1Lt Albert L. Gese (20th Fighter Group) French Assistance Memorial
Details:
On the west side of the road.
Plaque
A trapezoid block bearing a black rectangular plaque that is inscribed in French in gold and engraved lettering. The plaque gives thanks to the people (Comte de Bagneux, Macé families, Louis Chevalier) who helped 1Lt Gese when his plane was shot down during a mission on June 12, 1944. 1Lt Gese parachuted out of his plane, was collected by the locals, and was hidden for 3 months, thus, evading German capture and surviving the war.
Source of photos: CLOUET-BONNET / www.aerosteles.net
Monument Text:
AU PÉRIL DE LEUR VIE ...
Ce mémorial inauguré
le 13 juin 2015 au village de CHÊNEDOUIT
se veut un témoignage perpétuel de reconnaissance pour
le Comte et à la Comtesse Raoul de BAGNEUX
Mr et Mme Clément MACÉ
à Mr et Mme Charles MACÉ
Mr Georges MACÉ
Mr Fernand MACÉ
Mme Georgette MACÉ
Mr Albert MACÉ
Mme Léa MACÉ
Mr François MACÉ
Mr Louis CHEVALIER
Ceux-ci, alors que leur village était occupé par les ALLEMANDS
ont fourni abri, nourriture et protection
au pilote AMERICAIN Albert GESE,
abattu, alors qu' il bombardait un convoi ALLEMAND
ceci se passait en juin 1944
Ma reconnaissance émue.
Albert GESE
77th SQUADRON
2Oth FIGHTER GROUP
Américan Army Air Corp
English translation:
AT THE RISK OF THEIR LIVES ...
This memorial inaugurated
on June 13, 2015, in the village of CHÊNEDOUIT
is a perpetual testimony of recognition for
the Count and Countess Raoul de BAGNEUX
Mr and Mrs Clément MACÉ
to Mr and Mrs Charles MACÉ
Mr Georges MACÉ
Mr Fernand MACÉ
Mrs Georgette MACÉ
Mr Albert MACÉ
Mrs Léa MACÉ
Mr François MACÉ
Mr Louis CHEVALIER
These people, while their village was occupied by the GERMANS
provided shelter, food, and protection
to the AMERICAN pilot Albert GESE,
who was shot down while bombing a GERMAN convoy.
This was in June 1944.
My heartfelt gratitude,
Albert GESE
77th SQUADRON
2Oth FIGHTER GROUP
American Army Air Corp
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
77th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Group
8th Air Force
Resistance
US Army Air Corps
Wars:
WWII