:
Richard & I reminisced via email; these are some of his recollections.
In 1951, we used to have up to 2000 airmen in line for a meal, and then have to
sit with gloves and overcoat to stay warm. Coffee was served in the metal
canteen cups out of big barrels. Those old green blankets kept us
alive. In tent city we slept under three of them. I remember getting off
work at 6AM and going to the Tent City. At about 20 degrees and no heat we would
just jump in bed with everything on. At about 10AM when the sun came out we
would be soaked with perspiration. This was probably the most awesome aspect of
the old days. You never got enough sleep. Of course if it rained that was
another problem.
I was one of the first to
arrive in August 1951 and lived in a tent for one entire year. I was
secretary to the adjutant general, so I had to do the Daily Bulletin (I think
that is what it is called) each morning on a stencil, and it was run-off on a
memeograph machine. We were short of typewriters, so much had to be
printed, which ruined my handwriting. (To this day, I cannot write well;
I have to print everything.)
The Korean War started in
July 1950, and I was inducted in October 1950, so the whole thing was done as
a emergency to ward off attacks from the Soviet Union which was breathing down
our necks.
I also remember spending
my money on dinners at the Chat qui Fume. I was in Châteauroux in 1996,
and so much of what I remember is changed. I was unaware that there were
Americans in town, or I would have visited. I would like to know what
Americans are there. I spoke to the locals, but many of the younger
people were unaware or disinterested in what I had to say about my years
there. While others complained about the lack of hamburgers, apple pie
and milk shakes, I found a few friends who went out and experienced the great
food and wines of France. I will never forget eating my first escargot.
Even today I can't get enough of them.
I visit France often and
have been all over the country. Last year I went to the Dordogne to
Villeneuve-sur-Lot and attended an institute and then went down to Arles and
visited Provence for awhile before going back to Paris and home.
I have an E-Mail from a man called Jeffreys which came on the computer
yesterday. He is planning a move from New Jersey to Dijon. I will
drop him a message. It is nice after all these years to contact those
with the French Connection. It brings back old memories, which get more
wonderful as time passes. I am retired and in those GOLDEN YEARS, but
fortunately, I am very healthy and full of vigor, so it is not bad for me.]
April 2004 - [jpnote: I am
sad to report that Richard Smith, my email friend, has passed away. I
will miss Richard's many interesting emails and photos he shared with me
for the last three years.] See
Chas
Memoriam
