A Soldier’s Lucky Break
Optatius Buyssens, a Belgian soldier who fought in World War I, owed his survival to six coins he carried in his breast pocket. His great-grandson, Vincent Buyssens, uncovered the full story through a family journal.
A Bullet Deflected
During a scouting mission near Lebbeke, Belgium, in September 1914, a German soldier shot Buyssens. The bullet struck the three Belgian francs and three French francs in his pocket, ricocheting off and saving his life.
A Noisy Giveaway
Ironically, the coins also endangered him. The sound of them clinking together revealed his position to the enemy. After being shot, Buyssens was kicked by the German soldier but played dead until it was safe to crawl to safety with a comrade.
A Hidden Story Revealed
Vincent Buyssens discovered the details in a journal kept by his great-grandfather’s brother, an avid archivist. The journal, along with photos, was stored in a local museum. Optatius Buyssens survived the war and died of heart disease in the 1950s, leaving behind a remarkable tale of luck and survival.
During World War I, Belgian soldier Optatius Buyssens carried six coins that saved his life—and nearly got him killed… 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/niuhWduWNe
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) March 6, 2025