2005 Biennial Reunion
August 15-19, 2005
Savannah, GA
Registration due now
Frederic Brega
m o n
t e c a
r l o
"Le Cimabue" #45
MC 98000 Monte Carlo
Principality of Monaco
Tel: +377 97 77 78 17 - Fax: +377 97 77 78 18Web: www.zeades.com
Dear
Ben, Frederic
Entry of Feb 5, 2003 at 13:14 [EST]
Name: Frederic
Brega
Unit: French Alpin Troops (4eRGA) in...1996...!!
EMail: fredericbrega@
hotmail.com
How I found the 517th page: A friend
told me
Comments: Dear all, First of all, please be aware that what you guys
have done here in South of France during summer 44 remains in local people
memories and hearts. I am Frederic Brega, 29, born in Nice. History of
Liberation of Provence is my hobby, having gathered for almost 20years various
stories and remains from the battle field, with a dream: open a museum here on
"Liberation of Provence" in Nice (should become true due to the interest / help
of some local authorities!). This interest comes first from the many stories
about war heard from family/relatives. Main story: my grand-mother was a
beautiful Ukrainian lady who immigrated to Nice in 1917 (Lenine Revolution). In
1944 she was divorced with 2 children my father and his sister). She died 10
years ago but I can remember that there was something in her home that I could
never touch: a Silver US Jump Wings insignia offered by a 517th guy she was in
love with....in 44...!!.This insignia was a stupid metal piece but full of
souvenirs. I tried to found this insignia with my father, however we considered
it as definitely lost among the stuff remaining from my grand-mother. By chance
we found it recently by coincidence and now it is standing with other pieces I
have collected from the battle areas. History and 1944 events is a hobby taking
a huge place in my life today - the deeper I go ahead in my inquiries, the
heavier is the work to do to classify, record etc.... But this will remain for
the other generation and it is a duty to collect all what we can collect now
because later it will be too late. Your coming her in 44 is still strongly
attached to the people collective records. Our parents can remember the white
bread they received when the Americans came, replacing the bad black one... and
1000 of other stories. Recently, I am investigating in 2 villages you have
certainly been yourselves: La Colle sur Loup (near Vence) and the small village
of Bouyon (near Nice) where the camp of the US guy was near the old cemetery at
the entrance of the village. Have you any stories, records about that?? Any help
highly appreciated!!! Other interesting places for my investigation: Fayence,
Callian, St Cezaire, Grasse, St Vallier, Bar/Loup, La Colle, Vence, Bouyon,
Villeuneuve Loubet, Nice... Therefore, I would be happy and very grateful as
well to receive any story, or copy of documents / photos / whatever linked to
517th!! Many thanks in advance! With very best regards, Frederic
*************
Is there a 517 trooper with a romantic past missing his
paratrooper wings?- Ben
Frederic Brega
Bob Christie
Ben, I am in the process of copying the Obituary notice of Ted Fronczak of
Delhi, CA. It doesn't list his unit. Can anyone help me? Bob
Walter Smith
Hi Ben,
That Steele that helped Major Boyle is the same as
I remember. We are on the same wave length. As my memory serves me,
Stewart never indicated to me even in Belgian Bulge days and Robert steele had
appeared on the scene that he knew or was related but I.ll call Stewart
again.
I will send the necessary info to the
respective email address which you gave. Though content to stay home,
Stewart is still interested in 517th.
Walt S
Merle McMorrow
Ben:
Here is a message I got from one of our friends in Paris:
Dear Merle, the
15th augus will be the birthday of the end of war. I would like to know if
the 517th will organize something to come to France. I will allways be the
friend of the the american soldiers. I cannot travel anymore but I hope that I
could meet you in Paris. Please give my love to all those who met me during the
war. Please receive my best regards. Love Yvon.