Evreux Air Base
Early in 2008, Major Jean Claude Leroux from the Air Base found the memorial dedicated to the 317th TCW C-130A (55-0020) crash in March 1962. Very little was known about this memorial, only that it existed, and the 317th VG had been searching for its location for a long time. The memorial was at the crash site deep in a forest near Sees, France. Bill, Don, Jean Zabukovic and Patrice Le Mao went looking for the memorial in July 2008, using a map provided by Major Leroux. After a lot of four wheel driving down forest pathways, it was found. Patrice had brought along cleaning materials and gave the large plaque a through cleaning. You can find this location by Clicking Here.
You can view photos of the Memorial by Clicking Here. (if you leave any comments at the photo site please include you email address)
The area around the memorial is being kept clear by the local Forest Department and is well maintained. Bill, Don, Jean and Patrice had a feeling of accomplishment after visiting the memorial and paying their respects. It was probably the first time in many decades that American AF veterans had visited the memorial.
Information about the crash and the names of the Airmen can be found on the 317th VG web site, on the Memorial page. A photo of the memorial will be submitted to Google Earth for inclusion of historical markers on their mapping program. (Click on the blue dots on the map to view a photo.)
When and who dedicated the memorial at the crash site?
Update to the 1962 Aircraft Crash Memorial in France
Our friends in Evreux, Patrice Le Mao and Eliane Montuchet, are starting to get some answers on who placed the memorial and when. Recently they had a meeting at the memorial site with local Frenchmen that were involved in the crash aftermath. At the meeting was a local French Policeman, the Editor of the local newspaper, several locals that assisted with the clean up and the Director of the National Forest. The Director of the National Forest had paperwork showing that the American Legion Post in Paris signed the contract for the long-term lease of the land where the memorial is placed. The American Legion Headquarters in Washington, DC is now involved and researching the history of the memorial. They have renewed the lease for the memorial site, with the 317th Veterans Group providing the funds.
Jean-Marie Foubert is the Editor of the Alencon “L’Orne Hebdo” newspaper and published an article seeking information about the crash and the memorial. He has also published a book (in French) about the history and interesting sites of the Ecouves Forest. It is titled “Ecouves, La belle au bois normand”. Two pages are devoted to the crash site and memorial.
The search for family members of the deceased Airmen is on going.
Here is what is known:
On March 8, 1962 a C-130A from the 317th Troop Carrier Wing, 322nd Air Division at Evreux Air Base, France was reported missing. It was last heard from while flying a mission with five other C-130s that were returning to Evreux Air Base from a paradrop in southern France.
The four-engine transport was found late the following morning in the forest north of Alencon by French and U.S. rescue personnel near one of the highest points in the heavily wooded area.
Fifteen crewmen were killed in the crash: five Air Force officers, eight Airmen and two Army Specialists.
While memorial services were conducted at the Evreux Air Base Chapel, an aircraft dropped a wreath on the crash site. A formation of eight C-130s, with the number two position left open in honor of the deceased, flew over the base chapel as the memorial services concluded.
Pictured at the memorial site are (L-R) Mr. Jean Zabukovic, Col. Patrice Le Mao(FAF Ret), Mr. Don Connor and 317th VG President Mr. Bill Lloyd. For More information Click Here