Mary Astor Paul (March 26, 1889 – July 28, 1950) was a Philadelphia socialite who was related to the Astor and Drexel families. During World War II, she helped the American forces in France.
Mary Paul was the daughter of James William Paul, Jr. (1851-1908) and Frances Drexel (1858-1901), the daughter of Anthony Joseph Drexel (1826-1893). She was born and raised in Radnor, Pennsylvania, where she grew up and was presented to society in 1907.
On October 28, 1908, Mary's engagement to Charles Alexander Munn, Jr. was announced. The marriage of the couple took place on June 21, 1909, at St. Martin Episcopal Church in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Many members of society were present, including the Drexel and Roosevelt families.
After their marriage, the couple lived at Woodcrest, their residence in Radnor, until they sold it in 1925. After the sale, the couple sailed to France, intending on living there for a decade. However, Mary filed for divorce in 1930, citing abandonment.
The Munns had four children together: three daughters and a son: Pauline, Mary, Frances Drexel, and Charles A. Munn, Jr.
Pauline, the eldest child, married Milton Dorland Doyle, of New York City, in Cap Ferrat, France in 1931. The marriage was a tumultuous one, and after twice filing and then dismissing divorce charges, the couple was divorced in 1938. Pauline died in France in 1939.
Charles served with the United States Naval Reserve, rising to the rank of lieutenant in 1941. At that time, he married Louise Stanley, the actress, in New York City.
Frances Drexel Munn went to school in Europe and was presented to society in 1934 at the Bellevue-Stratford in Philadelphia. In 1938, she married George F. Baker, son of the prominent banker of the same name in New York City.
Mary Munn was educated at a school in Westfield, England, until the war broke out. At that time, she was brought to Paris and educated by private tutors. On 29 September 1948, she married Frederick Ponsonby, Viscount Duncannon at the American Cathedral in Paris, France. Lord Dunacannon succeeded as the 10th Earl of Bessborough, 10 March 1956. Lady Bessborough was a painter of still life.
During World War II, Mrs. Munn, now remarried to Jacques Allez, served the United States Military in a large role. She served as president of the American Aid Society in Paris. During the French resistance movement, she helped contact the American forces under the code name "Pauline."
The President of the United States, Harry S. Truman, awarded Mme. Allez the American Medal of Freedom for her service. At the same time, French President Vincent Auriol made her a chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
Speaking of her service, Mme. Allez said that her contacts were throughout France, and consisted of people from all walks of life and occupations. She was also in personal contact throughout the war with the American Legation in Berne, Switzerland, and Robert Murphy, the United States Consul.
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