Once in a three generation experience !
Jun 6th, 2009, 11:09 AM
#22
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Looking forward to the rest of the story. In these days of so much hatred among people, it is so reassuring to be reading this report. Even though I am in tears, thank you. And so much for the theory of the rude, uncaring French.
Jun 6th, 2009, 11:19 AM
#23
A question was asked today during the massive television coverage in France of the 65th D-Day anniversary. Everybody knows how grateful the people of Normandy are for the liberation of France (so are the rest of the French, but the Normans more than most). However, most of this part of Normandy was completely leveled by the allied bombings, the shelling from the ships, and the German counterattacks, and thousands of civilians were killed while many more lost the only home that had ever known.
So one of the journalists asked someone if there is any resentment about that in the region. The reply was mixed -- the Normans will always be grateful, but they will always wonder if more care could have been taken to spare civilians during this operation, and would it have affected the outcome? We will never know.
So one of the journalists asked someone if there is any resentment about that in the region. The reply was mixed -- the Normans will always be grateful, but they will always wonder if more care could have been taken to spare civilians during this operation, and would it have affected the outcome? We will never know.
Jun 7th, 2009, 05:18 AM
#24
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Ok,
Capt is still listed as MIA. No word to his wife and infant daughter Susan or his family.
In January 1946 - almost two years after the crash- Capt's father recieves a letter from a soldier who has just returned from his tour of duty.<<< "in Sept 1945 I was acosted in the streets of LeMans by a very aged French woman who pressed a West Point ring class of 43 in my hand. Your son's name was engraved inside. My limited knowledge of French was insufficient to get a coherent story so I called a gendarme to help interpret. From him I gathered the following- "An American plane was shot down in the Forest of Vibraye near LeMans by German batteries in May 1944. This aged woman lived in a hut nearby and witnessed it. How the ring came in to her possession it is not clear, but I gathered it was from someone in the plane. She explained to the gendarme that now the war was over,she couls no longer keep the ring and wished to return it to an American soldier.
Upon my return to the States I immediately communicated with West Point and received your address.>>>
in another letter to the family it is confirmed that this is the first word on Capt Smith in two years.
Upon returning the ring he writes <<< If as your letter implies, mine was the first word .... except for the bare announcemnent that he was missing in action I am glad to be of a little service in .... your quest for particulars. >>>
He goes on to say that in a different time and under different circumstances but he did nnot question the woman further did not get her name. << I might have done things but in Europe the most improbably and fantastic stories are more often than not so grimly real that they are nothing unusual and seldom questioned. I don't like to say this but in all fairness I should - The most outstanding impression I received from the woman and the interpreter is that nobody could have possibly survived in the plane, which was blown from the skies and demolished. >>>
he recalls the story again with bullet point type details explaining that there would really be no way to re trace his steps. This incident occured in October 1945.
So a mystery woman hands an American Soldier a ring in the streets of LeMans and to his credit the soldier contacts West Point and the family with news of their late son, husband and father.
From this information father contacts American Red Cross and investigations are re- opened.
The military returns to Vibraye discovers that indeed a plane went down there and yes they had recovered the unknown remains and buried him in the local cemetery.
Signed statements are given from the doctor the casket maker and the others who were present at the burial. The authorities discover the doctor had buried with the remains a piece of a sweater marked Smith. Other items that were returned to the authorities were his flying helmet marked with his initials and the cockpit cover. A time after the crash a man found a human digit at the scene he preserved it in a bottle in alcohol and it was returned for finger print identification. The body was dis-enterred and removed to the cemetery in BLosville, France still listed as unknown.
By May 1947 the investigation was complete. The remains were those of Capt and the marker at Blosville was changed to have his name rank and sevice unit.
In Sept 1947 his widow gave permission for his remains to be moved to the Cemetery at Normday Colleville sur mer. By now their young daughter Susan was also deceased. She had died in her sleep at age 2 1/2.
In May 1949 she was notified that his interrment was complete and he is permanently laid to rest in Plot C, Row 10 Grave 46..
The first of the family to visit the grave is his neice in the late 1970's she is studying in France and takes the trip to Normandy to see the the grave.
In 2007 his great nephew and I travelled to the grave with a school group. FLowers were already on the grave that day as our host had been there the day or so before and laid flowers in his honor.
OK that gets us back to the final day - street naming ceremony in Vibraye
Capt is still listed as MIA. No word to his wife and infant daughter Susan or his family.
In January 1946 - almost two years after the crash- Capt's father recieves a letter from a soldier who has just returned from his tour of duty.<<< "in Sept 1945 I was acosted in the streets of LeMans by a very aged French woman who pressed a West Point ring class of 43 in my hand. Your son's name was engraved inside. My limited knowledge of French was insufficient to get a coherent story so I called a gendarme to help interpret. From him I gathered the following- "An American plane was shot down in the Forest of Vibraye near LeMans by German batteries in May 1944. This aged woman lived in a hut nearby and witnessed it. How the ring came in to her possession it is not clear, but I gathered it was from someone in the plane. She explained to the gendarme that now the war was over,she couls no longer keep the ring and wished to return it to an American soldier.
Upon my return to the States I immediately communicated with West Point and received your address.>>>
in another letter to the family it is confirmed that this is the first word on Capt Smith in two years.
Upon returning the ring he writes <<< If as your letter implies, mine was the first word .... except for the bare announcemnent that he was missing in action I am glad to be of a little service in .... your quest for particulars. >>>
He goes on to say that in a different time and under different circumstances but he did nnot question the woman further did not get her name. << I might have done things but in Europe the most improbably and fantastic stories are more often than not so grimly real that they are nothing unusual and seldom questioned. I don't like to say this but in all fairness I should - The most outstanding impression I received from the woman and the interpreter is that nobody could have possibly survived in the plane, which was blown from the skies and demolished. >>>
he recalls the story again with bullet point type details explaining that there would really be no way to re trace his steps. This incident occured in October 1945.
So a mystery woman hands an American Soldier a ring in the streets of LeMans and to his credit the soldier contacts West Point and the family with news of their late son, husband and father.
From this information father contacts American Red Cross and investigations are re- opened.
The military returns to Vibraye discovers that indeed a plane went down there and yes they had recovered the unknown remains and buried him in the local cemetery.
Signed statements are given from the doctor the casket maker and the others who were present at the burial. The authorities discover the doctor had buried with the remains a piece of a sweater marked Smith. Other items that were returned to the authorities were his flying helmet marked with his initials and the cockpit cover. A time after the crash a man found a human digit at the scene he preserved it in a bottle in alcohol and it was returned for finger print identification. The body was dis-enterred and removed to the cemetery in BLosville, France still listed as unknown.
By May 1947 the investigation was complete. The remains were those of Capt and the marker at Blosville was changed to have his name rank and sevice unit.
In Sept 1947 his widow gave permission for his remains to be moved to the Cemetery at Normday Colleville sur mer. By now their young daughter Susan was also deceased. She had died in her sleep at age 2 1/2.
In May 1949 she was notified that his interrment was complete and he is permanently laid to rest in Plot C, Row 10 Grave 46..
The first of the family to visit the grave is his neice in the late 1970's she is studying in France and takes the trip to Normandy to see the the grave.
In 2007 his great nephew and I travelled to the grave with a school group. FLowers were already on the grave that day as our host had been there the day or so before and laid flowers in his honor.
OK that gets us back to the final day - street naming ceremony in Vibraye
Jun 7th, 2009, 05:44 AM
#25
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Thank you so much for sharing this. It's really heartwarming to think of how many people played a part, over the years, in recognizing your mother-in-law's brother and filling in some of the blanks for your family.
Jun 7th, 2009, 08:38 AM
#26
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I mentioned earlier that the eight remaining family members have attended these events. Well I need to add a little to that.
Last year at a family reunion for her late husband's family Nana told the tale and how we all hoped to be in France for this in 2009.
Well her nephew and others chimed in that - we needed another reunion next year in France! We must go with you to help you homor your brother! I will rent a chateau! A sister in law and eleven nieces and nephews arrived in Vibraye on May 21 from 4 countries by rental car, train and even by bicycle!
A friend from London arrives late Friday as a suprise for Nana.
The nephew rented Chateau de la Barre about 8 km south of Vibraye where we (20 )stayed for three nights. The home and hosts there are amzazing. I highly recommend if you are in the area.
Ok So it is Saturday the day of the naming. There is a mass at 10 ( we are not Catholic so it was more of a liturgy of rememberance). We arrive to find military re - inactment groups, a full color/ honor guard, the Chorale and Band of Vibraye. We are introduced to various members of different branches of the military both French and American and to some regional senators who have come from Lemans and Paris.
We (21) enter the church behind the color guard and find that the church is almost full of townspeople!
After the sevice we are led behind the color guard down the center aisle and over to a side aisle. At the back of the church there is a large wall monument to the fallen sons of Vibraye. At the bottom there is an American Flag draped over a corner. The man "in charge" calls our youngest son to remove the flag for Nana as she steps forward the flag is removed and we see a plaque with Captain Smith's name added to the memorial wall. We are all overcome. Flowers are laid and we process out of the church and down to the corner to the War Memorial in the square. After all the people are in place our oldest son unveils another plaque -- his name has been added to that monument as well. Flowers are laid. We are all so touched to be considered Vibraysiennes!
THe procession leaves from there about 6-8 blocks to Rue -- Smith. About 200 townspeople and dignitairies are walking in a light drizzle. Nana has been taken by car. She cannot walk that far. As the procession arrives DH ( his namesake )escorts her to the Mayor and the ribbon is cut. The street is open. The band plays. People cheer.
As everyone gets settled for the official speeches it starts to rain and by the time the presentation speech begins it is pouring. No one leaves. No one moves. The color guard does not flinch. The re inactors do not move a muscle. The band does not shift a foot.
As the speech ends so does the rain. The children are called forward and release 26 balloons with a card attached. The card has a photo and brief tribute in French and English. The balloons quickly go aloft and someone remarked " they are headed for the crash site".
We walk back to town never wanting to leave our new family.
A wine reception is held for the townspeople in the community center. We meet more gracious friendly people. More speeches are given the band plays the chorale sings.
We are then led to a beautiful luncheon that began with salmon and pork? mousse and ended with a tart fraise.
A group of local dancers danced traditional dances.
Hung over the stage was a huge cut out that had been made of the plane complete with M__A__ painted by the propeller. His plane was named in honor of his wife.
Our host has really out done himself to this point. We never in a million years thought we would have been treated so finely, so graciously so well for four days. What an effort he , the mayor, his general council and the townspeople put forth for us.
All I could think of on Saturday is how proud his parents and wife would have been to know what good care was taken so long ago and what a tribute had been made over the past days.
I have one more event to relate. Our trip to The American Cemetery at Normandy for the American Memorial Day service.
Thank you for bearing with me
Last year at a family reunion for her late husband's family Nana told the tale and how we all hoped to be in France for this in 2009.
Well her nephew and others chimed in that - we needed another reunion next year in France! We must go with you to help you homor your brother! I will rent a chateau! A sister in law and eleven nieces and nephews arrived in Vibraye on May 21 from 4 countries by rental car, train and even by bicycle!
A friend from London arrives late Friday as a suprise for Nana.
The nephew rented Chateau de la Barre about 8 km south of Vibraye where we (20 )stayed for three nights. The home and hosts there are amzazing. I highly recommend if you are in the area.
Ok So it is Saturday the day of the naming. There is a mass at 10 ( we are not Catholic so it was more of a liturgy of rememberance). We arrive to find military re - inactment groups, a full color/ honor guard, the Chorale and Band of Vibraye. We are introduced to various members of different branches of the military both French and American and to some regional senators who have come from Lemans and Paris.
We (21) enter the church behind the color guard and find that the church is almost full of townspeople!
After the sevice we are led behind the color guard down the center aisle and over to a side aisle. At the back of the church there is a large wall monument to the fallen sons of Vibraye. At the bottom there is an American Flag draped over a corner. The man "in charge" calls our youngest son to remove the flag for Nana as she steps forward the flag is removed and we see a plaque with Captain Smith's name added to the memorial wall. We are all overcome. Flowers are laid and we process out of the church and down to the corner to the War Memorial in the square. After all the people are in place our oldest son unveils another plaque -- his name has been added to that monument as well. Flowers are laid. We are all so touched to be considered Vibraysiennes!
THe procession leaves from there about 6-8 blocks to Rue -- Smith. About 200 townspeople and dignitairies are walking in a light drizzle. Nana has been taken by car. She cannot walk that far. As the procession arrives DH ( his namesake )escorts her to the Mayor and the ribbon is cut. The street is open. The band plays. People cheer.
As everyone gets settled for the official speeches it starts to rain and by the time the presentation speech begins it is pouring. No one leaves. No one moves. The color guard does not flinch. The re inactors do not move a muscle. The band does not shift a foot.
As the speech ends so does the rain. The children are called forward and release 26 balloons with a card attached. The card has a photo and brief tribute in French and English. The balloons quickly go aloft and someone remarked " they are headed for the crash site".
We walk back to town never wanting to leave our new family.
A wine reception is held for the townspeople in the community center. We meet more gracious friendly people. More speeches are given the band plays the chorale sings.
We are then led to a beautiful luncheon that began with salmon and pork? mousse and ended with a tart fraise.
A group of local dancers danced traditional dances.
Hung over the stage was a huge cut out that had been made of the plane complete with M__A__ painted by the propeller. His plane was named in honor of his wife.
Our host has really out done himself to this point. We never in a million years thought we would have been treated so finely, so graciously so well for four days. What an effort he , the mayor, his general council and the townspeople put forth for us.
All I could think of on Saturday is how proud his parents and wife would have been to know what good care was taken so long ago and what a tribute had been made over the past days.
I have one more event to relate. Our trip to The American Cemetery at Normandy for the American Memorial Day service.
Thank you for bearing with me
Jun 7th, 2009, 04:41 PM
#27
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Thank you for sharing this intensely personal and touching story with us. I am reminded again of how much we owe to those men and women who gave their lives for us so we could enjoy the luxury of freedom.
Jun 7th, 2009, 05:54 PM
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Many thanks for this amazing, touching story. We in the US have no idea of the ravages of war on our soil, and to read this account of sacrifice, bravery, memories and gratitude is very moving. Well done, and timely, with President Obama having been at the D Day ceremonies.
Jun 7th, 2009, 08:00 PM
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This is such a beautiful story. The plane crash affected so many people in the town and they never forgot.
Knowing that an American pilot was willing to give up his life to free these people from the German occupation must have given them hope and even 65 years later the town is willing to honor your family in such a memorable way. I'm so glad your Nana was able to be with you- this story will be told in your family for generations to come.
Tell us about Normandy when you have time. Your writing is very good.
Evelyn
Knowing that an American pilot was willing to give up his life to free these people from the German occupation must have given them hope and even 65 years later the town is willing to honor your family in such a memorable way. I'm so glad your Nana was able to be with you- this story will be told in your family for generations to come.
Tell us about Normandy when you have time. Your writing is very good.
Evelyn
Jun 8th, 2009, 05:48 PM
#35
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Yes our host is an awesome indvidual. This is his personal passion. He was invited by the US Embassy to the DDAY ceremony with Sarkosy and Obama. He was very excited. I am waiting on a report. He became a really special friend.
We very sadly leave Vibraye at 6:30am on Sunday morning. Our host at the Chateau was kind enough to get up and make us some coffee before we left and our hostess had packed a few goodies for the boys the night before.
We meet Mr. Mayor and six other people a mix of witness and council members at 6:45 to be in Normandy for a 10:30 ceremony. We met our host on the motor way outside of Lemans . The American Memorial Day ceremony was on the 24th the day before the US holiday.
We arrived to the most beautiful day. THe sky and the English Channel were the same beautiful blue. A crowd was gathering - most were carrying flowers. Our host registered us and led us to a reserved seating section. We were seated about 1/3 of the way back from the "stage". The memorial statue area served as the stage. Both National anthems were played by military bands. A missing man flyover was awesome. All four planes flew the length of the cemetery then the Missing Man went straight up and away as the others headed out to sea. Breathtaking. We heard speeches in both English and French about the sacrifices for freedom. Four US Congressmen/ Senators were there. Senator Burr from NC spoke. A medic who came ashore at DDay gave his account.<<< "When I got hit by the second bullet well that hurt". I told my corporal he would have to carry on for me then a bullet when right through his head and he was gone. After the third bullet hit me I woke up next to my brother in a hospital in England. ">>>
He was 19 years old. He had already been all over the European Theater and Africa. He said they knew this would be different. Chilling
A 21 gun salute and laying of wreaths ended the ceremony.
Our host got Nana a wheelchair and an employee of the cemetery to escort us to the grave. She had a small bucket of sand from the beach with her. SHe explained that with Nana's permission she would rub the sand into the inscription so we could really get the full effect of the name. It was fascinating to watch the name appear so clearly.
This was really the hardest part for Nana. I don't think she ever thought she would make it to pay personal tribute. She overcame several serious health problems some as recently as a few weeks before we left. She wanted to be there for him but also beacause her mother and daddy could never bear to make the trip. She felt like she was there for them. Our family along with the town of Vibraye laid wreaths. We were asked by an orphan of the war if he could lay a wreath there as well.
Our host had really made the impossible possible. I don't imagine she would have ever made the trip without the patient
persistence he used to get us there. The fact that all 8 of us went is a miracle in itself. DH and BIL do not leave the business with out one of them in town so for both to go .. Well the "impossible" possible.
I need to tell you the last bit. Our host has to leave us after the ceremony. He has another memorial to attend. He leads us and the van of the Vibraye folks back to Bayeaux. We stop in a parking lot to tell him goodbye and it is so hard to do so. Maybe the parking lot was the best place because we had to let him go and there was no one else to see us all in tears!
The bit of Breakfast anyone had was long gone. We are with our French friends now and communication will be difficult. Nana is completely worn out so their car of four says their goodbyes and are off to Paris for our Flight out on Monday.
Our family and the Vibraye folks are left to decide about lunch. There is a McDonald's on the corner. You guessed it in we go. A McDonalds after all the wonderful food they have fed us we end in McDonald's!! DH is so tired he forgets to pick up their bill. UGH. As we quietly eat and exchange a few words here and there I begin to realize that this is the first time Mr.Mayor and the gentleman that was a witness have never eaten at McDo before! I was so embarassed. Hopefully that impression will not linger !! We said our tearful goodbyes promised to write and stay in touch. I think we will . I hope and pray we do.
I really appreciate all of you who took the time to read this l o n g account of our adventure.
I really must thank our host Monsieur Jacky Emery and the Mayor And General Councillor Of the Sarthe Monsieur Jacky Breton. Without these two fine men this story would not be possible. The people of Vibraye who welcomed us so graciously. The witnesses who gave up so much time to be with us. These people will remain in our hearts forever.
God Bless America!
Viva La France!
MEM _ Alabama
We very sadly leave Vibraye at 6:30am on Sunday morning. Our host at the Chateau was kind enough to get up and make us some coffee before we left and our hostess had packed a few goodies for the boys the night before.
We meet Mr. Mayor and six other people a mix of witness and council members at 6:45 to be in Normandy for a 10:30 ceremony. We met our host on the motor way outside of Lemans . The American Memorial Day ceremony was on the 24th the day before the US holiday.
We arrived to the most beautiful day. THe sky and the English Channel were the same beautiful blue. A crowd was gathering - most were carrying flowers. Our host registered us and led us to a reserved seating section. We were seated about 1/3 of the way back from the "stage". The memorial statue area served as the stage. Both National anthems were played by military bands. A missing man flyover was awesome. All four planes flew the length of the cemetery then the Missing Man went straight up and away as the others headed out to sea. Breathtaking. We heard speeches in both English and French about the sacrifices for freedom. Four US Congressmen/ Senators were there. Senator Burr from NC spoke. A medic who came ashore at DDay gave his account.<<< "When I got hit by the second bullet well that hurt". I told my corporal he would have to carry on for me then a bullet when right through his head and he was gone. After the third bullet hit me I woke up next to my brother in a hospital in England. ">>>
He was 19 years old. He had already been all over the European Theater and Africa. He said they knew this would be different. Chilling
A 21 gun salute and laying of wreaths ended the ceremony.
Our host got Nana a wheelchair and an employee of the cemetery to escort us to the grave. She had a small bucket of sand from the beach with her. SHe explained that with Nana's permission she would rub the sand into the inscription so we could really get the full effect of the name. It was fascinating to watch the name appear so clearly.
This was really the hardest part for Nana. I don't think she ever thought she would make it to pay personal tribute. She overcame several serious health problems some as recently as a few weeks before we left. She wanted to be there for him but also beacause her mother and daddy could never bear to make the trip. She felt like she was there for them. Our family along with the town of Vibraye laid wreaths. We were asked by an orphan of the war if he could lay a wreath there as well.
Our host had really made the impossible possible. I don't imagine she would have ever made the trip without the patient
persistence he used to get us there. The fact that all 8 of us went is a miracle in itself. DH and BIL do not leave the business with out one of them in town so for both to go .. Well the "impossible" possible.
I need to tell you the last bit. Our host has to leave us after the ceremony. He has another memorial to attend. He leads us and the van of the Vibraye folks back to Bayeaux. We stop in a parking lot to tell him goodbye and it is so hard to do so. Maybe the parking lot was the best place because we had to let him go and there was no one else to see us all in tears!
The bit of Breakfast anyone had was long gone. We are with our French friends now and communication will be difficult. Nana is completely worn out so their car of four says their goodbyes and are off to Paris for our Flight out on Monday.
Our family and the Vibraye folks are left to decide about lunch. There is a McDonald's on the corner. You guessed it in we go. A McDonalds after all the wonderful food they have fed us we end in McDonald's!! DH is so tired he forgets to pick up their bill. UGH. As we quietly eat and exchange a few words here and there I begin to realize that this is the first time Mr.Mayor and the gentleman that was a witness have never eaten at McDo before! I was so embarassed. Hopefully that impression will not linger !! We said our tearful goodbyes promised to write and stay in touch. I think we will . I hope and pray we do.
I really appreciate all of you who took the time to read this l o n g account of our adventure.
I really must thank our host Monsieur Jacky Emery and the Mayor And General Councillor Of the Sarthe Monsieur Jacky Breton. Without these two fine men this story would not be possible. The people of Vibraye who welcomed us so graciously. The witnesses who gave up so much time to be with us. These people will remain in our hearts forever.
God Bless America!
Viva La France!
MEM _ Alabama
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