He worked for a well known battery company in the USA.
He went to France and was given a tour of the battery plant.
During the tour, he overheard several snide remarks (in French) about the dumb Americans who would never be able to understand the process.
The French company hadn't bothered to file for a USA patent due to their belief.
At his departure meeting, Ernie thanked them for their tour, in perfect French.
He died a couple of years ago at 98 years old.
He had a photographic memory.
In a short time, NiCads were being made and sold in the USA, with no royalties to the French.
Great story!