“They gave their sons to military services” – WWII Memorial honors them

October 27, 2019June 4, 2022Tim B

This weekend we visited the World War II Memorial in Washington DC that honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 like US Army Staff Sergeant Charles “Chuckie” Melvin Wilson, 36^thBomb Squad, 801^stBomb Group who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Stone architecture, bronze sculptures, and a glorious fountain combine to recognize the many ways Americans served in the fight to end tyranny and restore freedom around the globe.

The memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people and is divided into two sides (north and south) that represent the Atlantic and Pacific fronts. They incorporate bronze baldachins, bronze columns bearing American eagles, World War II victory medals, and inscriptions noting the victories in the European and Pacific theatres of operations.

Especially moving to see were 56 triumphal columns surrounding the fountain that list U.S. states, commonwealths, and territories that sent men and women to serve under the U.S. flag during WWII. Chuckie was from Pennsylvania. Each column has two wreaths, one inside and one outside. One wreath consists of oak leaves, representing industrial might. The other consists of wheat, representing the agricultural might of the United States.

D-Day: A Turning Point in World War II – took years organize

As dawn broke on the French coast at Normandy on 6 June 6 1944, the long-awaited invasion of northwest Europe was, by all accounts, an awe-inspiring sight—the largest amphibious invasion force in history massed in the waters of the English Channel. The giant invasion had taken years to organize, in part because of the need to build up adequate forces in Britain.
In the months leading up to the invasion, millions of tons of supplies, ships, planes and weapons were transported across the Atlantic Ocean to Britain in advance of the operation. Hundreds of thousands of troops were assembled in southern England and intensively trained for the complicated amphibious action against Normandy.

Chuckie arrived in Britain five months before in January 1944 with the U.S. Army Air Forces joining the Carpetbaggers who flew hundreds of flights to provide aerial supply of weapons and other matériel to resistance fighters behind enemy lines in France, Italy and the Low Countries in advance of D-Day. Two months before D-Day, Chuckie paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom when his plane crash landed while on a Top Secret night mission in France to supply the French resistance armies for D-Day.

A mighty endeavor – the hour of great sacrifice

On the night of 6 June 1944, President Roosevelt went on national radio to address the nation for the first time about the Normandy invasion. His speech took the form of a prayer. Chuckie’s parents would have listened with false hope from incorrect information that their their son was ‘over there’ officially classified as Missing in Action. The U.S . Army Air Force had kept from them the truth that one month before his commanding officer had confirmation that Chuckie was Killed In Action. Roosevelt’s radio address that night included a few brief words of comfort to the many American families whose worst fears would come true. Their loved ones – and Chuckie – would not return home alive.

“Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home — fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas — whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them–help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.”
President Franklin D. Roosevelt

The D-Day invasion opened up the long-awaited Second Front against Hitler. The United States and its allies had launched the greatest amphibious invasion in history on the shores of France. Over 150,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen stormed the beaches of Normandy beginning a campaign that would end with the unconditional surrender of Germany in May 1945. In August, a second Allied invasion force landed on France’s southern coast. Soon Paris was liberated, and by the fall, Allied armies were poised to cross the German border.

The Carpetbagger’s long held secret contribution to paralyzing German infrastructure has now gained widespread recognition for its significant role in helping to defeat the enemy. Dwight D Eisenhower credited the Carpetbaggers and Free French enormous contribution – “Without their assistance, the liberation of France and the defeat of the enemy would have consumed much longer time and meant greater losses to ourselves.“

The Memorial it sits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. A series of bas-relief sculpture panels created by sculptor Ray Kaskey is set into the balustrades of the north and south ceremonial entrance walls.

The Freedom Wall – Gold stars mark the price of Freedom

The Freedom Wall, an arched wall containing thousands of gold stars, is where the nation “mark the price of Freedom” and honor the 416,800 American servicemen like Chuckie who died in uniform during WWII. Unlike the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, there are no names listed at the WWII Memorial. Instead, those men killed in action are honored with the gold stars. The gold stars come from a military tradition in the USA where military families hang small flags in the windows of their homes to note that a family member was serving in uniform. If that member paid the ultimate sacrifice, then the blue star would be replaced with a gold star.

Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the WWII Memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world. It will inspire future generations of Americans, deepening their appreciation of what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy. Above all, the Memorial stands as an important symbol of American national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and awesome power that can flow when a free people are at once united and bonded together in a common and just cause.

For more information, see the special online exhibit, D-Day and the Normandy Invasion, hosted by the National Archives and Google Cultural Institute.

Life Goes On – 1950s to 1990s

September 16, 2019June 4, 2022Tim B

The war and its aftermath changed many American families forever. More than 292,000 American servicemen were killed in action in WWII. Families on the home front were profoundly affected. Another gruesome statistic in the arithmetic of war is the number of soldiers missing in action, lost at sea, or interred as unknowns. To this day, the remains of over 70,000 American G.I.s from World War II have never been officially recovered or identified. For the families of these veterans, the war, in some ways, is not over.

For Chuckie’s immediately family, life went on without him but was never the same. The pain of their loss was ever present for the rest of their days. In the 1950s, Chuckie’s sister Mary married a military man living the majority of her adult life where military duty called. They had three children – Donna, Mike and Link.

Chuckies parents in the 1950s
Chuckie’s mother Evie and sister Mary

Chuckie’s brother Jack and his wife Geri remained near his parents in Beaver, Pennsylvania for the rest of their marriage in the 1950s and early 60s raising their only child, a daughter Lynn. She’s was the baby in the V-MAIL photo of his niece that Chuckie likely never saw.

Brother Jack in the 50s
Brother Jack
and Sister-in law Geri
Niece Lynn Kay in the 50s

Chuckie’s niece
marries in 1963
Chuckie’s mother with her first great grandson, the author of this blog
Niece Lynn in the 60s

Chuckie’s parents had been married 47 years in 1964 at the time this photo was taken, twenty years after Chuckie was killed in action. His father “J.B.” was nearly deaf; he’s seen wearing hearing aids of the time. Notice the mirror reflection of their friends at the top of the wall sharing the joy of this moment too. It’s a wonderful story photo capturing a human moment of the author of Unforgotten Glory‘s great-grandparents. Enormous affection between them remains; having survived a long, difficult life journey together on a road well travelled yet still possessing an abiding love.

Jack “J.B.” – Chuckie’s father, passed away on 15 June 1964 in Beaver, Pennsylvania at the age of 74 year old. In 1966, Chuckie’s brother became a grandfather for a second time with this birth of another boy making Evie a great grandmother for the second time.

Chuckie’s mother Evie, his sister-in-law Geri and now two great nephews in 1968
Evie and Lynn in 1977

Chuckie’s brother Jack divorced and remarried. In the 1970s, family time was spent with him in Ohio each summer on his boat, at Kings Island amusement park, the movies and fun restaurants.

Evie – Chuckie’s mother moved to Virginia in the last years of her life and was well cared for by her daughter Mary. Thankfully, both of Evie’s remaining children would outlive her; she would never again have to suffer the pain of losing a child during her lifetime. She died peacefully on 30 March 1977 at the age of 82.

Chuckie’s brother Jack and wife Jean
in the 1980s

Jack – Chuckie’s brother, lived the last two decades of his life happily with his wife Jean.

He died on 10 May 1991 at the age of 71.

Mary- Chuckie’s sister, returned in the 1980s to the land of the Wilson family roots – deep in the American South – following her husband’s retirement from military service. She passed away on 24 Feb 1998 Shreveport, Louisiana at the age of 73 years old.

Chuckie’s family was always proud of him, what he did for his country and the ultimate sacrifice made for freedom. Over the years since his death, each drew strength and comfort from the knowledge that he’d played a small part in protecting the freedom of others and winning the war.

Together, we honor those like Chuckie who fought and died for freedom. Connecting with a loved one’s WWII experience becomes tougher with each passing day—as conversations, old documents, and photos fade. Thanks everyone for joining in commemorating the 75^th anniversary of D-DAY by following this storytelling of the life of US Army Staff Sergeant Charles “Chuckie” Melvin Wilson and his fellow Operation Carpetbagger crew of the 36^thBomb Squad, 801^st Bomb Group so that their contribution to freedom will not be forgotten.

Lone Carpetbagger – Rhone American Cemetery, France

August 2, 2019June 4, 2022Tim B

Chuckie is is the only member of the 36th Bombardment Squadron and lone Carpetbagger buried at Rhone American Cemetery in the city of Draguignan which is located in Southern France. The squadron conducted special operations and electronic warfare missions over Europe from 1943 until the end of the war. By the end of World War II, several hundred temporary burial grounds had been established by the U.S. Army on battlefields around the world. In 1947, 14 sites overseas were selected to become permanent cemeteries by the Secretary of the Army and ABMC and included Rhone American Cemetery. Chuckie was interred there on 21 December 1948.

Draguignan, is the final resting place for 860 American war dead, most of whom lost their lives in the liberation of southern France in August 1944. Their headstones are arranged in straight lines, divided into four plots, grouped about an oval pool. At each end of the cemetery is a secluded garden and fountain surrounded by the characteristic cypresses, olive trees, and oleanders of southern France.

The American Battle Monuments Commission, established by Congress in 1923, is an agency of the executive branch of the federal government. ABMC—guardian of America’s overseas commemorative cemeteries and memorials—honors the service, achievements and sacrifice of U.S. Armed Forces. Each grave site in the overseas American World War I and II cemeteries is marked by a headstone of pristine white marble.

The cemetery grounds are not American territory. However, use of the land is granted to the United States in perpetuity, free of any taxes, fees or any other charges. This is done through a treaty between the United States and France. Burial in ABMC cemeteries is limited by the agreements with host countries to members of the U.S. armed forces who died overseas during the wars.

On the hillside overlooking the cemetery stands the magnificent chapel with its beautiful, decorative mosaic. On the retaining wall of the terrace are inscribed the names of 294 of the missing.

Looking out into the cemetery from the beautiful secluded garden and fountain

Mosaic — The beautiful, decorative mosaic inside the chapel

On the façade of the chapel is the sculpture of the Angel of Peace watching over the graves. Beneath the sculpture is the engraving, “Those who lie here died that future generations might live in peace.”

Between the chapel and the burial area, the great bronze relief map recalls the military operations in the region.

Unlike the national cemeteries administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, all permanent American military cemeteries on foreign soil are “closed” except for the remains of servicemen and women lost during World War I and World War II that may be found on the battlefields or recently identified by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.

The 2018 Memorial Day Ceremony at Rhone American Cemetery took place outside the memorial building. Image courtesy of Michel Delannoy.

Sixth Letter: 14 June 1950 – Death Statement

July 30, 2019Tim B

World War II was the deadliest military conflict in history. An estimated total of 70–85 million people perished, which was about 3% of the 1940 world population (est. 2.3 billion). Chuckie was one of the 52,173 U.S. Army Air Force killed in action. On 14 June 1950 an official Statement of Death was furnished by the Department of the Army to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Court House, Beaver, Pennsylvania noting Charles M. Wilson was killed in action on 28 April 1944 in the line of duty in France.

Battle deaths of US citizens (including POWs who died in captivity, but does not include those who died of disease and accidents) were 292,131: Army 234,874 (including Army Air Forces 52,173); Navy 36,950; Marine Corps 19,733; and Coast Guard 574. Of those killed, 185,924 deaths occurred in the European/Atlantic theater of operations and 106,207 deaths occurred in Asia/Pacific theater of operations. Source: STATISTICAL AND ACCOUNTING BRANCH OFFICE OF THE ADJUTANT GENERAL (June 1, 1953).

The final resting place of Charles M. Wilson at Rhone American Cemetery in France

Fifth Letter: 21 December 1948 – Final interment conducted

July 24, 2019Tim B

Just before Christmas in 1948 Chuckie’s parents received a letter confirming the final interment of their son Staff Sergeant Charles. M. Wilson per their expressed wishes. Like many who lost loved ones in WWII, the Wilson family chose to honor him by leaving his remains in the region near where he died fighting for what he believed and interred side by side with comrades who also gave their lives for their country rather than having his remains returned to the United States.

The record Chuckie’s father J.B Wilson authorized for
Chuckie’s permanent internment in France

At military cemeteries, the decedent’s full name, rank, date of death, unit, and state of entry into military service are inscribed on the grave marker. The individual’s service number is included on white marble headstones at the World War II cemeteries.

The interment of remains of World War I and World War II war dead at permanent overseas American military cemeteries was made by the American Graves Registration Service, Quartermaster General of the War Department. When the interment program was completed the cemeteries were turned over to American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) for maintenance and administration.

The interments of World War I and World War II remains at ABMC cemeteries are permanent. It is no longer possible to repatriate the remains of those interred at these American military cemeteries. A provision of the law terminated authority to make further disposition of remains after December 31, 1951, when the decision of the next of kin became final. The program of final disposition of war dead established the moral and legal obligation of the U.S. government to honor the expressed wishes of the next of kin authorized to make the decision regarding the permanent interment of their loved one’s remains.

“Dear Mr. Wilson:
This letter is to inform you that the remains of your loved one have been permanently interred, as recorded above, side by side with comrades who also gave their lives for their country. Customary military funeral services were conducted over the grave at the time of burial.
After the Department of the Army has completed all final interments, the cemetery will be transferred, as authorized by the Congress, to the care and supervision of the American Battle Monuments Commission. The commission also will have the responsibility for permanent construction and beautification of the cemetery, including erection of the permanent headstone. The headstone will be inscribed with the name exactly as recorded above, the rank or rating where appropriate, organization, State, and date of death. Any inquiries relative to the type of headstone or the spelling of the name to be inscribed thereon should be addressed to the American Battle Monuments Commission. . . “
While interment activities are in progress, the cemetery will not be open to visitors. However, upon completion thereof, due notice will be carried by the press.
You may rest assured that this final internment was conducted with fitting dignity and solemnity and that the grave-side will be carefully and conscientiously maintained in perpetuity by the United States Government.”
Letter to Chuckie’s parents from Thomas B Larkin, Major General, The Quartermaster General, United States War Department

Chuckie is buried at RHONE AMERICAN CEMETERY in the city of Draguignan which is located in Southern France. More on his final resting place and the recent visit by this author coming up in a future post.

Fourth Letter: 18 July 1946 – Temporary burial location, Luynes

July 21, 2019Tim B

Chuckie’s parents received a letter from the War Department providing them with the temporary burial location of their son in a US military cemetary located twenty-four miles north of Marseilles, France. It also references information will be provided at a later date for making arrangements for his final interment. At that time the next of kin, authorized to make the decision regarding their loved one’s interment, was given the option of having the remains returned to the United States for permanent interment at a national or private cemetery, or permanently interred at the overseas American military cemetery in the region where the death occurred.

Dear Mr. Wilson,
The War Department is most desirous that you be furnished information regarding the burial location of your son, the late Staff Sergeant Charles. M. Wilson, A.S.N. 13 108 714.
The records of this office disclose that his remains are interred in the United Statement Military Cemetery Luynes, Plot B, row 22, grace 259.
This cemetery is located twenty-four miles north of Marseilles, France, and is under the constant care and supervision of Unites States military personnel.
The War Department has now been authorized to comply, at Government expense, with your feasible wishes regarding final interment, here or abroad, of the remains of your loved one. At a later date, this office will, without any action on your part, provide you with full information and solicit your detailed desires.
Please accept my sincere sympathy in your great loss.
Sincerely yours,

Photo Credit: Arlington National Cemetery

Thomas B. Larkin
Major General – The 32nd Quartermaster General
February 1946-March 1949

As Quartermaster General, Larkin launched the program for return and final burial of American service personnel and civilians who died overseas during World War II. In January 1946, he was named by President Truman as Quartermaster General of the Army. He served in that capacity until March 1949.

Third Letter: 22 April 1946 – Wilson family finally get the answer feared

July 15, 2019June 4, 2022Tim B

One sad truth Unforgotten Glory uncovered in research for this In Memoriam project is that many families were deliberately not ever told the full truth about the circumstances related to their loved ones’ death or contribution to Freedom – to protect the Carpetbagger secrets for over 50 years. Chuckie’s family waited for two long years – and nearly one year after the war ended – with the uncertainty that their son, their brother, their cousin, their uncle, their friend was “Missing In Action” and hope he might soon return home safely. Yet all that time the War Department knew he was killed in action from confirmation they received just ten days after Chuckie’s plane crashed from the French Resistance who retrieved his body from the wreckage and buried him.

When the news his family feared finally came to the Wilsons the letter contained many facts but also some fabrication and omissions likely put forward by the War Department as a plausible cover story so that the Carpetbagger Project would remain ‘S E C R E T‘ and to explain the delay.

“Dear Mrs. Wilson:
In am writing to you in reference to your son who lost his life in the service of his Country during the European conflict.
In an effort to furnish the next of kin with all available details concerning casualties among our personnel, the Army Air Forces recently completed the translation of several volumes of captured German records. [Untrue]

Captured German records? ~ This couldn’t have been true.

Chuckie’s commanding officer knew on 4 May 1944 ten days after the crash when the French resistance reported back to London he was killed, how he died and where they buried him. Three months later on 27 Aug 1944 his commanding officer got two first person accounts from two of Chuckie’s fellow crew who saw him dead that night. Then, on 22 April 1945 there was the very public ceremony in France with newspaper photographers and reporters and Chuckie’s squadron commander speaking.

“In regard to Staff Sergeant Charles M, Wilson, these records indicate that he was killed 28 April 1944 , when his B-24 (Liberator) bomber crash landed at Sr. Cry de Valorges, near Lyon, France. These records further state that his body was interred in the new cemetery of Lyon, row #3, grave #1.
The Quartermaster General, in his capacity as Chief, American Grave Registration Service, is charged with the responsibility of notifying the legal next of kin concerning grave locations of members of the military forces who are killed or die outside the continental limits of the United States. If the report of your son’s burial has not been confirmed and you have not been notified by the quartermaster General, that official will furnish you definite information immediately upon receipt of the official report of interment from the Commanding General to the theater concerned.
May the knowledge of your son’s valuable contribution to our cause sustain you in your bereavement.
Very sincerely,“

The letter was signed by Brigadier General Leon W John

Leon W. Johnson
Brigadier General, USA
Chief, Personnel Services Division

During World War II, Johnson was one of the first four flying officers of the Eighth Air Force, and served on it staff during its formative period at Savannah, Georgia. In 1943, he assumed command of the 44th Bombardment Group, which flew the Consolidated B-24 Liberator.
After V-E Day, he was Chief of Personnel Services at Headquarters, Army Air Forces, in Washington, DC, from 28 June 1945 to 15 May 1946.

The need to protect top secret missions in wartime to advance war objectives and prevent further harm and loss of life is certainly understandable. Yet, a consequence of protecting the Carpetbagger secrets were the parents, brothers, sisters, and other families such as Chuckie’s who lived the rest of their entire lives not ever knowing the facts of these brave men and the glory of their deeds that we know today.

In gratitude this project has reclaimed a more complete story of Charles M Wilson story which has now been widely shared with with others today and into the future In Memoriam.
A bit more of the story to come ~ Unforgotten Glory

A copy of the actual letter from the Headquarters, Army Air Forces

Official Military Personnel File

July 15, 2019Tim B

8 May 1945 – WWII in Europe ends sooner thanks to the Carpetbaggers

July 8, 2019Tim B

The Carpetbagger’s long held secret contribution to paralyzing German infrastructure has now gained widespread recognition for its significant role in helping to defeat the enemy. The war in Europe concluded on 8 May 1945 following an invasion of Germany by the Western Allies and the Soviet Union, culminating in the capture of Berlin by Soviet troops, the suicide of Adolf Hitler and the German unconditional surrender.

Carpetbaggers from their base at RAF Harington helped build disparate French resistance groups into an effective sabotage and guerrilla force. The objective was to help the French resistance to “harass, disrupt and divert” the German army’s defense against the Allies’ D-Day invasion. Following the Carpetbagger successes early in 1944, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, ordered Lt. Gen. Carl Spaatz, Commanding General of U.S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe, to increase the size of the unit, which quickly grew to a force of 3,000 airmen, sixty-four B–24 bombers and several C–47s.

From January 1944 to May 1945, the Carpetbagger Project completed 1,860 sorties and delivered 20,495 containers and 11,174 packages of vital supplies to the resistance forces in western and northwestern Europe. More than 1,000 parachutists dropped through the B-24 Joe Holes into enemy territory.

Chuckie’s B-24 Liberator The Worry Bird was on one of the twenty-five B-24s lost. Eight more were so badly damaged by enemy action and other causes that they were no longer fit for combat. Personnel losses initially totaled 208 missing and killed and one wounded. Fortunately, many of those listed as missing had parachuted to safety and returned to RAF Harrington with the help of the same resistance forces they had been sent to resupply.

The Ambrose Crew in front of B-24 Liberator The Worry Bird.
Charles M. Wilson is 4th from left, front row kneeling.

“The Free French had been of inestimable value in the campaign. Without their assistance, the liberation of France and the defeat of the enemy would have consumed much longer time and meant greater losses to ourselves.”
U.S General Dwight D. Eisenhower

“The French Resistance Movement played a noble part in the liberation of Brittany and the peninsula was quickly overrun.”
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill

On 13 August 1945 the Carpetbaggers were re-designated as the 49nd Bomb Group H and the four Bomb Squadrons. On 7 July 1945, the air echelon of the 492 Bomb Group left Harrington for Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they later joined up with the ground echelon who had returned on the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth.

The 492^nd Bomb Group deactivated on 17 October 1945.

Staggering losses

World War II proved to be the deadliest international conflict in history directly involving more than 100 million people from over 30 countries. The war took the lives of 60 to 80 million people, including 6 million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis. Civilians made up an estimated 50-55 million deaths from the war, while military comprised 21 to 25 million of those lost during the war. Millions more were injured, and still more lost their homes and property.

22 April 1945 – Public memorial in St. Cyr de Valorge

June 29, 2019June 29, 2019Tim B

This was a difficult post to write. On 22 April 1945, hundreds of people, including Chuckie’s squadron commander, from two villages in France paid tribute to Chuckie that day in a public memorial. Yet sadly, due to the need to keep the secrets of the Carpetbagger Project, Chuckie’s parents sat in a small apartment in a small American town unaware with hope still alive that he would return home safely. All they still knew from the US Government was that he was still Missing in Action. It would be another year before they knew what what everyone else involved in the public memorial knew that day – Chuckie was killed in action one year before.

The villagers of St. Cyr de Valorge and Tarare built a monument to honor these men. The held a public memorial to the five American airmen who died there in a crash one year before in a very large public ceremony that included Chuckie’s squadron commander. It was to be the first of a series of memorials to honor Allied Forces airmen who had died delivering supplied and agents to the French resistance forces.

An actual copy of the official Memorial Program from that day.

Translation – Left side: 28 April 1944
“Five American aviators were killed in the process of air-dropping weapons.“
Right Side:: 22 April 1945
“Tribute from the French resistance to th five victims”

English Translation

Left Hand side – Title: Tribute to our allies
Main text: The Resistance of St Cyr de Valorges, upon the initiative of the local committee of Liberation, dedicates a memorial to the five American aviators fallen on 28^thApril 1944 on the air-dropping field of this municipality.
Bottom left: Unveiling of the memorial on 22^ndApril 1945

Right-hand side – Title: Program
Main text:
9:00 am: Welcome of the official public authorities on the square
9:30 am: Official mass
10:30 am: First wreath laying at the memorial
11:30 am: Cortege preparation to march
11:45 am: Blessing of the memorial
Further wreath laying
A minute of silence
Anthem
Speeches
1:00 pm: Official meal

Lt. Col Robert Boone was invited to be present at the days celebration and memorial dedication as a representative of the American Carpetbagger units.

Boone was one of Chuckie’s squadron commanders at Harrington and in command of the 801st Bomb Group. He was responsible for the working up of the air and ground echelons in preparation for the first Carpetbagger missions.
On 13 August 1944 the Carpetbaggers at Harrington were redesignated to the 492nd Bomb Group (H) and the four squadrons became the 856th, 857th, 858th and 859th Bomb Squadrons under Col Clifford Heflin, the first commander of the 801st/492nd Bombardment Group, nicknamed the Carpetbaggers.

Public Memorial Program

9AM Welcome – The public square at St. Cyr de Valorge, near where the crash had occurred, was packed with people from the two villages. Flags of France, the United Stated, and Great Britain were flying, while bands played the national anthems of the three countries. There was much cheering, and hundreds were in tears as speakers told of the stirring days of the resistance.

**The village square at St. Cyr de Valorge, France**

9:30 Official Mass – The official party and the villagers gathered in the village church, where a priest spoke, eulogizing Chuckie and the fliers. After the mass, the villagers moved to the monument for dedication.

**This picture shows the village church in the background.**

This is the hill and site where Chuckie’s plane crashed. The memorial still stands today.

11:45 AM Memorial Dedication
Boone gave his address, which was translated into French by an interpreter, He said that he was happy to be on the ground in daytime to see the beauty of the country – something that was impossible to see at night – and to feel the warmth of the French people – impossible to feel in a Liberator airplane. He said that the men in his outfit remembered the dead men well, and to him the ceremony was evidence that the men fought not only for, but with, France in the war of Liberation.

Photos Above: The memorial from 22 April 1945 above.

1:00 PM Official Meal – After the ceremony, the party moved to a banquet hall for lunch. Colonel Boone was given Lieutenant Ambrose’s identification tags and part of his bracelet, which he promised to send to the lieutenant’s relatives in the United States.

**The villagers walk back down the hill to an Official luncheon.**

Sadly, Chuckie’s parents, brother and sister went to their graves thirty and forty years later never knowing any of this.

Here is that monument as it stands today, 74 years later.

TRANSLATION:
“In memory of five American aviators found dead in their plane debris, that crashed into flames in this place on 28^th April 1944; whose mission was to airdrop weapons to our secret army for the liberation of France and the restoration of our ideals.”
Lieutenant C.W. Ambrose
Charles M. Wilson
Robert H. Redhair
A.B. Pope
Lieutenant Peter Roccia”

Left hand side little black stone: “Frenchy to his friends”

It speaks to the service and sacrifices of all the Carpetbaggers.

Pilot 1st Lt George W Ambrose; is buried at Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York, USA
Co-pilot, 2nd Lt. Robert Harry Redhair; is buried in Akhard Cemetery, Polk Co, Missouri
Navigator, 2nd Lt. Arthur Bozeman Pope; is buried in National Cemetery Marietta, GA
Bombardier, 2nd Lt. Peter Roccia; is buried in Arlington National Cemetery
Flight Engineer, Staff Sargeant Charles M Wilson; is buried at Rhone American Cemetery, Draguignan, France

Right hand side white stone: “Loved comrade-in-arms on 28 April 1944 James Heddleson”

There were three crash survivors, their stories told in previous posts.

James Joseph Heddelman
George Willam Henderson
James Cryl Mooney

Unforgotten Glory

In memoriam: Charles M. Wilson, Killed in Action April 28, 1944

Category Killed in action