On May 8, 1902, the town of St. Pierre on Martinique fell victim to a catastrophic volcanic eruption from Mount Pelée. At the time of the major volcanic eruption, Hébert was on shore leave about 30 kilometers away. His own ship the "Suchet" had already left port to head for St. Pierre, so he boarded another ship in order to reach St. Pierre to help survivors.Scarth 2002 Hébert helped coordinate the escape and rescue of some seven hundred people from this disaster. This experience had a profound effect on him, and reinforced his belief that athletic skill must be combined with courage and altruism.Angel 2016, p. 221.Philippe-Meden 2018. He eventually developed this ethos into his personal motto, "Être fort pour être utile" ("Be strong to be helpful").
