivotal qualities for his daring escape.
The Sinking of the USS President Lincoln
In May 1918, Izac served as the executive officer of the USS President Lincoln. Tasked with ferrying troops to Europe, the ship had successfully completed multiple missions before its fateful voyage. On May 31, she was torpedoed by the German submarine U-90 while returning to the United States. The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 crew members.
Most survivors, including Izac, managed to escape in lifeboats, but his ordeal had just begun. Plucked from the sea, he was taken aboard U-90 as a prisoner of war.
Prisoner of War and Intelligence Gathering
Izac’s captivity aboard U-90 marks the beginning of a perilous chapter. Fluent in German, he concealed this from his captors and quietly observed the submarine’s operations. He memorzed vital information about it, hoping this intelligence could provide critical insights to the Allies- if he survived to deliver it.
Conditions were brutal and his captors showed no mercy. Despite the hardships, Izac attempted multiple escapes. On one occasion, he leapt from a speeding train, only to be recaptured. His determination to return home and report the submarine’s secrets kept him going.
The Great Escape and Return
Izac’s final escape in October 1918 is a story of ingenuity and endurance. Disguised as a German, he embarked on a grueling journey across enemy territory, covering more than 100 miles to reach neutral Switzerland.
His trek involved climbing fences, evading guards and search dogs, and surviving on whatever food he could scavenge. Once safely in Switzerland, he made contact with Allied forces and relayed his hard-earned intelligence just weeks before the Armistice.
Why It Would Make a Great Movie
As Hollywood struggles to find original ideas, the story of Edoard Izac and his escape offers a high-stakes situation from a fresh perspective.
Character-Driven Heroism
A film about Izac would bring a lesser-known World War I hero into the spotlight. His story blends courage, intellect, and unbreakable willpower — qualities that make him an inspiring and relatable protagonist.
High-Stakes Action
The sinking of the USS President Lincoln provides a gripping opening, with chaos, death, and desperate survival unfolding on the high seas. Tension would mount as Izac faces his captors aboard U-90, where his intelligence-gathering creates a constant undercurrent of danger. The submarine’s dark, claustrophobic interior could evoke an atmosphere of suspense reminiscent of wartime thrillers like Das Boot.
A Thrilling Escape
The centerpiece of the film would be Izac’s relentless escape attempts, culminating in his triumphant flight to freedom. Imagine the dramatic tension as he jumps from a moving train, evades enemy patrols, and races through the wilderness under constant threat of recapture. The scenes would echo the heart-pounding suspense of classics like The Great Escape or The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Post-War Reflections
Izac’s story doesn’t end with the Armistice. His post-war career, including service in the US House of Representatives, adds layers of complexity to his character. A film could explore how his harrowing experiences shaped his views, providing a thoughtful epilogue that reflects on the personal costs of war and the pursuit of peace.
Reliable Thoughts
The life of Edouard Izac offers all the ingredients of a great historical drama: perilous adventure, high-stakes espionage, human endurance, and post-war reflection. His Medal of Honor journey honors individual bravery while illustrating the broader sacrifices made during conflict. Bringing his story to the big screen would entertain, inspire, and remind audiences of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.
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