Paul Holle (1807-1862) was a mixed-race French soldier and writer, best known for his staunch defense of Fort-Médine against the besieging Toucouleur army of El Hadj Omar Tall between April and July 1857.

[3] In late 1855, Holle co-wrote with Frédéric Carrère, the head of Saint-Louis' Department of Justice, a book titled De la Sénégambie Française in which they exposed their opinion on what the future of the colony should be.

[7] Using ladders made from palm tree branches, Toucouleur warriors attempted to climb the wall, under devastating rifle and cannon fire from the defenders.

The surprised Toucouleur warriors left their cover in panic and half of them were killed by the fort's defenders heavy fire, while many others drowned while hastily fleeing from the island.

[9] For his heroic and stubborn defense of Fort-Médine, Holle was awarded the Legion of Honour through a decree signed by Emperor Napoleon III's own hand.