Dear Ben:
Here is something else I ran across in periodically erasing old
files. It is my memorial given at the cemetery in Belgium in October
1999. Bill Lewis said you will be making a presentation at the next
cemetery. I scribbled something down on an envelope and then typed it up
when I got home. It is not a "Gettysburg Address" but I know I had
tears in my eyes before finishing it.
HENRI-CHAPELLE AMERICAN CEMETERY
In this quiet and peaceful setting lie the remains of men who stormed the
beaches of Normandy and endured the storms in the Ardennes. These men were
never given the opportunity, as we standing here today, to return to loved ones
and continue their lives that had been interrupted by strife and turmoil.
Beneath these markers lie some of our country's best, who when our country
was confronted by mortal threats, accepted their duty and performed modestly and
heroically.
We honor them today, as do all the peoples of Europe, for their unselfish
and supreme sacrifice. A debt of gratitude is owed to them for making it
possible for so many others to live in peace and freedom.
May God help us continue to show our appreciation for their deeds and
sacrifice.
Hal and Helen Beddow
~~Mark Your Calendars~~
517th PRCT Reunion - 2005
August 15 - 19
Savannah,
Georgia
Plans are being made for the 517th PRCT Reunion in August 2005. The
Reunion will be held at the DeSoto Hilton Hotel in the Historic District of
Savannah. Being a southern city of hospitality, you will find many things
to see and do within walking distance of the hotel. The Atlantic
Ocean and the beach are about 20 minutes from the hotel.
Registration will start on Monday, August 15. The
Reunion will end
with a Banquet on Friday, August 19. More details will follow in the weeks
ahead.
Bring your children and grandchildren……bring a friend!! Let's make
this a wonderful event for our "517th Family".
Howard Hensleigh
Dear Yvon and Catherine,
Merle McMorrow and Bob Dalrymple have been in touch with me regarding your
splendid idea of erecting a liberation monument in Southern France. The second
invasion of France is frequently overlooked by historians and the general
public. It is appropriate to erect something there as a reminder to those who
didn’t know; it would also serve as a tribute to those who who did the
liberating as well as those who lived through and remember the occupation all
too well. Bob’s and Merle’s thought was that the 517th Parachute
Regimental Combat Team Association could play a part in supporting this idea.
Since we were the largest element of General Frederick’s First Airborne Task
Force, their suggestion certainly makes sense. The fact that Yvon was with us as
a Third Battalion liaison with the French forces is another factor supporting
this idea. His services to Lt. Col. Paxton and the rest of the outfit were well
received and appreciated. The US/ French cooperation that flourished during our
Revolutionary War and World War II might be useful in solving some of today’s
problems. Perhaps the monument in Southern France might stimulate some
thought along those lines.
We have a number of ways of being in touch with our members, The Thunderbolt,
Mail Call and reunions. When you have the details and need the support, we will
be able to call on our members for their contributions to the project. Let us
know when you think you are ready to give them the specifics. We will do this
enthusiastically. All of us have fond recollections of the picturesque landscape
and wonderful people there who assisted us in routing le Bosch (sp?).
We look forward to hearing from you. Howard Hensleigh
John Alicki
Thought the following excerpt from a newspaper article
sent to me by our own Jesse K. Davis from Las Vegas, NV would remind us of
Operation Dragoon and our Parachute jump mission into Southern
France.
"In all, 250,000 Allied soldiers stormed France's Mediterranean
shores on August 15, 1944, 70 days after D-Day landings at Normandy catching
German troops in a pincer so tight that Hitler muttered to aides, "This is the
darkest day of my life."
"At the Rhone American Cemetery north of St.
Tropez, in the little city of Draguignan, 861 graves are marked with crosses
or Star of David. The bodies of 1,600 other Americans were
repatriated. Headstones among old olive trees and cedars identify
brothers, a general, a rare woman soldier-nurse. Above them all, a
stone wall is inscribed: "We who lie here died that future generations might
live in peace."
"A large bronze relief map shows the events of Aug 15 and
what happened afterward. Allied units knifed northward meeting up with
Normandy troops coming from the West."
The rest is
history......."History is a voice forever sounding across the centuries the laws
of right and wrong. Opinions alter, manners change, creeds rise and fall,
but the moral law is written on the tablets of eternity."----Foude
Neal McAfee
Hello,
My name is Neal McAfee. My Grandmothers Brother (my
Great Uncle) was in the 517th. His name was Cleo Nelson Browning. He was Killed
in action, I believe in 1945. I'm starting to do some research about him. I
always heard about him and I never really knew what happened.
I was happy to see him mentioned in one of the
stories. Fred Beyer mentioned him on 10/13/2001.
I would appreciate any information about him or
anyone that knew him.
Thank you,
Neal McAfee Jr.
Josh Brooks
My name is Josh Brooks. My grandfather was a member of the 517th and
I am trying to find out which company he was in. Is there anyway to
access this information? His name was Riley Graham Watts from Laurel,
MS. He went by Graham, but was called "Breezer" by his buddies.
Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Thanks,
Josh
Riley G. Watts was a member of Service Company. - Ben
Bob Barrett
Also found this
recent article about John Grant.
-------------------------------
Josh Brooks
Thank
you so much your reply. Can you tell me what service company was and
did? Also, what does a technican 4th grade do? My grandfather left a
wonderful scrapbook filled with pictures and notes from his campaign throughout
Europe. I know from that he fought in Italy, Southern France, and
Belgium. He also left a booklet published by the 517th that illustrates
their role and missions throughout Europe. In the back it is signed by his
Sergeant and many of the men listed in the Christmas roster. There are also
pictures of these men in the scrapbook. I want to thank you for supporting
this website and letting so many of us learn about our loved ones. I know
that my grandfather always thought of his "buddies" as brothers. Any
information you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Josh
Brooks