This is intended to be a blog which is an inter-action between post and comments. The classic blog was a webmaster making posts and people making comments on that post. The blogs we are trying for is more a conversation between people. Someone say something (posts) and others reply (comment). It is not necessary that everyone be involved as long as you are talking about Dreux and the times there or, come to think about it, anything that would interest any of us that were there. There can be different conversations going on. I posted the first post and today realized if you look at the comment block in the lower left corner is a reply icon. This takes you directly to the reply form and when you are done, posts the reply right back to the original comment. While we ask for an email address to post a message, the email address will not show on the website. You do not need to enter a URL unless you have a website.
Please leave us a comment or a memory in the input box below.
My father James F. Byrne was stationed at the Druex Air Force Base from 1950-1955. I am not sure of the exact dates. I know he met my mother in 1953 and they married in 1954. Is there anyone that is a member of this organization that would remember him, my mom, or anything about them? My dad passed away in 2013 but my mom is still with us.
Thank you,
Gaëlle (Byrne) Freer
Hello Dreux Friends! I’d like to call your attention to a recently published book specifically related to the US Military’s time in France, “US Go Home: The US Military in France, 1945-1968,” by David and Jean Egan. I spent a good deal of time talking with David when he was first embarking on his project about 15 years ago. It’s the most comprehensive book I’ve ever run across and covers almost every aspect of that chapter in history — one that we were all a part of at Dreux. The book is available through Amazon. – Doug (p.s. – FWIW, I don’t have any financial interest in the book – just thought I’d pass the info on if anyone is interested in more info on the US military days in France).
Dreux AB was my very first assignment after Basic at San Antonio/Amarrillo Air Force Bases. I arrived in January of 1961, 322d then into the 7305th. My first Commander was Colonel Mitchell (who was soon to be retired); and the First Sergeant (also soon to be retired) MSgt Raymond Culligan. Both men were fantastic. Captain Blackley, took over for Colonel Mitchell, and a MSgt Meecham )spelling /) assumed First Sergeant duties. We were, my fellow airmen, were some of the first to be shipped out to Germany, Rhein Maine AB, Germany in early 1962 as a phase out was occurring for Dreux AB. I was assigned 7167th Special Air Transport Squadron at Rhein Maine. I just happened upon this site in reviewing past pleasurable memories on the internet while in the Air Force (October, 1959 through May, 1968). I am 85-years.
Thanks for stopping by the website. Take some time to look at the pictures – may bring back some great memories of the base. – Doug
Hello to all who use this blog. I just want to say “I sure do miss my wonderful days stationed at Dreux Air Base, France 1960-1961”
I’ll be 88 in April this year.& still drive & do a lot of things here at home.
God Bless all of you folks. I pray you all will have a blessed 2023.
A/2C Sibert Nabb, Indiana USA
Just dropping by to say hi. My father Capt. Alfred G Pfliger was stationed at Dreux AFB 1957-1958. He was the base recreation officer. I have fun home movies he took of Dreux including people riding the go carts on the base track. My family did not come with him to France as my grandmother was very ill . Daddy retired as Lt Col in 1968 where he served as the Executive Officer at the Pentagon’ s Data Services Center. He passed away in 1992. I wonder if anyone remembers him.
To: Doug Donnell
I left a post to you and it went away. I don’t know if it was sent or not. I will try again. I found an old map of the 821st EAB base site plan, dated May, 1954. It was given to me as the Co. C dispatcher. It was old and brittle but I pasted it back together and scanned it into my computer. I tried to past it into the blog but without luck. I sent it to Charles Sibert. He suggested that I contact you on the blog and that you could give me instructions. It may be of interest to some of your readers. I have a post on memory Blog. one of the earliest.
I will answer by direct email. Thanks, Doug
I was stationed at Dreus fro 10/57 thru 10/60 and was assigned to the 11th Squadron. Got my C-119 flight enginier certification in 8/58. My plane was
53-7848. I still have my flight records that show I had 1330 hours of flight time.
After I was discharged, I went back home to Tacoma, Wa where I still live today. I have talked with Billie McLeod, Barry Archer, ? Manley ? O’Brian
and Jim Barone.
I retired from Computer Operation at Weyerhaeuser in 1990 and Frank Russel Co in 2005. Currently just passing time and enjoying life.
Hello Donald – thanks for stopping by the website. Sorry it took a couple days to get your email posted – I’ve been out of town away from the internet. Take a look through the pictures and stories and you may find some people and aircraft that you know! Let me know if you have any photos or stories that you’d like to share. – Doug
Bill Mcleod & I had a lot of fun putting this website together & up the 15th of April
2015. Doug Donnell has watched over the site & keeps it going since Bill passed. Let’s give Doug a big hand & say thank you also to Chris Mc Leod Bill’s youngest son who had a lot to do helping his father get the Dreux site rolling & he still helps Doug very much. God Bless to all.
Charlie Sibert Nabb, Indiana USA
Thanks for your kind words Chuck. You and Bill did so much work to get this going. It’s the least I can do to keep things going, and special thanks from me to Chris for all of his tech support.
Hello to all you Dreux Air Base former Airmen who loved this air base as I did.
Hope all is well with you. I’m 87 now & still do work on our vehicles here in the Indiana farming spot called Nabb. Sun is out today & I’m sitting on our rear deck
enjoying the warmth. Corn fields come right up to our rear fence. Next week I believe the corn will be cut down & I can see the folks next door to us.
Just wanted to touch base & see who has said things about our old air base.
God Bless to all you all. Charlie Sibert AKA Chuck
Sadly, A1C George W Hutson, 7305th Air Police Squadron, passed away, in his sleep at his home in Ft Myers, FL, August 7, 2022. (Not storm related).
George was 79 years old and a good friend for 58 years. An accomplished concert pianist when he entered the USAF, an Illinois State Trooper after returning stateside.
I was there 12-1965. Thru. 1967. When Charles Degaule kicked the Americans out of France. He forgot that we bailed him out in ww2. great memories while stationed there . I remember riding a bus 2 Paris every Saturday. went 2Stuttgart after getting kicked out of France. was hitchhiking 2 down town Stuggart from Patch barracks when this volks wagon stopped and picked me. Up.. the man’s Name was Manfred Rommel, son of the desert fox.
My father, Sixto R. Alvarez was stationed at Dreux Air Base from 1956-1958. He was in the 60th Troop Carrier Wing APO 83. He passed away several years ago, but I would love to hear from anyone who may know or worked with him while stationed in Dreux.
Eddie
Hey Doug,
I’m not sure if you work on site issues, but some of the links seem to have gotten messed up. For example, if you click on ‘Home’ it takes you to a page that has listings of the pictures. If you click on any of them (Pictures from Glenn Burchard) the next page says they can’t be found. Although on that page you can fins the link to the blog. I don’t see that on the main screen anymore.
I’m sure you are probably aware of this, but I wan’t to bring it to someone’s attention.
All the best,
Glenn
Hi Glenn. We were doing some work on the picture program so that probably messed up the links. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll get to work on it. – Doug
I was stationed at Dreux AFB in 1958-59, I was an A/2 and was a hydraulic specialist , I worked on the C-123 and the C-119, I’m 85 years old so probably not many left that I was stationed with but if there are and they read this I would love to hear from them.
Thanks for stopping by. There are still some of the early Dreux “pioneers” on the site. If you scroll through, you might see some names you recognize. If you need help getting in touch with anyone, let me know. – Doug
I was stationed at Dreux AFB in 1958-59, I was an A/2 and was a hydraulic specialist , I worked on the C-123 and the C-119
I was born here on December 04, 1959 — Lawrence Edward Hebert / to charles & Shirley Hebert
Thanks for stopping by. While I’m sure you don’t have any memories of the place, do you perhaps have any old photos or stories from your parents? Please take some time to look through the site – you may recognize some names of your parents’ contemporaries. – Doug
I tried sending some pictures to the webmaster. My email message was refused.
I sent a personal email with my email address. Not sure why the main link didn’t work, but send directly to me please. – Doug
Excited to find this website! My Dad, Msgt Hansford (Bill or Butch) Boutchyard Jr., was stationed at Dreux when I was in the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades (1962-1965). Great memories!
He ran the base post office and was a coach for the basketball team. Does anyone have any pictures of him with the basketball team or the personnel of the post office? He is celebrating his 90th birthday on June 9th!
Thank you!!
Hello Debra – thanks for visiting the website. If you haven’t already go through the pictures – I’m sure you’ll find many that will bring back memories. You and I were both in school at the same time. I was in 7th grade the year you were in 4th. There are quite a few of us who check into the site from time to time that were in school at the same time you were there. If you have some stories, memories, or pictures to share please send them along. – Doug
I was reassigned to Dreux from the 61st Military Police Company in Verdun in October 1961. I was assigned to the 29th Signal Battalion for administration and attached to the 7305th Support Squadron for duty. I served with the Air Police.
My wife joined me the same month. We initially resided in what had probably been servant quarters in the Chateau de Maillebois. We later moved to an apartment owned my Messier and Madame Aon in Maillebois, across the street from the bakery. I used to buy a baguette for the equivalent of 17 cents and bring it home still warm.
Initially, we Army Military Policemen were scorned by the Air Policemen. That attitude changed over time, as we proved our worth. I started with performing gate guard and patrolman duties. In October 1962, I assumed duties as Desk Sergeant and performed those duties until I was reassigned to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama in July 1963.
I remained in the Regular Army, becoming a Warrant Officer in July 1969, while in Vietnam. I served in the capacity for 29 and a half years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer Five on 1 February 1999.
My wife and I have many fond memories of the time we spent at Dreux Air Force Base.
Thanks for stopping by the site. You and your wife arrived shortly after I did (although I was a dependent at the time). Congrats on your long career. If you look through the pictures it’ll probably bring back some memories. If you have any stories or pictures please share them — there are quite a few of us with fond memories of the base. – Doug
We were transferred to Druex in 1965(?) from RAF Sculthrope in Great Britain as part of the 2ND Mobile Communications group. Staff Sgt. David D. Foster(deceased) and Mavis C. Foster (Connie) and son,William E. Foster. Many good memories but also some bad memories. My husband and his fellow airmen were responsible for getting a bowling alley at the base and many bowling leagues were started. I served as a secretary for some of the leagues.
We were there until the end when the base was closed. We lost everything we owned! None of our household goods ever made it to the U.S. We were transferred to The Pentagon and later to Andrews AFB,MD.
I had a deceased daughter at Evereux AFB. Was told she was buried outside Paris somewhere But no records ever received.
Hello Mavis – Thanks for stopping by the website. Look through the pictures – should bring back some memories (hopefully good ones!). The 2nd Mob detachment was located on the north side of the base in its own area. – Doug
Hello/Bonjour,
Just found this blog…Interesting. I was with the 60th Air Police Sq at Dreux during l955-57, as a Alc.Remember being on “Town” Patrol in Chateauneuf/Danpierre/ and others. I had visited the area in 2013 or so…Mickey’s Bar..whoa, bad news now. Chateauneuf was not bad..progressed somewhat. My Squadron Commander, a Major Laux…WWII pilot I think. Do remember some of the guys with me Walter Lopez, Dick Butler, Don McGuire and a couple of others.
I ended up later transferred to the US Army as a Warrant Officer and spent over 30 years in service, a couple of tours in Vietnam. I was a French linguist at Dreux along with a guy for New Hampshire (spoke French) and a guy from Lousiana. who spoke fluent French!!
Bonjour! Thanks for stopping by the blog. Please take some time to read through the posts – you may find some names you recognize. Let us know if you have any stories or pictures from your days at Dreux. – Doug
My brother-in-law’s parents (Herman and Florence Hunter) were stationed at Dreux Air Base and he was born in a local base hospital in January, 1960. He needs a copy of his birth certificate and I am researching the name of the hospital. Any advice you might have in this regard would be very much appreciated!
Thank you.
Hello Barbara – We’ve had that question come up before and one of our regular contributors who lives in France got the info for us. I’ll find and post tomorrow. – Doug
Thanks, Doug! Really appreciate it!
Barbara – I just posted the procedures – but not as a direct reply to your comment, so I’m adding this so you’ll get the notification. Visit the website and the post should be there. Let me know if there’s a problem. – Doug
Thank you Doug! I found the instructions. We sincerely appreciate it! All the best!
You’re welcome! Hope it works out – let me know if there’s a problem.
I happened upon this blog while looking for pictures of Dreux. My brother-in-law, Delmer Bolen, was stationed there and my sister brought me there because I was a young unwed mother. Her French friend, Jeannette Dion, helped me find a doctor, Robert Guilet, and my son Robert was born in the local hospital in March 1961. My sister and brother-in-law have passed away and my son is 60 years old. He is a retired union brick layer and is a 4 year Marine veteran. He has recently been interested in visiting the Dreux area. I loved walking into the village and looking around that beautiful area.
Barbara, my brother-in-law’s parents (Herman and Florence Hunter) were stationed at Dreux Air Base and he was born in a local base hospital in January, 1960. He needs a copy of his birth certificate and I am researching the name of the hospital. Any advice you might have in this regard would be very much appreciated!
Thank you.
Dad was based at Evereux but we lived on the housing accommodation near Dreux. I remember walking down a hill past a walled cemetery to the boulangerie with my brothers to get a baguette for mum. We were there for about 18 months in the early sixties. I think we were there 1962 thereabouts before Dad was transferred to Columbus, Ohio.
Thanks for stopping by Trish. Happy New Year. Check through the blog – might bring back some memories for you. – Doug
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2022 to all who read & hear about that wonderful tour of duty many of us had years ago in France, right here on this blog.
God Bless: A/2C Sibert Nabb, Indiana
Merry Christmas to you as well Chuck. Many of us have remarked about special Christmas memories at Dreux. One of the years we lived there – I think it was the winter of 1962 – it was one of the coldest in a half century or so. We had a white Christmas for sure! I remember getting up on Christmas morning and cranking up the Aladin heater in the lean to of the trailer to make it warm enough to sit around the tree and open presents – there was a definite built in delay until the heater could do its thing. Have lots of other great memories as well. Great to hear from you.
Merry Christmas to you and Lisa! It is through the tremendous efforts of both yourself and Bill that we are all now able to share our Dreux memories on this site. Thank you so much. God bless –
Sherry
Sebastien, I look for your friend’s name in my information’s. Could you tell us what year you speak about ? I believe I was at Dreux Air Base long before you were there. Please ask Doug Donnell who came to the base in 1962 and also Ron Maroney who came to the base in 1964 with the Air Police unit.
It is starting to get colder here in Nabb, Indiana USA, what about Maillebois ?
Do you live near Dampierre Sur Blevy or Chateauneuf or very close to the old air base ? Send to us more information we will continue to search for your friend.
God Bless: Charlie Sibert
Hi, i am sebastien, i am 45 yrs and french, I search a us military or civilian guy , i just know a first name “THREATT” i think s this personne lived in dreux us base,
i search a genealogic links with my family(french).
Par avance merci si vous avez des informations.
Sébastien
I have wonderful memories of our time in Dreux! We went to France in 1962 and we left in 1964 to Columbus, Ohio. My Dad was in the Air Force.
Hello Patty – thanks for your comment. Please read through the comments – there are quite a few of us who were there at the same time as your family. Do you know what unit your father was in?
Still moving my feet as best as I can. Still drive my F-150 @ our Skylark Buick. My wife of 31 years loves her Camry. Have any of you heard from Sherry Nelson? She and Don have returned from Natchez Mississippi. and are living again in their home in Ireland. She tells me they will move back to New England when their house sells there. I’m 86 now and still work around the home place. Going to replace the ball joints for the Ford F-150 and my friend is going to help me on a nice and warm day. Could be the last grease I’ll have on these old paws for sometime. I just ask you folks to keep working on the blog. I know many have lost some recollection of when we were at Dreux air Base as young men. For me it just seems like last month but not always.
I hope to hear from many of you soon. I’ll answer as soon as I can.
God Bless you all and have a blessed October 2021
Just read lots of comments from soldiers from the 821 EAB, In Dreaux France, I served there from Dec 1953 to Match 1955, then to Boudreaux France. I helped to build roads, and run ways My Company Commander was Capt Russo. I was assigned to the motor pool as a truck driver , all trucks, are n til I got as assigned to stuffer the Capt. I had lots CB of good times at Dreaux, I have great memories of the food truck that came to the base. I had a car and used it as a taxi to and from Paris
Hello Grady, I was at Dreux EAB from March 1934 until Oct 1955. I believe I do remember you I was in Co. B and was a truck driver, then maintance clerk and the last position was dispatcher. I have have a picture of you on the cab of a truck with other drivers. I have a blog listed at the bottom of the blog page. I wrote about my time there. I do believe Capt. Russo was our commander. My name is Rolland Laramore
My dad, also named Glenn was in that same AACS Squadron, but we only overlapped your time there for a few months, July 1959 to your departure in December. He was mainly in GCA, but put in some time in the control tower.
I was stationed at dreux from april 1957 to dec 1959 I was in the AACS sq which
operated the control tower and GCA radar so I more than likely got to meet your
father major cullen many of the pilots came up to the tower on midnites when they
had AD duty I also flew all over europe on what were called route familiar flights many
fond memories
I was stationed at Evreux from 1956-1958 and had a good friend stationed at Dreux, Jon Alvis. who was an Airborne Radio Operator on C-119 F models with 4360 Engines while at Everex we had C-119G models with 3350 Engines? Jon and I went to Airborne Radio Operator school at Keesler from late 1955 to Mar 1956 then we were transferred overseas. Jon went to Dreux and I went to Neubiberg for three months before being transferred to Evreux. We flew all over Europe and I have many photos taken during that time period. I could write a book about our experiences while at Evreux, from Evreux I was transferred to Orley field, Paris and then to Turner AFB in Albany Ga flying on RB-50 aircraft which I loved,
Had some very good memories of living off base at Chateau de la Barre while stationed at Dreux AFB. I was with the Air Police Squadron from Dec 58 to Jan 62.
Hello all!
My father, Capt (later, Major) Joseph F. Cullen, was a C-119 pilot at Dreux from about January 1958 until late in the summer of 1959. He was part of what was called Operation Carousel, as I recall.
Our family had been at Ramstein prior to that, but just from summer 1957 until we headed to Dreux. We did not live on the base but rather in a housing development set right above the village of Dreux; we could walk down into the village in about 5 minutes. My wife and I visited that development on a road trip we took while I was working on my Ph.D. in Strasbourg, France (1984). The housing area had been turned back to the French at some point, so looked a bit more lived-in.
I recall getting to know some of the French kids who lived in the village: an older boy named Jean-Marc; a much older guy (like, 19) named Cyr, who buzzed around on a Vespa and dated a few of the high school girls. He once helped me get my bicycle back after it was taken from our yard; some old gal in a basement-level place in the village had it and I was amazed when, after a lot of hollering in French, she dragged it out and gave it to me. Cyr came through!
My father passed away last year but we had often talked about our time in Europe; it was so very special and many of the family traditions we still practice come from those years. My mother absolutely loved being in Germany and France, and she and a gal pal from Dreux, Evie Dunn (husband was Harry Dunn), would take long trips to other parts of France while we kids were put in the care of a housekeeper (who was from Portugal, I think).
My baby sister was born in Dampierre in 1958, and I enjoyed seeing pics of that village.
Are there any readers out there who were at Dreux while I was here? I did the last half of my first-grade year, and all of my second, at the school at Dreux AFB. We would come over to the base by bus (maybe a 20-minute ride?). My older sister Peggy would have been in third/fourth grade; my brother Rick (Joe, Jr) was in 5th/6th.
I have good memories, though I was young, of our time in France. Our family got out and did a lot of touring (in our ’57 Mercury wagon!), even getting up to Brussels for the 1958 Expo. (From 1995-1999, BTW, my wife and I lived in Brussels; she was the Air Traffic Rep for the FAA’s International Office there.)
I was amused at all the photos showing “bar girls” at Susie’s and elsewhere. My Dad might have hit some of those places but I was busy kissing Laura Weeks on the playground so never knew much about all that bar stuff.
To all the wonderful former Dreux Air Base folks & web site visitors. I soon will be adding another story about the things that went on around the base when I was there 1960-1961. I sure do miss my side-kick Bill McLeod. Bill & I had so much
fun creating this Dreux Air Base memories web-site. Plus the fact we were learning so much about where we were stationed in France after we had left our former air base. I am now 86 years of age & so very glad Bill & got together for all we knew & learned about Dreux Air Base 1951-1967.
My wonderful friend Sherry Nelson & her husband Don have sold their mansion in Natchez, Mississippi, she has e-mailed this info to me. They also have a home in Ireland where I believe they will live for awhile. Sherry has said to me they just might move back to the states. Keep your eyes on this web-site for an update.
God Bless: A2C Sibert
When my father was stationed at Dreux Air Force Base he was with the 2Mob, Talking Bird.. I am looking for a woman that went to the Dreux Elementary school in the early to mid 1960’s. Her name was Deborah Hartzell, not sure of the spelling. But my class pictures has her on it. But anyway when Charles De Gaulle shut down the base, we moved on to Seville, Spain San Pablo Air Force base and she also moved there. Just curious about her where abouts.
Thanks.
I recently found a Penguin lighter inscribed “Bon Voyage” Dreux NCO Open Mess, Dreux, France, on one side and blank on the other side. I live in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, and I was wondering if it was given to an Airforce veteran from this area as a retirement or rotation memento to someone in the Pittsburgh area. If so maybe I could return it. As a veteran myself I still have mementos from my time serving in the U S Army. My name and email are below. Respectfully M.P.C.
Thank you Michael. I’ve posted your kind offer. If anyone wants to contact you I can provided your email via private message. – Doug
I saw a picture and article about my father, Ernest LeFlore, on this website. I think my father may have been a mechanic at the base.
Hello Yolanda – welcome to our website. Do you know what unit your father was in? There are quite a few people that stop by the site from time to time that may be able to provide you with more information. – Doug
Yolanda, I wrote your father’s story & you can see it in my memories post on this web-site. We were very good friends at
Dreux Air Base, France. I knew him when he was a young Airman.
Check my photo album pictures there just could be more pictures of your father found there. Let me hear back from you. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
A special Christmas hello to all of my Dreux friends!
Many of us have remarked over the years about special memories of Dreux AB during the holiday season. I have many fond recollections of the Christmases that we spent on base – special decorations, special activities, but most of all the friendly holiday atmosphere and the wonderful sense of community. The winter of 62-63 was one of the coldest on record with plenty of snow that lasted for a long, long time – adding to that “White Christmas” feeling. But whether you were there during that, or another holiday season, this blog has many remembrances of people’s holidays at Dreux. Back in the days before instant communication, it routinely took the Christmas cards and packages a month to make it by boat from the states (unless sent by Air Mail, of course). And phone calls back to the states were almost non-existent – all the more reason why the community of friends and family on the base was so important.
So as we draw close to the end of 2020 (thankfully), let me wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season. It has been, and continues to be, special to be associated with this website and all of the wonderful people that have shared their stories over the years. And special remembrance of Bill McLeod, one of the site’s founding fathers, who will be looking down on us from heaven this year – rest in peace, my friend.
Merry Christmas to all of you, Doug
Very well written, Doug! Let’s pray that each of us has a blessed 2021!
My name is George Tyndall, was stationed on Dreux 1959 – 1961 I was assigned to Base Comm and was assigned NCOIC Bas Telephone Section and worked part time at the officers club was a bar tender.Would love to hear from anyone stationed there during that. period
I’m trying to contact Mr Ron Moroney ,I was stationed at Dreux from 65 to 67.
Hey Marvin,
Ron Maroney here! It’s been a long time, but I think I remember we went to a couple of Motorcross races with my girlfriend then, wife of 52 years now!
I’ll see if Doug or Charles are able to forward my email to you! I prefer not to publish it!
Marvin this is Ron Maroney, I believe we do remember you!
I will ask Doug and Dotty to release my email to you!! Feel free to contact me directly when you receive it!
My dad was with the 821st. We lived in France from 1951-1953. My brothers and I were among the first dozen or so to attend the quonset hut school on the base while it was being built. I was in the fourth grade, brother Johnny in 5th and Jim in 2nd. Mr and Mrs Cody were out teachers. My grandfather sometimes substitute taught for us. Some of the other kids there were: Gene Brown, Gloria Parker , her sister Susie ?, Bonnie Sue Nash, Floyd Petit, and the Colonel’s daughter (whose name I forgot. The Shannor kids , Robbie and ? lived there, but they attended a french school. Those were the happiest years of my childhood. We lived in a french town with no other Americans, so picked up french fast from the neighbor kids. I ended up graduating hs in 1961 in Tampa, Fl where I’d been born.
Hello Dotty – thanks for stopping by the blog. Please scroll through the postings – there are quite a few posts from people who were students “back in the day”. Also lots of pictures that might bring back some memories. Always looking for stories if you’d like to post a few. – Doug
Hi:
I’m assisting a cousin in finding Edmond Bourgeois likely on base in 1965-66. Grateful for any help with any information about Edmond
Hi, my name is Marvin Godshall , I was stationed at dreux airbase from 1965 to 1967, I knew Sgt Bourgeois but not very well , our air police commander was captain Louis Coles he is mentioned in the blog under memories of dreux, I know he was from coral gables Florida, he may know any information on Sgt Bourgeois
Hi I am doing this as a favor for a good friend his name is Walter he served in the armed forces and was at the Goose Bay Labrador base in France when he was shot in 1966 and a girl took care of him throughout his recovery. Her name was Judy Dean or Judith Dien was 17 years old at the time. and I finished high school in a school near the military children’s base and he asked me to help him locate her to grab him for all that she took care of him. I would like to help him get in touch with her if someone could help me find information about her I would appreciate it very much, thank you and God bless you.
I have remembered some names stationed at Dreux Air Force Base back in 1965-1967.I was assigned to 2172nd Communications Squadron in Everux Air Force Base,Det 1.SSgt Chuvk DeLano was head of telephone repair on base and A1C Padgett worked with him.Sgt DeLano had a Japanese wife and he was an avid bowler.Airman Padgett had a German wife.Miss Mary Jane Sledge was a Physical Education teacher at the High School there at Dreux..When Dreux AFB closed,Mary and I were assigned to San Pablo Air Force Base in Seville,Spain.So,we drove together down ther.I did not know her well before we left for Spai. She was a very intelligent,kind and attractive girl that loved France and Jazz.She later was assigned to Aviano AFB in Italy.I will write more later.
I was a very good friend of Sgt DeLano’s wife. They lived 4 spaces from us. We went to the market in the village once a week so she purchase eel and squid. Received lots of food items from her parents. She was so nice. Unfortunately, we were not able to keep up with our friends.
I was with 2nd mob
Hello Herb – Thanks by stopping by the site. There are a few pictures on the site of the 2 Mob area on the back side of the base. When were you there? I was in the 1st Combat Comm, which was activated in Europe in 1976 when the 2nd Mob moved to Florida – but, of course that was much, much later. What did the 2nd Mob have at Dreux? – Doug
I lived on Dreux Air Force Base from 1960 to 1962.
Hello Harry – thanks for stopping by. Take some time to look through all of the stories and pictures on the site – might bring back some memories, and there are quite a few people that were at Dreux the same time as you – might run across names you know. Share a few stories or pictures. – Doug
Hello,
I wanted to let the group know that my dad, Bill McLeod, passed away on Saturday afternoon at the age of 81. As per his wishes, he was able to ‘age in place and die at home’ and for that, we are very grateful. This site and the people that frequented it meant the world to him and I credit it with keeping him as sharp and active for as long as he was. I still get funny looks when I tell folks that my septuagenarian father was running a website but for those that knew him, it wasn’t a surprise at all.
I will be putting something more formal memorial up in the ‘In Memory of’ section soon.
Thank you all for being a part of dad’s life.
Chris
I am so sorry to hear that! We communicated quite a bit when he first started this website. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Hi Chris,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad. I’m just now seeing your post. I’m sure he was a great Dad, and he certainly added a lot to the lives of many of us who frequent and contribute to this site. I’m glad he went the way he wanted to go. Please accept my condolences.
Glenn Burchard
I just found this blog and could not believe the picture of 53-8142. I was an A/C & Missile Electrical Tech at Dreux from 1959-1961 when de Gaulle kicked us out of France, and I worked on those babies all the time. I remember that A/C 8142 was a “hot bird” and was the airplane selected to demo to a group of officials including one of the original test pilots for the C-119s who flew over to France for that “decommissioning” ceremony. I remember installing large fuel tanks in the cargo bays so they could be flown back to the states. I went from Dreux to Mildenhall, England in mid 1961
Lowell – glad you found us. Please take the time to look through all the posts (there are over 1300 by now). Maybe you’ll see comments from people you know. If you have any pictures or stories about Dreux let us know. There’s a lot of interest among those that were stationed or lived there. – Doug
Hey Lowell, I hope you read the story I did about C-119G 53-8142 found in the memories section of our web-site. I was impressed to hear from you about this aircraft. Let me know if you read the story. I have talked with Joanne & Rudy Hamilton about this old
C-119G that crashed almost in their home in 1987.
I Hope to hear from you very soon and maybe get your e-mail address.for a longer talk. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
My father, Fortunate Moreno Jr. was stationed at Dreux around 1962. He was with 31st Weather squadron. While there he met a civilian working on the base and developed a friendship with him. My father was invited to dinner with his new friend and it was there he met my mother (his friends sister). They were married in 1964.
Thank you for making this website/blog. I enjoy seeing the pictures and discussing with my mother (my father passed in 1984).
Hello Gloria – thanks very much for joining us here. Please feel free to pass along any stories you or your mother might have – everyone is always interested in new stories about “our” air base. – Doug
Hi, my name is Connie RIckabaugh. My dad, Harold RIckabaugh was in the USAF and we were stationed at Dreux/Evereux. I was in the first and second grade while we were there. I remember riding a bus to the base to school. We lived in housing where the other Air Force families lived. I have two sisters, Linda and Sandy, who were in high school at the time. I have some great memories of that time even though I was young. My dad worked on the C-130s and was sent to India a lot while we were there. I am going to send this link to my sister Linda. She will love this site. We went to Lockbournw when we left France.
Hello Connie –
Thanks for stopping by. Take some time to look through the stories and pictures – might stir up some memories. By all means share some stories that you remember – there are quite a few people that stop by the site from time to time. We look forward to hearing from your sister as well. -Doug
Connie,
When was your family at dreux. My name is John Frost, JR. My father was the Motor Pool CO from ‘boots on the ground’ to 1954/55. We were at Camp Wolters in Mineral Welld TX in ’51 . We went back to Tampa when the 821st EAB left for France. I finished the 4th grade in the Quonste Hut school on Base (Dreux AFB). AS my sister, Dotti Hon said, Mr and Mrs Cody was the complete faculty. Mr. Cody was a civilian, but was rated as a Captain. (there is another story about Mr Cody , but that is best saved for a better time). It was almost all Army Engineers with a small detachment of AF. I started the 7th grade at Dreux, but we left in April, i believe. I remember I was in the 7th grade when we got back to Tampa, FL.
My best friend from the school at Dreux was Floyd Petty. His father was the WO in the Motor Pool. We lived at the Chateau de la Barre when we got over there. We moved to St. Lubin de Nonancourt After a few months and then moved to La Madelaine (up the hill from Nonancourt) until we came back to the States. We were 1LT. John Frost, our father, Jane Frost, mother, Jules Frost, our grandfather, Annie Jermaine, nanny, moi – Johnny, Jr, my sister, Dotti, my brother, Jim and my baby sister, Vickie. We traveled extensively in Normandy , from Dreux to St. Michel, to Hanfleur, to Evereux,to Chartes Cathedrial. We even went to Germany when dad went to Rhine Main for a NBC School. We were in Paris a lot and drove from Nonancourt down the Loire Vally to Marsailles to Rome and back through Switzerland to Nonancourt. My grandfather lived in Paris and was a painter and he taught English as a 2nd language at the Sorbonne. There was a Major Rivera (or Riviera).I had a crush on his daughter, and French girl (not at the same time).
As you can tell, I am sorta shy about writing.
I would like to make contact with anybody that was at Dreux from 1952 to 1955.
My Dad was stationed there when I was a baby until I was 5 or 6. From 1956 until 1962. I have vague memories of going to school there during time. I remember that my Mom had brought me a smock to wear for painting and a nun called me over to a part of the rod iron fence so I could get the smock from my Mom.
I wonder what building that was?
Hi Bethany –
Thanks for stopping by the website. From your description, it sounds as though you were living off base and going to a French school. Could that be possible? There were no nuns on the base. Welcome to our group. Do you have any photos from your time at Dreux? (At age 5 or 6 you probably weren’t taking too many pictures, but perhaps your parents had some?) – Doug
Hi Once Again. The C-119s had an operation out of Athens, Greece where we supplied bases in Turkey and other areas. There were about 6 aircraft on TDY and when the C-119s were launched we had a number of hours before we had to recover them. This was our down time and we were basically free to do what we wanted. Compared to Dreux AB, Athens was a great opportunity to experience history. This was a TDY that a number of us maintenance troops along with the flight crews really looked forward to.
Another thing I remember is we didn’t have an AFES radio station on base so we were able to pick up a pirate radio station off the coast of England and this was the only way we could listen to American music. Lights out was 2200 in the barracks and I cannot tell you how many times I was told to turn my radio off. In those days we didn’t have ear plugs. This site has allowed me to remember the times I had at Dreux AB those many years ago.
Welcome, Clyde. You have just sparked yet another memory of mine with mention of the midget races 🙂 Us kids would catch the base shuttle bus on a Sunday afternoon to go over and watch them. The track was on the far side of the base. We were probably all sitting there together! By my calculation, you may have been in third grade in 1959-60. Did you have Miss Waris for your teacher? We may have been classmates. Our family lived in trailer #364. Please share your memories with this group!
I remember walking over to a near by mess hall for school lunch.I payed little league baseball there and have the trophy for first place. I played on the Indians.
Thinking back in my Dreux days packing parachutes I often think of how many airmen I worked with that are still with us? Hopefully quite a few. There were many days we worked day and throughout the night packing parachutes. Every 60 days the chutes had to be repacked and inspected but if there was a crises and the chutes had 31 days since last packed they were repacked again. If memory serves me right each C-119 carried 20 to 25 parachutes on racks in the event passengers had to bail out in an emergency. This is the reason we had so many chutes to pack and maintain. Also, depending on your rank we were paid around 80 or 90 dollars a month.
Also in those days I spent a number of days on KP Duty at the chow hall. I really didn’t look forward to that. Of course no one did, but it had to be done. Couldn’t wait to get my next stripe then you checked all who came into the chow hall instead of kitchen duty.
What was great about Dreux we were about 70 miles or so from Paris. Wonderful city with many things to do and see.
One great thing about the military is you’ll see a lot of this world, most of it was really great, some of it bad. But we went where we were told to go.
Hey Bill, Thanks a bunch for your take about packing parachutes at Dreux Air Base, France. As a member of the Dreuix Air Base basketball team of 1960-1961 I found myself on a C-119 flight to Laon, France for a December game. Just as we made our turn N/W around Paris we encountered the beginning of a snow storm. Looking out the port-holes, found down both sides of the C-119, snow flakes seemed as big as ones fist. Darkness was fast approaching as the plane began to lurch up & down & sideways. Of course we all had our parachutes strapped on as well as our seat belts. The snow flakes began to increase in size as well as in volume. Landing lights were then switched on to see the snow in progress when the crew chief made his way back to us. He said to us all that we may have to hit the silk shortly due to the loss of altitude. He told us all that he would open a rear small door so we could all exit the plane safely. I put my cap inside my field jacket & made sure all straps were tightened as well as my gloves. I was only two seats away from the rear jump doors & had never leaped from a moving aircraft. I was really frightened at the thought of landing in the darkness & hitting power lines, rivers, lakes, railways, houses, animals, & God knows what. Here came the crew-chief, was he to open the jump door now ? In a very calm voice he told everyone to relax as the storm was easing & the
C-119 was gaining altitude once more. Soon the snow flakes were a thing of the past. Thank you Lord I said & felt at ease then. The Laon Air Base landing was a smooth one. We played our basketball game, which we won, spent the night, & returned to Drteux Air Base the next day. As I made my exit from the C-119 at
my home base, I gave my chute a hug & gently placed it upon the jump seat smiling from ear to ear. Horror was averted that night going toward Laon & I was a little jumpy for a few days. At our first practice back home we all talked about what might have been.
Had I needed to hit the silk, I know now my chute would have worked just fine because of the great Parachute packers stationed at Dreux Air Base, France 1960-1961. Thanks to all you super USAF Airmen.
Chris, thanks for the update on your Dad, although it’s a sad one. I was one of the Air Force ‘brats’ while my Dad was assigned to Dreux from 1959-1962. Honestly, before I stumbled across this site, that time in my life was a fuzzy time in my memory; and this site helped re-awaken a lot of memories. Of course all the contributions by so many folks are great gifts. The site spurred me on to visit the base and surrounding area in 2012 and 2015. I even connected with a classmate and one of our teachers!
Please know that there are so many of us who look at your father’s (and Chuck’s and others’…including you Doug) efforts as true blessings.
I wish your Dad and your family God’s peace during this challenging time.
Glenn
Very well-stated, Glenn. So many of us feel exactly the same as you do. Those efforts on the part of Bill, Chuck, and now Doug, in creating and maintaining this website with all of these shared memories, have been a true blessing indeed. May God bless Bill and his family.
Sherry
Arrived at Dreux AB early 1956 and spent 4 years there. Remember the wing commander was Colonel Churchell. I was assigned to the Survival Equipment Shop, Parachutes and Life Rafts. The base was pretty remote and there was not to much going on. I remember movies were shown in the recreation center and the reels were changed every 20 minutes or so. Later we had a movie theater in a warehouse type building next to our shop.
To leave the base we had to have a tie on and bolo ties were worn quite a bit.
The chow hall served powered eggs and powered milk 6 days a week and on Sunday we had real eggs and such.
Being at Dreux was great when you think about it as all of us were pretty close.
Just went into Google and looked at the base as it is today. Some parking slots for the planes are still there and the main runway and taxi strips are there as well. But where the main base was is no longer. There are thousands of Soler Panels and all of the buildings are gone.
For those of us who were stationed there we have memories of what Dreux AB meant to us, may we never forget that
Retired CMSgt Bill Deegan
Hello Bill – thanks for stopping by the website. Take some time and look through the pictures and stories – will probably bring back some memories. We’d be happy to post any stories or pictures you might have. Please stop by often – there are quite a few of us that are “regulars”. Everyone seems to have their own special remembrances of Dreux. – Doug
Bill,
Any chance that you knew my father during the latter part of your tour? He was a C-119 pilot: Capt. Joseph F. Cullen. We were at Dreux from early ’58 until late summer 1959.
Any chance that you knew my father during the latter part of your tour? He was a C-119 pilot: Capt. Joseph F. Cullen. We were at Dreux from early ’58 until late summer 1959.
Hello,
My name is Chris McLeod, and I am Bill’s son. I wanted to take a moment to post to give an update on his status as well as thank everyone for the kind birthday wishes.
As Chuck noted, dad was 81 on Monday, an event he celebrated at home with my wife Adelina and I. For those that aren’t aware, dad has dementia, and due to its progression has lost the ability to do many of the things he loved, including participating with you all. This site and the community around it meant the world to dad, and it helped keep him young at heart and engaged with life. We are so grateful to Chuck and Doug for keeping it going and for all of you to keep the memories alive and flowing.
As for dad’s current status, we are currently self-isolating due to the virus and have been since 3/11 (ten weeks today, I guess, where does the time go). It is just my wife and me here with him, and we are his full-time caregivers. Dad’s illness had been progressing for some time, becoming very noticeable in January of 2019, finally coming to a head last June, and he hasn’t been able to be alone since. Unfortunately, his disease is on a rapid path, and he entered hospice care near the end of this past February. At this time, he seems quite happy and content but is unable to recognize most folks, and even those he can, he doesn’t remember their names. His days are primarily spent sleeping or sitting with my wife while she watches TV and sews and petting our little dog. As it was his wish to age in place and die at home, we are doing all in our power to make that happen for him. People sometimes ask why, and the answer is easy; dad set a great example. He took care of his mother for the last two years of her life and also assisted until the end with his older brother, who died of ALS in 2013 (Kenneth McLeod, also a USAF vet). He has a few rough edges, but when the chips were down, he was always there, giving his all, and we can do no less for him.
Last fall, we were fortunate enough to be pointed toward the VA by a nurse we had brought in, and it was the best thing that ever could have happened. I didn’t know (nor did dad) that he was eligible for VA benefits. It turns out that he and all other honorably discharged vets of his era are (if you enlisted after 1980, you have to have 24 months active service). I cannot state strongly enough that if you or anyone you know is honorably discharged and meets the service requirements, please sign up for VA benefits. They have been our saving grace since we enrolled him last November. Even if you have other insurance, they can be a supplement for in-home care and assistance. Dad has been enrolled in a Home Primary Care program with them since the beginning of the year, where he has a team that cares for him (a doctor, dietician, social worker, occupational therapist, chaplin), and all necessary healthcare is provided in the home. Until the quarantine, they also sent LPN’s in to help with bathing, shaving, and to provide some respite for us. Even with the quarantine, they continue to consult via phone/video and are providing all supplies and prescriptions delivered to our door. I honestly don’t know where we would be without them. In short, sign up!. https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/
Well, I didn’t intend to go on for so long, but I guess I had a few things to say, and I have one more; I am so proud and happy that dad was in the USAF. The Air Force provided him a path to training and education he wouldn’t have otherwise had, and that made his life better in so many ways. I am also grateful that his curiosity about the C-119 lead him to the Chuck’s (Lunsford and Seibert), which in turn led to this site.
I will try and give an update as time permits. Thank you all for your interactions with dad over the years.
Chris
Prayerful, sad, and a word of encouragement … I never met Bill at Dreux (for me, circa 1966) … but his equal life remembrances & experiences of enjoyment at Dreux will continue.
I’m so grateful for the effort he has put into creating, organizing, and presenting so many memories for USAF personnel & families through this website.
A great legacy!
Best wishes.
Al
Happy belated birthday, Bill! This website continues to be a blessing; and we have you to thanks for that! Stay well!
Glenn Burchard
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Bill McCloud
Ron Maroney
Hello to all the wonderful folks who can recall April 15 2013 when this great
web-site came on line. Bill McLeod & Charles Sibert had talked about doing this for over a year. We both had spent some time in the USAF stationed at Dreux Air Base, France. It caused both of us to have wonderful feelings when the Dreux site emerged from a dream into reality. Bill & I were on the computer it seemed like 24 hours a day building this great site from scratch. Why have I said this to you on the blog today ? Well, Bill McLeod will be 81 years of age come Monday the 18th of this May. I believe it would be wonderful if all of us would send to Bill & his family a Happy Birthday shout all the way to Denver, Colorado. I am 85 now so I can recall how great it was for all the birthday wishes I got via the web-site & home folks for my 81st. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Great idea! What would be the best way – email or snail mail?
By the way, I can’t thank you guys enough for starting the website. I always thought I was pretty much alone in great memories of Dreux – there wasn’t much about it on the internet – then, with the website, so many of us have been able to share pictures, stories, and memories.
Maybe some folks who read this blog daily or weekly would like to know just who is the lady & man seen on the Dreux home page cover. Well, here are their names.
The lady seen in red is Rose Vide with her husband Joseph Vide who was stationed at the Dreux base from 1957-1960.
Rose Gifford, the daughter of Rose Vide, had sent this info to the Dreux site but it was lost in the shuffle somewhere along the line. Just maybe someone will reply about this info & away we’ll go with a another beautiful Dreux story.
God Bless: A/2C Sibert
Thanks Chuck! I think you asked that question several years ago. Nobody knew. Another mystery solved! – Doug
My father, Lawrence E. Benson from Minnesota, was stationed at Dreux between 1957-1963. He befriended Herbert (Scotty) Whybrow from Pennsylvania while there. My father and Scotty married sisters who live in the Dreux area. I came upon this site and am hoping someone knew either of them from time spent at the Dreux AFB. I would love to hear from you.
Hi Laurie – thanks for dropping by the website. We have quite a few people that check the site from time to time and you might want to look through the posts and other info for names you might recognize. – Doug
Glad you are doing well…and belated Happy Birthday! Stay healthy for many more years as you are a founding father of this blog!
I wanted to take a moment and reach out to everyone who participates on this blog and wish them health and safety during this pandemic. I would guess that, just by virtue of being on this blog, that nearly all of us fall into the age group that is very susceptible to the virus. Please stay well, and stay inside, so that we can enjoy more of your stories and pictures!
Glenn
Thanks Glenn. My best to everyone as well. Be safe out there! – Doug
Thanks Glenn,
Dad was 90 years young in March. We are being safe. My prayers are to everyone and their families to please be safe.
Terri Dupree
Glenn, Thank you very much. I was 85 April 9th & pray not to get the virus. All seems very well here in Nabb, Indiana. Seems very strange with less traffic even here in the farming community. A few tractors are out & about. Happy EASTER Sunday to all.
A/2C Sibert
My wife and I lived in one of the officer’s trailers in the fall of 1963 while waiting for quarters at St. Remy to become available. One night in November a neighbor knocked on our door and gave us the terrible news that President Kennedy had been killed. We went to the base chapel the next day, joined by s big crowd. Chaplain Norman gave the service.
Hi Daniel – Glad you found our website. You arrived just after we left (summer 63 for Paris), although I returned a number of times before we headed back to the states in 64. Let us know a little bit about yourself and your time at the base. As you scroll through the comments you’ll see that there are quite a few of us who were there at about the same time as you. Do you happen to have any pictures – everyone enjoys those! Welcome to the blog. – Doug
Hello Daniel ,
My name is Alain Wojcik and I lived in St Rémy sur Avre. I go back there often, I still have my parents’ house. In 1963 I was 11 years old. On my Facebook page you had a photo album on the American city in the Gatine district
Friendly
Daniel, Do you recall Chaplain Norman’s first name? One of our Dreux alums was asking. Thanks!
He performed my wedding….Jeff D. Norman
Hi, my father was a Air Force pilot stationed at Dreux 1959-1963. I was born while we were there. I have just been informed by Social Security Administration that I will need a certified French Birth Certificate when I try to claim benefits. Has anyone else encountered this, how do you go about it? My birth is registered in Dampierre-sur-Blevy. Thank you in advance.
Hello Michelene – One of our French friends on the website, Alain Wojcik, researched this for us. I’ll find the specific and post them shortly. – Doug
Here is the information on requesting a birth certificate. Let me know if you have any questions:
Requesting a Birth Certificate for those born at Dreux Air Base, France
Many thanks to our friend Alain Wojcik for getting the information for us.
I’ve included the French, with the translation. When communicating with the Maillebois City Hall, I would suggest using both French and English to avoid confusion.
Tous le enfants américains nés sur la base de Dreux sont inscrits à la mairie de 28 Dampierre sur Blévy. Maintenant elle est regroupée avec la mairie de 28 Maillebois .
All American children born on the base of Dreux were registered with the town hall of 28 Dampierre sur Blévy. This has now been moved to the town hall of 28 Maillebois.
Pour demander un ou plusieurs exemplaires selon ses besoins : extrait d’acte de naissance , il faut écrire à :
Mairie Maillebois 28170
Service état civil
2, place Jean-Baptiste-Desmarets
28170 Maillebois, France
To request one or more copies as needed of the extract of birth certificate (extrait d’acte de naissance), write to:
City Hall, Maillebois 28170
Civil status service
2, place Jean-Baptiste-Desmarets
28170 Maillebois
France
Il faut donner les informations suivantes / You need to give the following information:
****************************************
Monsieur ou Madame selon le cas / Mr or Mrs, as appropriate
Son nom de naissance (nom de naissance de jeune fille pour les dames) / his or her birth name (maiden name for ladies)
Son ou ses prénoms / his/her first & middle names
Sa date de naissance : jour/mois /année / his/her date of birth in the format DAY/MONTH/YEAR, (example 10/04/1952)
Pays de naissance : France / Country of birth: France
Commune de naissance : 28 Dampierre sur Blévy / Community of Birth: 28 Dampierre sur Blévy
Nom du père / Name of Father
Son ou ses prénoms / His first and middle names
Si le père n’est pas connu mettre : De père inconnu / If the father is unknown put: De père inconnu
Nom de naissance de jeune fille de la mère / Maiden name of the mother
Son ou ses prénoms / her first and middle names
Si la mère n’est pas connu mettre : De mère inconnue / If the mother is unknown put: De mère inconnue
Le document est gratuit / The document is free of charge
*******************************************************************************************************
Pour la réponse , joindre une enveloppe avec son adresse aux USA . / For the response, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your USA address
(Pour envoyer une lettre de la France vers les USA , c’est 1,30 euros ), / To send a letter from France to the USA, postage is 1.30 Euros
Pour être tranquille mettre sur l’enveloppe jointe ,un timbre de 2 dollars ,/ To make sure put on 2 dollars of postage (note: as this was researched a few years ago, it’s probably a good idea to put on a little bit more postage now)
La secrétaire m’a confirmé que dans ce cas , les timbres US sont acceptés par la poste française, / Alain confirmed with the secretary that US Stamps are accepted by the French Post Office.
C’est bien de mettre son adresse us et son mail sur la lettre de la demande. En cas de problème , la mairie peut contacter la personne, / It’s a good idea to include your email with the requesting letter, so, if there’s a problem, the town hall can contact you.
*******************************************************************************************************
e-mail de la mairie de Maillebois : [email protected] / The email for the town hall of maillebois is [email protected]
I was looking at the old fire station on Dreux Air Base, a photo by A/2C Ron Teigen, standing close to a base fire truck. I had a office in the main hanger on the side looking toward the fire station. When on duty, a 24 hour shift, I would see the fire trucks heading out to somewhere on base. Maybe to training at the other side of the base ? Of course they would stand fire guard when I had an aircraft starting up their engines to depart the base. Remember they only did this for visiting aircraft not the C-119’s stationed at the base unless called upon.
I know the stationery buildings were torn down (removed) when the solar panel electric company moved in. I wonder if all the concrete floors were jack hammered away in the fire department ? Somewhere in the solar panel info it tells of the base returning to nature. Can one wonder if all the underground electric cables were pulled out to be sold like all the overhead ones were ?
God Bless: A/2C Sibert
Sibert
Hi Chuck. Hope you’re doing well. My guess is that they left the concrete foundations untouched. You can still see the remnants of the old parking ramps under the solar panels. I’m sure they say tearing them up as costly with no benefit. I also doubt that they dug up old cables for scrap – just a guess, but probably not cost effective. Would be interesting to know if the solar farm is actually successful. – Doug
Hi Doug, I believe you are right about the concrete being left alone due to removal cost. There were huge mounds of concrete showing up in some of the photos on or near to the old barracks I saw. I wondered about the old fire plugs & said something about this on the blog about their number. I didn’t here back on my subject. I put in a call to Sherry now & then when she in in Natchez, Mississippi. Her & Don take turns staying there trying hard to sell their mansion. Don is now in Ireland. She would like to hear from you I know. I’ll e-mail you with her number. 10-4 ?
Glad you & yours are well. God Bless
A/2C Sibert
Hi Chuck – yep, by all means email her number. I just went back and looked at the latest Google Earth picture of the base. It appears to me that I was only partially correct. All of the foundations for the buildings on the base seem to have been removed. Clearly that happened after the solar panels were installed since the solar panels were put in over the old ramps. The runway is still in the open – no panels covering them. The roads seem to have been left as is. I think our old trailer location is now covered by solar panels, but the road is still visible beneath. I would doubt that it would have been worth the salvage value to dig up cables (such things as the power to the runway lights) but I could be wrong. They might have been shallow enough and easily removed to make it worthwhile. Kind of sad to see, but at the same time, I remain grateful to you and Bill for getting the site up and going. Dreux will forever live in our memories. We’ve had a few new folks post recently so maybe we’ll get some new pictures and stories to add. I’m still convinced that I’m going to run across some more “fun finds” in some of my parents’ old boxes of stuff. Every time my sister and I think that we’ve looked through them all we end up finding something that hadn’t been gone through. There’s an interesting story about our car (big red 1961 Chevy station wagon) being used in a French magazine commercial. I’ve been looking for the magazine for years – we certainly had it in one of our boxes up until at least the 90s – but it seems to have gone missing. It’ll be a fun story to share if I can ever find the pictures. Best wishes. – Doug
My father was the NCOIC of the Emergency Room at Evreux-Fauville AFB from 9/63 – 9/66. When we first arrived we were assigned quarters at Dreux AFB Government Leased housing. I started kindergarten at Dreux Elementary. The following summer we moved to the trailer park on Evreux-Fauville AFB. I still remember those quarters at Dreux very vividly.
Hello Douglas, and welcome to the blog. Take a little time to scroll through the entries and you may find somebody that was in your class. I was in the Dreux Elementary School a couple years before you were there and posted a picture of the school. Happy New Year! – Doug
Hey Doug,
I wouldn’t remember anyone from Dreux, we weren’t there long enough. I did however run into a classmate from 2nd grade in Evreux when I was in 5th grade at Seymour – Johnson AFB. I was on the Evreux alumni website and they have a copy of the 1964 welcome packet under photos. On page 23 is information about the hospital with a picture of the front of the hospital. Our car (the black Peugeot) is shown in the picture.
I lived in the dormitory and attended Dreux American High School at Dreux A.F.B.. ’63-’64. My Dad was stationed at Peshawar Air Station, Peshawar Pakistan and there was not a high school there so I attended school at Dreux A.F.B.
Hello Paula – Thanks for posting. Welcome to the blog. Please scroll through – you might find someone you know from your time at the base! Feel free to post some memories of your time there. Let me know if you have any pictures – always looking for more to add to the collection – brings back memories for all of us. – Doug
Hello Paula, I was a C-130 pilot posted to Evreux-Fauville Air Base, north of Dreux AB, from 1960 to 64. Peshawar A.S. was one of our support missions destinations and a primary source for brass trays, teak screens and coffee tables, etc. We did stay over night on occasion, and I may have met your father. But I didn’t keep a journal so I’m not sure he & I talked. If you ever traveled to & from Dreux & Peshawar for Holiday, you may have flown on one of our luxurious, but noisy, planes. If I’d known then that the world was so small, I would have kept a journal. I look on this Blog as I have several friends that moved to Evreux when Dreux C-119s were sent back to the USA. Best regards, Thom
Hey Thomas. We were stationed at Evreux-Fauville AFB from 9/63 – 9/66. Dad was the NCOIC of the Emergency Room at the base hospital in St Michael. I went to elementary school at the American School over by La Madeline housing.
I’m so happy to find this page . My father was stationed at Dreux around 1959 and 1960. I’m going to call him to verify the date. Every base dad was stationed at we went. I hope that Sherry Watson from the memory blog is still reading this page periodically because we may have been in school together. That would be so exciting to find a class mate from so long ago to share school memories. I haven’t read all the stories, but I intend to. Just to connect and hear stories from people who lived where I did as a child.
Thank all of you for sharing your stories.
Hello Terri and welcome to the blog. By going through the posts you’ll likely run across a few familiar names as there were a number of us that were at Dreux as dependents during the time frame you were there. We’d love to have you post some memories. Also, we’re always interested in pictures, so would be happy to post any you might have of your time there. When you talk with your father ask what unit he was with. There’s also a good chance that someone he was stationed with has happened by the blog. Looking forward to hearing from you. –
EXCITED. I know Dad was in Personnel so I will get further details. I’m going to have to take notes because you how long their titles are. Dad is excited also and has already looked for his name an squadron on this website. Stay tune for pictures.
Terri – Welcome! We are so glad that you are here! It’s Sherry (Watson) Nelson on this end tonight, and yes! I check in here regularly. There are several of us Dreuxites on this site who were there during the same time frame as yourself. What grades were you in while there? Did you live on base? I have so many questions to ask you… Please share your story, memories, and pictures with this group as we would love to read/see them. Thank you so much, in advance, for connecting with us. We will look forward to hearing from you 🙂
Hi Sherry. It’s great to hear from you. I knew I hit gold when I read you blog on Monday morning. I called my family as soon as I could. I had to wait for them to wake up because it was 4 o’clock in the morning. I told Dad your father’s name because, YES my dad was also in Personnel. YES!!! he remembers your dad. Dad is Ben Dupree. I was born in 1952 and was in the 2nd and 3rd grade. We are going over to Dad’s today to do some work. I don’t know how much we’ll get done since we will be going down memory lane and looking for pictures so stay tuned. I have a brother and 2 sisters (twins). Dad and sisters are excited also. In fact it was Arlethia who started me on this journey, was wondering if we could find a picture of her elementary school. She and Cynthia went to kindergarten off base. Some of school memories are similar example living in trailer. A field trip to the zoo in Paris. Wow you think we went at the same time. I think Mom was one of the chaperons. She was great at volunteering for things like that Going to go now but stay tuned for pictures.
Oh, Terri! I am SO excited to read this! And to think that your Dad knew my Dad. Yours is the first one ever who remembers him (that I have been able to locate)…thanks to you. I was born in 1951, and am the oldest of six kids. We are so looking forward to your pictures! Wishing you the best of luck with your hunt.
Well, here we are again now in the year 2020. 1961 seems so far behind me, the year I left Dreux Air Base for the USA. I did return in August 1987, met Raymond a Frenchman who worked on the base until it closed in 1967. We met up with the two Frenchmen ,who knew Raymond, at the pass & ID building. After talking & a glass of French wine they allowed Raymond & I to use their pick up truck, as long as needed, to visit anywhere about the old Dreux Air Base. I believe we toured the base for somewhere around two hours. I recall me being so overjoyed when I climbed the stairs up to the control tower, to overlook the base, I forgot to take any photos inside the control tower. My wife & I were back to see the old base in January 1991 but the front gate guards had changed to armed guards. They were friendly but their answer was No way we could visit. Like Doug says today, this time at Dreux Air Base was so special. God Bless all of you Dreux folks. A/2C Sibert
I was born at Druex Air Base. We left when I was around 2. My grandmother won a trip through the NCO club to come and visit. It was quite a deal. I’ve got some of the pictures of her and her trip to Paris.
Hi Doug, I hope your Holidays have been blessed!
I want to thank you for taking over some of the administration of this site. I’m sure Bill and Charlie, along with those of us who are regulars (or in my case semi-regular), really appreciate you enabling the site to continue on. It’s truly been a gift for me.
I wish everyone a healthy and successful 2020!
Glenn
Hello to all of my Dreux friends. As several of us have remarked before, Christmas evokes special memories of our days at Dreux. Whether it was a special dinner at the NCO Club, the closeness of the Dreux community, or simply the time & place, the holidays spent in France hold a special place in our thoughts and memories. So, on this Christmas 2019, about 55 years since I left Dreux, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the best in the year ahead.
Also, I’d like to pass along to any regulars on the site that I’ll be taking on more of the administrative responsibilities for it. I’ve been meaning to do so as Bill long ago gave me access and his son has done a lot of behind the scenes work – I’ve been a little slow getting on board but will step it up in 2020 – and hopefully it will reinvigorate the activity on the site.
So, again, to you all, Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année! – Doug
Hi Doug, I hope your Holidays have been blessed!
I want to thank you for taking over some of the administration of this site. I’m sure Bill and Charlie, along with those of us who are regulars (or in my case semi-regular), really appreciate you enabling the site to continue on. It’s truly been a gift for me.
I wish everyone a healthy and successful 2020!
Glenn
My Father was in Drew Air Force Base in 1955 I am trying to find information on him He was there in 1955 his name is Kenneth Monroe Mabe any information greatly appericated
Well Dreux Folks, I hope this blog finds all of you looking forward to tomorrow.
You know, where has Bill Mcleod been on this blog ? Could it be he is Ill or something else has befallen him. I call his home but no answer as of yet.
Why don’t all of us send to Bill a get better message hoping we’ll get an answer from him. I’m going to send a get well card to his home. Should many of you like to mail him a card also just E-mail me for his home address.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
My name is Louis R. Stankewich. I was born August 5, 1959 to SSG Robert John Stankewich. My Dad served with the 7305th Consolidated Maintenance Squadron. My Dad, Mom, 2 older brothers and myself came back to S.C. Oct. 1960. I have no memory of Dreux Air Force Base, other than what my mother told me; which was not much. My Dad was stationed at Otis Air Force Base, Mass. where I attended kindergarten. He was later sent to Okinawa; after we had moved back to Columbia, SC. When I was 13 he retired from the Air Force and 2 years later my parents separated to eventually divorce. My Dad remarried and moved to Peach Tree City, Ga. Sadly, he was not a big influence in my life. Alcohol and cigarettes (which was part of some soldiers lives), killed him in August 28, 2003. He was 72 and had cancer. I have learned over the years you will need to Depend on God for strength, hope, and happiness, because family may not always be there for you. As for Louis, I turned 60, am a born-again Christian, +30 years of marriage, two grown daughters, ( 28 and 26 years old), and retired after 34 years with USPS. God is GOOD to this old sinner, (saved by Grace of course). May God bless all that read this .
Romans 5:1, 10:9-13
Still have not got anything from Bill Mcleod I sure pray he is alright.
We all need to send to him our best regards. He had his 80th birthday in May and since then I have not heard from him. I mailed a letter to his son Chris in June asking about Bill but no reply as of yet. We all care about you Bill and hope you are well. Please let all of us know about you.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Here we are July the 4th 2019. All I say is God Bless the USA & all the veterans who have served this great country !!!!!!!!!
Have a blessed day & look tonight on TV for the DC military parade.
A/2C Sibert
I was born at the airforce base I. Druex France on 9/15/1956. My father was in the airforce for 22 years. I loved all our traveling. Only stayed there about a year and the. My dad was transferred to California. Would live to know of any one else born there around that time. I would like to go back one day to visit
June 6th has passed this year and remembered as the day in 1944 when the Normandy France landings took place. Many young lives were cut short by German machine guns and other weapons. Our veterans are now in their 90’s and so many are having health problems. What a great day it is to see those men being remembered as many return to the French shores for another reunion each June 6th. A friend of mine now gone, was in the pathfinders, paratroopers who first hit the silk and marked many of the landing zones for the main group of troopers. He said it was a dark night and he landed in a cow pasture. He went from there all the way into Germany where the Germans surrendered in 1945. He did not say too much but his hatred for the Germans grew as he saw just what they had done to many civilians. I hope I see the next June 6th for the 76th reunion of D day. What a great generation that got the job done !!! God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Amen, Chuck..and well-said!
Still trying to reach Bill but no luck as yet. Please send to him a blog message asking about him. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Just wondering if you’ve heard from Bill? I’ve not heard anything as well. Just reaching out. – Doug
Haven’t made contact with Bill for some weeks. Sure hope he is well.
Lets all of us send to him a “Happy Birth Day” for it is this month.
God Bless to all.
A/2C Sibert
Hey Folks,
Have not heard from Bill and can not get him on the phone.
Has anyone heard from him ? He’ll be 80 this month.
I’ll just keep trying to reach him.
Let me know if one of you talks to him.
A/2C Sibert
Hi my name is Jonathan Powell, my father senior master sergeant James Powell was first shirt of the base I believe in the years of 1963 through 66 and headquarters group. As of date my father still alive at the age of 93 years old living in San Antonio Texas where he retired from United States Air Force after 25 years of service in 1970 at Lackland. Unfortunately I do not remember the lieutenant colonel’s name who was the base commander at the time that he answer to. Looking at the maps and overlays that y’all provided brings back memories of me being a 10 year old kid walking to school I’m going to the movie theater, Community Center and so forth. Thanks for having a website such as this for those who might be out on the web searching for things from memories.
Cordially,
Jonathan Powell
I have just finished reading Charles Laramore’s story here tonight, and have really enjoyed it! Beautifully-written with pictures, too. Great job, Charles! Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sherry, glad you enjoyed reading my memories of the time I spent with the 821st EAB Co. B. completing the perimeter road. Some of my family, including my five children enjoyed reading it also, saying “Dad you never talked much about your time in France”. I was kept pretty busy. After getting out of the army I went back to work for the electric company working full time while going Washington University. I then went to work for Ralston Purina Co. in their research lab and earning a PhD in Microbiology. In 1984 my wife and I visited Paris, France but didn’t go back to Dreux. Writing my memories was a good trip down memory lane.
Thanks for you generous comment.
Was stationed at Dreux in 1958-59, I was an A/2 and a hydraulic mech. on the C-119 and C-123. My NCOIC was T/sgt Erwin Pogensee
Hi. Mr. Cooley!! My Dad was also there in 58-59! I was born there!! Do you remember. A1C Charles Liles(Bud) and his wife Geneva(Flossy)??? They are from Cedartown GA..But returned to Sheppard AFB in Feb 59!
Hey Folks, Who can tell me just how many fire hydrants were located on Dreux Air Base ? Didn’t the fire department flush these out periodically ? My way of thinking seems like the base firemen would know the answers about this question ?
Another question is how many miles around the base was the perimeter road called the Alaskan Way ? Charles Laramore and the 821st US Army had a hand in this roads construction he tells us in his story. A lot of gravel was hauled from the gravel pit near Brezolles to made this road bed somewhere around 12 inches deep. I hope someone out there can get the answers on this blog soon.
God Bless: A/2C Sibert
Arrived at Dreaux AFB June, 1955. My father mother & I (4 y.o.) arrived early in the morning after driving overnight from Rhein Main AFB as part of the 60th Troop Carrier Wing redeployment. After reporting in, my father took us to the dining hall for breakfast, but we were too late and lunch wasn’t being served yet. A cook took me back to the kitchen and let me eat freshly baked apple turnovers until I was full. We were assigned to enlisted housing which consisted of brand-new trailers, new asphalt driveway and connecting road, a newly sodded yard, and lots of new construction all around us. We watched movies in the new theater attached to the base library. I quickly learned that before a move, I could check out books from there before watching the movie. There was a construction hut behind our living quarters and the men there gave us paper bags of grass seed and told us to scatter them everywhere we went as the area didn’t have much grass. Some of the neighborhood men went into the nearby forests and dug up pine trees for replanting in the yards. That summer, a mysterious fire began two streets over involving bales of excelsior packing paper.
When a second fire began a few days later, one of the neighborhood boys was caught playing with matches. His family didn’t stay very long after that. My father, a flight line chief, was in charge of several C-119s with orange/red nose sections. He allowed me to go aboard, sit in the cockpit, where I “accidently” rang the parachute jump bell; twice! My parents bought 3-speed bikes, a wire child’s seat on the back, and we pedaled/explored much of the area around Dreaux, including the village, Normandy beaches, destroyed bunkers, AA sites and the sub pens at Neux Rochelle.
I still have pictures of the “housing” on base there. Those trailers seem so small now. My mom always played out in the yard with us and I have pictures of me bundled up and trying to learn to walk in snow. Would love to see pictures others have of the basr
My dad was stationed in France from 59-61. I remember very little about this assignment as I was 3 to 6 years of age. I do remember going up on the Eiffel Tower, going to the Paris Zoo and that it snowed. We lived on base in trailers. His name was William Jollye. Some of the people we were stationed with were Ralph Hulgan (not sure of spelling), Bob Mauk. We used to camp at Normandy. I think my dad was stationed at Dreaux and Everaux. If anybody out there remembers any of the above people, I would enjoy hearing from you. Loved being a brat!
Read the “memories”, from Charles Laramore today! Terrific job and pictures, Charles! Thank you!
Hard to believe how far the base progressed in the 9 years prior to my arrival and tour!
Keep up the good work Bill and Charles S! Thanks again!
Hey Ron, So glad to here from you. You know we believe that there are hundreds of people reading this web-site. For some reason we only here from some now & then. I know most folks that were stationed at Dreux Air Base are older now for we are hearing from their kids. Bill will be 80 this year & I will be 84 very shortly. We love what we are doing & glad to get Charles Laramore’s story up on this site. Can you believe he is 85 now ? What a memory he has as well as captions for his photos. He tells me some weeks back that he is in phone contact with a soldier he was with at the French base called the mud hole. I sent to him three phone numbers of others who were at the base when it was being built. He made contact with one fella but not the other two as of yet. I have asked on this blog for more stories before folks are kaput. We have gotten photos from many people who told us they would send to us their stories but as of yet not many have reached us. Even with this we are very grateful to have airmen like you to touch base with Bill & I. Let us hear from you soon & God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Folks, Just got a call from Bill and he tells me the Laramore story is up on the site. Look in the memories folder for it. Bill also says if anyone sees a grammar mistake please let us know. God bless:
A/2C Sibert
Great story!! Loved the photos as well. For those looking for the story, it’s all the way at the bottom of the “Memories of Dreux” page.
What a great ‘story’ by Charles Laramore! For someone like myself who was at Dreux from 59-62 this gives us some awesome insight. And they still had the apple turnovers when I was there…loved that icing!
I have to admit that I don’t frequent this site that often, but I still get a great deal of satisfaction when I do!
I took a bunch of pictures when we went to Chartres last May. I’ll have to share some. They do something at night to the catherdral, the Lumiere, that is quite stunning. I put together a video, but I don’t think the site will support it. If I’m wrong please let me know. It’s very simple.
We took a guided tour of the cathedral and it was very informative. My wife and I are members of the American Friends of Chartres and they are doing some tremendous work to restore the cathedral; particularly the stained glass panels. My Mom really liked that place so it’s a special place for me.
Thanks to Bill and Chuck for keeping DAFB alive!
Glenn
Hey Folks, Just talked with Bill by phone. He seemed upbeat about getting the Laramore story up. Tells me he had a small glitch in his software but it will be fixed very soon. Just an update about the story, it’s 12 pages long. Everyone will be thrilled to read it. He says hauling rock from the Brezolles gravel pit was a chore. With a large load of gravel you had to stay on the road pavement. That means all other traffic had to vacate somewhere to allow the USAF large gravel trucks to move to the base. The French drivers did not like this at all for the road was not very wide. The perimeter base road was being constructed over very soft farm land and a large load of gravel would only go for about 30 feet. Even a D8 caterpillar bulldozer would sometimes have to be pulled out of a mud hole.
Just a few points about the building of Dreux Air Base from the ground up contained in the Charles Laramore story. We’ll soon see all of his story on the web-site. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hold your shirts on folks. In just a few days Charles Laramore’s Dreux Air Base story will be up on this site.It is well written and one of the best we have so far about the building of the base in 1953-1954.
You’re gonna love the part where the large dump trucks from the base had to stay on the paved road to and from the gravel pit located near Brezolles.
Let me hear from someone about this great story written by an 85 year old man
who was at the Dreux mud hole during the base construction in 1953-1954.
A/2C Sibert
Really looking forward to the story.
I was looking at the map last week and – mentioned this in a previous post – it’s still possible on google earth to trace the original railroad spur from the base to La Loupe where it joined up with the main line. While the rails have long since been pulled up, there are still a few bridges and distinctive places where road cross the old railroad right of way. As I recall a lot of materials for building the base were transported on this line. Also, the old sewage treatment plan is distinctly visible just off base to the left (coming in from Dampierre) of the base access road (Rue de la Base).
Well folks, Charles Laramore’s pictures are up in his album folder. Bill will also put them in the new pictures folder soon. These photos are some 50 years old and Bill had to clean them up which took some time to do. These photos are about his time at the new Dreux Air Base being built in very soft farm land.
No wonder the new base was called the mud hole. When Bill and I came to Dreux Air Base we believed the place was very nice.
Just to think now all the buildings on the main side are gone. There were some 80 plus buildings torn down to make way for the new solar farm. The French said the land where they once stood would now return to nature.
Just how many fire plugs were there on the base ? These plugs are now gone from sight but all the water lines are still buried along with electric cables. As one looks over the remains of the former Dreux Air Base there are just some parts of buildings standing at the north east corner of marguerite # 6.
Time marches on but we will always recall our days stationed in France at Dreux Air Base. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert “7305th CAMS, Trancient Alert Crew”
Hello, I am Mark Kriz. My dad is Frank Kriz, Jr. he was stationed at Dreux in 1957-ish. I was born at the hospital. My dad worked in Life Support. He passed last August 2018, and we are still finding all kinds of information in bins that we have been goin through. I found this site by Googling Dampierre-sur-blevy. Any one that still alive during that time, give a shout out.
Hi Mark – There are a few people that have visited the site that were there in that time frame – hopefully one might link up with you.
We would all love to see any photos or any other info that you might come across that relates to Dreux Air Base.
Hi mark. I’m Theresa Gregory Pigg. I was born on this base in 1956. Dad was Msgt Charles F Gregory. We were there about 1 1/2 year then got stationed in California. My dad passed away 8 years ago. I miss those Air Force days
I was born in the base hospital in March 1959. Dad, David Connelly, flew C-119’s, he was also a WW2 Vet, he passed in 2002.
happy new year 2019
When I look lat the photos posted by Rom Maroney, to my great surprise, I recognized Marinette Villa ; I knew well, her and her family: José Marie José Jhesus. . . . .
Now I live in the house where she lived in 1957. . . in front of the church and next to the grocery store that has disappeared.
J’adresse à Marinette un bonjour de Dampierre
Best regards
Bonjour Pierre!
Unfortunately Marinette does not recognize your name! She has great memories of Dampierre, as do I! Her family moved from Dampierre to La Loupe and sadly, all but our niece, Marie Jose, have passed!
Feel free to post any pictures of Dampierre on this website, it would be of interest to many who were stationed on the base!
Bonjour,
When I was young I was well known as Pierrot, In 1956 i saw TV at José’s… I remember your mother. I was aware of
the sad events of your family. They stay in my memory.
With my mother Ihérèse, I visited her at the retirement home of La Loupe.
Now Dampierre seems dead , no more café, no more blacksmith only second homes . It remains the old blacksmith Jean and myself… I will send you the last picture of Damipierre;.Your answer made me happy . It remains me a happy childhood with very good people
at that time, we lived with the base and the US soldiers.
Best regards of Dampierre
Pierre CALLAC
Hey Ron,
Good to hear from you and to know you’re still kicking.
I look at your pictures at least once a week. Bill has some pictures he’s cleaning up to post on the site. They are from Charles Laramore who was part of the building crew the base had in the very early days of the 50’s. There are some twenty or so. I’m sure you will like these photos. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert “Nabb, Indiana”
Hey Charles,
Still kicking, glad to hear you are too!
Looking forward to the “mud hole” pictures! We heard a lot about that in the 60’s! It was no small task building that base!
Would anyone who was stationed at Dreux in 1958 or 1959 know of a local girl by the name of Monique Besnard? She would have been around 18 or 19 at the time. I have a family member of hers inquiring.
Hold on to your hats folks, some new pictures will be up on the site soon.
I believe these pictures will show more about the building of Dreux Air
Base. So check each day to see if they are up. Have a great day & God Bless.
A/2C Sibert
Thanks Charles, as an alumni of the 39th TCSq at Evreux from 1960 to 64, I enjoy looking through this site. When the C-119s departed Dreux, several crew members came to the 39th. in fact one of the pilots lives near by me in the St. Louis, MO area and we have lunch now and then. I also keep track of Evreux happenings on FaceBook as there is a civilian employee at BA105, old Evreux-Fauville AB, who sponsors the EFAB site. Some items on that site might interest folks that look at this blog. I’m looking forward to the new photos you are going to post. Regards, Thomas Sparr
Thank you!
You may never know in this life all the folks you have impacted!
Just keep it up! You’re doing good.
My Name is C Rolland Laramore. I was stationed at Dreux as a soldier in the 821 Battalion between 1954 and 1955. The picture of the loan soldier in on the web site Co. B is me. I was surprised to see it when I was getting ready to write my memories of my time in the army. I am now 85 years old and in good health. I have a number of pictures of the Company.
Charles
Do you remember 1LT Frost? He was my father. Did you ever drive the school bus over towards Nonancourt? I am Johnny frost age 10 – 12 at that time. My sister was a very little girl, but only a a year and a half younger than I. Her name is Dotti. We had a yournger brother, Jim. We lived in St. Lubin near the church and in La Madelaine
I am curious if you have any contacts with anyone living near or in Thuisy? I am trying to find someone that can point me to someone there that has good knowledge of WWII?
There was a chateau was located in Thuisy or very near there in France that the 438th Troop Carrier Group were billeted when they moved to France in 1944 or 1945.
Many thanks in advance
James Marple
438th TCG Historian, WWII
[email protected]
Merry Christmas to all of my Dreux friends. Although I actually lived on base for only two Christmases, I always associate Dreux AB with my Christmas memories. The winter of 1962 was particularly cold – a white Christmas for sure – and I remember so many good times – meals, friends, base activities, and a general sense of peace among all those on the base. It was a special time. So a special warm Merry Christmas to all on the website. Wishing you the very best in 2019. – Doug
Hi Doug,
Thanks for the thoughtful Christmas post. As you know our times at Dreux overlapped to a great extent and I have to agree with you that the holidays there were special. It was amazing how so many people came together and made Christmas so memorable. I remember the boys in my class having to wear dyed-green long johns, to sing and dance to ‘Deck the Halls’ as elves. And the feast in the mess hall…it was pretty cool. I hope everyone has a satisfying and healthy 2019. Glenn
Hi Glenn,
The girls in our third grade class wore red tights and a leotard for that same song and dance routine. To think we were on that stage performing together all those years ago! Dreux memories are very special, indeed. Wishing a healthy and happy New Year to all the Dreuxites on this site!
Does anyone know how to obtain a birth certificate ? My father was in the army..I was born at dreux air force base in 1958..I don’t have much information to go on..any suggestions?
Glenda, I saw your post several weeks ago, but thought someone who knew more about this subject would respond. If you were actually born on Dreux AB, they should have provided a Certificate of Birth to your parents. I’m not sure if the Army or State Department would then provide a US type Birth Certificate. If you were born off base, then the French would most likely have provided a French Certificate. You may already know this much, but if not then I’d search on the US State Department website regarding out of country births to service personnel. Hope this helps. Thomas Sparr, Evreux-Fauville AB, Evreux, France, (North of Dreux AB about 30+ miles) 1960 to 64
Hi Glenda –
I was born overseas as well – the info from Thomas Sparr is spot on. You should have a birth certificate issued by the Dreux Hospital. Also, your birth would have been registered with the State Department through the embassy. You should also have a certificate of overseas birth to American Parents issued by the State Dept. The Dreux birth certificate is probably in some arichival file – wouldn’t even know where to start looking for that – but the State Dept should have a copy of their official record on file and easily accessible. I’d contact them.
I was born at Dreux AFB in 1960. I have a birth certificate issued by the Air Force and one from the French government when I was born. My parents had to take me and my brother that was 2-1/2 years older than me to the US embassy in Paris six months after I was born to get a certificate of foreign birth from the state department. Although it says nothing about my parents (not even a name) this one from the state department is the only document that works for anything – passport, citizenship etc. The others you do not need. So I would suggest starting with the state department in Paris.
Just for starters, I lived there from’61-66, graduating from high school May ’66. I returned to wisconsin to attend the university of wisconsin in June ’66. I was a “townie” or base brat, not one of the dorm students. I attended the deux h.s. reunions in Las Vegas thru 2007, but not since.
I was with the 293rd signal co stationed in Fontainbleau France from 1966-1967. Until De Gaulle kicked us out of France. I visited Dreux many times.
I was in 246th Signal Company stationed at Dreux from Sept. 1963 until June 1965. I was previously stationed at Orleans from June 1963–Sept 1963. I was sent states side for Honorable Discharge along with a five guys, I think. Langston, Milinchunk, can’t remember others. Spelling might be incorrect. I remember a guy named Edelman , I think he was from Chicago and had an older Volvo. Remember a “kid” named Billy from Holly Springs, MS. I was from Alabama. Remember a guy named Sisk from Memphis, TN. Liked jazz. Remember mess hall cook named Dick Miller I think. He re–uped for a stripe. Was from Philly and a good dance at the EM- Club on base. Remember going TDY to Lengries, Germany. Three of us tried to go snow skiing on a beginner slope. I made it to the hospital for switches in my left leg. Can’t remember who the other two guys were. Remember a guy named Anthony from FL or CA . He was a character in the funny sort of way. I live in SC now. Went to a very moving 100th Veterans Day Ceremony in Simpsonville SC NOV. 11th, 2018.
Hello all. I was adopted in France in 1959 by an American couple. My adoptive father was enlisted in the USAF and I believe was stationed at Dreux-Senoches Air Base at the time. We lived at Cite Americaine in Chateauneuf, France where I was born. My adoptive father passed away three years ago, and I am trying to track down my biological parents. Would anyone know the particulars or protocol that airmen had to take to adopt French children? If anyone has any input, please contact me.
Margaret, could we have more info about your father ? What did he do at the base & just who was he ? Do you recall some more names we could use in our search ? God Bless.
A/2C Sibert
My father was stationed at Dreux Air Force base from 1956 to 1958. We were in base housing in Senoches. I would like to contact Judy Moreland who lived in the same housing project.
Margaret, could we have more info about your father ? What did he do at the base & just who was he ? Do you recall some more names we could use in our search ? God Bless.
A/2C Sibert
Margaret, I have contact information on Judy if you haven’t made contact yet. Doug can give you my email if you’d like.
Hey Dreux Folks, Just so you’ll know, I’m moving up toward 84 years on this earth. One of the best things I find is looking for Dreux Air Base items to have Bill post on this wonderful web-site. Well some time ago, like maybe two years have passed, I told Bill I would finish scanning the 322nd Combat cargo newspaper dated Dec 18th 1960. Some may recall, I sent portions of the paper to Bill, and he posted them. This paper was in bad shape then and now it has not got any better. Being careful and easy going has produced the last scans available from this paper from long gone years.
Bill has the scans and is doing what he does best, getting them ready for prime time. Hopefully in a few more weeks or less we all can view this old paper and recall some of the items. Just so you’ll know, we are still digging for long lost items about our old Dreux Air Base. So get out your shovels and send to us what you’ve found. I know we are getting older, that’s what makes the new discovery’s priceless about our old duty station, Dreux Air Base, France.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux Folks, When I look at all the blogs on this web-site I marvel at what has been said. When I look at some of the other blogs about French/ American air bases during the cold war periods I find just a few. I know we at the Dreux site don’t have propellers spinning on our C-119G flying boxcars. Just so some of you will know, we still have quite a few former Dreux folks searching for their pictures to send to us for placement in the photo albums. Do you realize that so many former Dreux folks & others have contributed some thousand plus pictures & mementos for this site. Bill & I want to thank you so very much for your contributions depicting your young lives as part of the Dreux Air Base, France history. Like I stated, we are waiting for more Dreux memorabilia from folks who have said theirs would soon be on its way to us. We thank you in advance.from Bill 77 & Chuck 83 for we greatly love this web-site. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux Folks, Some former Dreux Air Base airmen & others have wondered just what became of the C-119’s that were stationed at the base from 1955 to 1961. They were sent back to the states to be used by the Air National Guard & the USAF Reserve & a few were sold to third world countries. In 1974 the
C-119’s were retired from active duty. Some were mothballed & others were sold to companies in Alaska. Some may have not read about a former Dreux C-119G that flew building materials all over Alaska where there were no roads or very little roads. To read about this former Dreux 10th troop carrier squadron red nose C-119G just go to memories of Dreux on the home page. Click here then look for Charles Sibert’s stories. Here look for the story titled an old C-119. Click here to read about this old former Dreux flying boxcar. Let me know how many of you read this for the first time. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
As the only AmericanMy dad was in army and was stationed at Dreux in 1953. Mom and I came over in summer of1953. We were one of the first families there at Dreux. We lived in a house in the town of Tilliers (not correct spelling). As the only American kid in town I had to make friends with the local kids. I met Andre and we became fast friends. In a few weeks we both had picked up enough of each other’s language we could understand each other really well. The people of town were very friendly and accepting of myDad mom and me. We were the first American family most of them had ever seen or met. We lived there for a year before dad was transferred to Germany. After a year we returned to Dreux. We moved back into the same house we had before. In the year we were gone the political attitude had changed. The Communist movement was on. With the base nearly compleat and an influx of troops and more families. Things were never to be the same. I have some really great memories of our time in France. I was the Bat Boy for the Base team and we traveled all over France playing other teams.
HI Gene
I am Charles Laramore and have had my memories of Dreux Airbase during 1954-1955, posted on this Blog Site. You may want to look it up. Since your dad and I were there at the same time I was wondering what his name was, what unit he served in. If you get this reply would you kindly reply or contact me on my e-mail address.
Gene,
I am Johnny Frost. Dotti is my sister. We were at Dreux from 1952 to 1955. I remember you and Floyd. Bonnie Sue and the Black girl(her dad was a SGT I think). Remember the outhouse at the first school house? The Quonset hut school? I would like to hear from you or anyne in your family that might hav ebeen over there.
Johnny Frost
Hi guys,my dad was stationed at Dreux AFB in 1953. He was Army and that was as Dreux was being built. My mom and I came there in late 53. We lived in the town or Tilliers sir Arve. We lived on the French economy as we were one of the fires American families to be there. We were the first American family that most of the French citizens had ever seen much less met. Dad had rented a small house in town. We rode the bus from Paris and when we arrived in town, a large crowd turned out to greet us. My dad ,Sgt Charlie E Brown was a easy to get to know man and he was well liked by many of the locals. My mother and I did not know what or how to make of our new found notoriety. We met and made many new French friends. Being the only American child,10 years old, I made a great friend of Andre, who was 11. With in 3 weeks I had picked up enough French and Andre was speaking enough English that we could figure out how to understand each other. The town of Tilliers ( probably not the correct spelling) was small and a great place to love. The local people were mostly friendly and very nice to us. It was a great experience for a 10 year old boy that was an Army Brat. After a few months,another American family moved in to town Sgt Nash and his wife and 3 kids. Bonnie Sue,Gary&Michael. It was fun to have them there. We all went to school at the base,1st thru 8thin a one roomschool the post had set up. To my best memory we had about10 students. Remember Dreux was just being built. We lived there a little over a year then Daddy got transferred to Germany We spent almost a year there befitting going back to Dreux Things had really changed during that year!The influx of American families more and more troops and the political changes It was a different town we came back to Sorry I have to go for now. This really has brought some great memories
This is just so awesome to read I was born onThe air force base in dreux on 8/15/1956. I love reading everything posted on this blog. I’m going to get with my mom and find pictures of the time we spent stationed there so I can post them on here. Thank you for your blog
My birthdate was posted wrong. Sorry. It is 9/15/1956
You don’t seem to remember us, but I have a great photo of you, and several of the kids in the school. Your friend Bonnie Sue and I were good friends. Gloria Parker also came to my house to play. The rides to the quonset hut school was a cold one in the 6 by. We finally got a real bus that was much warmer, but couldn’t always cope with the deep snow on the way to the base. My father was a 1st lieutenant with the 821st, but I don’t see his name anywhere on the lists of personnel. My brother Johnny Frost and I are the only Frost siblings still living who were in France. I live near Tampa, Florida. Hope you are well.
My name is Tom Rankin and arrived at Dreux during the fall of 1962 traveling across the Atlantic in a converted C-130 with my mom and brother and sister. My father Sgt. Hester G. Rankin met us in Paris and took us to our new home off base in the city of Dreux. What a wonderful and life changing experience for me and my sister Mary and brother Gary to live abroad in France. My teacher at the Dreux elementary school was Ms. Hurt. A beautiful and kind person whom I now realize must have had an adventurous spirit. Air Force brats are different and I am so happy I because it has made me more accepting and capable of entering into any setting comfortably. We moved to Evereux a year later. At age 50 I returned to France and visited both Dreux and Evereux. At that time I realized the huge gift I had been given to have lived that life as a child. I emailed my mother from France and told her how much I appreciated the childhood she had given me. Tom Rankin, Bristol Florida
Hello Tom – There are quite a few of us that have posted on the blog who were kids during our time at Dreux. Thanks for stopping by. You might find a few names that you recognize if you scroll through the texts. I was there from 61-63, in 6th and 7th grades. If you haven’t already done so, go through the many pictures that have been posted – there are a few of the elementary school. If you happen to have any pictures, please share them – they always bring back memories. Hope you’ll post some remembrances of your time at the base. – Doug
Tom-
This is beautifully written and is so true: Air Force brats are different! Welcome to the group! Do you have any photos and/or stories to share?
Hi Tom
We got there at about the same time and the name Ms Hurt rang a bell. Was Tony D’Alfonso in your class? I’m not sure if Antoinette Treziac? was there at the time. Only two names I remember.
Yes, I remember Antionette. Very pretty girl with long braided hair (if same person you are referring to). Don’t recall Tony.
I was assigned to 2172 Connunication Squadron,Det 1 at Dreux AFB,France from July 1965 to January 1967.
I was a switchboard operator from 65 to 1967. My sSargent was Nail in the commutation building where Robert Everitt worked
Are you from Nancy,France? I was in radio maintenance in that unit,worked with A1C Don Frazier,name may be wrong.We went with a SSgt to pick up his wife ,who was visiting family in Nancy.She had a cute blonde daughter,maybe 2 years old.
I remember there was a telephone operater named Suzie Riviere.Great personality,could Heiniken beer nonstop and had bouts with TB.
Would you happen to be from the area of Nancy,France by any chance?
My sponsor,Don Frazier I think was his name,myself and Robert Everitt,I believe drove to Nancy,France to pick up Robert’s wife and her beautiful,blonde 2 year old daughter.Might you be the same person.
I was at Dreux from 1963 – 1965. My father was in the Army and we lived on the outskirts of the officers’ park across the street from the base commander’s home. The base commander at the time was named Col. Stern. I don’t remember his first name or the names of his wife and daughter. My sister and I attended the elementary school. The only teachers I remember were Mrs. Buckley and Mrs. Mason. I am sure Mrs. Buckley is deceased as I remember her being quite elderly at the time. Mrs. Mason was married to my Dad’s CO – George Mason. The Masons were married at Chartres Cathedral. They could still be living.
I am writing my memoir and am trying to remember everything from that time. I was in the second and third grade at the time so I don’t remember a lot of things and most certainly wasn’t very aware of the turmoil during that time.
When we first arrived there, we lived on the economy but I don’t remember the name of the town where we lived. Does anyone know? I also remember a classmate living in a castle. I believe their name was Baldwin. Does anyone know the name of this castle?
If there is anyone out there that was at Dreux the same time, could you share some memories with me?
Penny – Lt Col Stern’s daughter’s name was Nancy. She posted on the site in Feb 2014 – scroll down and you’ll find it.
I was at Dreux from 61-64 (grades 6 and 7). – Doug
Penny, the Mason’s are alive and well. I have their contact information if you ever want to get in touch.
Stationed there from 1965 to 1967 in communications detachment out of Evreux AFB.
Hey Victor, How about some pictures from your time at my old air base. What day did you leave Dreux Air Base. 1st LT Davis was said to have turned the base over to the French the last week of March 1967. Evreux was to close at the same as Dreux Air Base so just where did you go ? Did Evreux maybe stay open a few days later.
Maybe you went back to Evreux in January or February 1967. We hear from time to time from others that were there at Dreux Air Base in 1967 when it closed but they give us very little up close details of how it went down. One Air policeman so far has sent to us some graphic details about the last days of Dreux Air Base.
Hope to hear more from you soon.
A/2C Sibert
I left Dreux AFB about 12 January 1967 with a school teacher from the high school.Her name was Mary and taught PE>We drove in her car to San Pablo AFB in Seville,Spain.She was not comfortable driving alone.She worked at the school there and later went the school in Brandisi AFB,Italy.I
My Sq was at San Pablo AFB but I was located at Naval Transmitter ste at Moron AFB about 30 miles from San Pablo AFB.
Victor
I just saw your post from June 21. I see you went down to San Pablo with a high school teacher by the name of Mary who was a PE teacher at the high school. Did Mary have a friend by the name of Mary Jane Sledge (another PE teacher) who went down to San Pablo about the same time. I was stationed at Dreux from Jan 65 to Mar 67. I worked at Housing and Billeting and we had all the female school teachers living upstairs. I think I have a picture of Mary sunning in a lounge chair in front of the building. I will try to find it and get it to you some way.
It is probably the same girl.She was very smart,pretty,loved jazz and France.She did not enjoy San Pablo and transferred to Italy.
The process for leaving was chaos.You had to wait for your indivual orders to arrive.There was two A2C radio maintenance men left,A2C Paul Wilson and myself.We had closed down the control tower and was helping in the Microwave facility.Paul received his order mid December and took a train to Turkey,Incirlik Air Force Base.I received my orders the first of January1967 for Moron AFB,Seville,Spain.Within a day Mary Sledge,a teacher at Dreux High School approached me about sharing a ride,that she was headed the same place.Which we did.It was almost like every man for himself,no help.One A2C microwave maintenance was assigned to Wheelus AFB ,Libya,had a small car and took off driving there.He had help with directions and procedures from NCO’s on base.
How are things going for you today Bill Mcleod ?
Good to hear from you today.
A/2C SIBERT
I was with the Alabama Air National Guard that was activated in 1961 and spent 10 months there. I had a mo-led and drove to many towns. Spent many hours at Mickeys. I live in The Villages, Florida now
I was stationed at Evreux-Fauville AB from ’61-’64, working air operations and was sent TDY to Dreux on a number of occasions, beginning with Alabama ANG arrival.
Hello! My father was George T. Harper. My sister and I were born while the family was at Dreux. We lived off base, except for a short stint in one of the trailers. I have a few photos to share and will do so soon. Wondering if anyone out there remembers my dad.
Hey Ruth, Thanks for your input on the blog. We’ll need more info about your father to really find out what we can about him. What did he do at the base & what were the dates he was stationed there ? Rank, serial number, specialty code (AFSC) anything you can let us know about helps a lot. Please send to us your photos with captions, quickly as possible because we are getting older fast. Bill will be 78 this month & I’m already 83. It helps to get things up on the site rapidly so all out there can view it. Thanks again & God Bless.
A/2C Sibert
I was at Dreux in late 1961 playing drums with the George Wolf band – I think in the NCO club. We were there for about a 4 to 6 weeks and my wife and I stayed in one of the trailers which I found to be quite comfortable as although it was very cold out (lots of snow) the trailer heating was almost too much. The band was made up of guys from all over Europe. George Wolf was from Germany and played trombone, the bass player was also from Germany. The tenor sax guy was Hungarian the trumpet player was from Ireland and the piano player and myself were from England. My wife was pregnant at the time and suffered terrible morning sickness throughout the pregnancy. I used to say that she threw up all over France because we also played on the US bases in Châteauroux and Orléans spending a couple of months in each place. Other than a trip to Paris we didn’t get to see much of the country around Dreux due to the continuous bad weather. My most vivid memory of it was having to scrape the ice off the windscreen of the car every day before I could go anywhere.
Hey Allan, Great to hear from you about our old NATO base called Dreux. You were at the base when the Alabama Air National Guard was there. Surely you met some of them at the NCO club. When the trailer heating oil system worked properly it was very good. I recall though there wasn’t heat from it in the lean-to. I slept out out there some rather cool nights when I would visit my girl friend & her parents in the NCO trailer park. I had returned stateside when you & your wife were at the base. Send to me your e-mail address & I’ll talk to you that way. Look in about us for my address. Have you seen the pictures of the old base from 2010 in the pictures albums ? Just rotted away.
Hope to hear from you ASAP. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hello Allan – thanks for posting – I was at Dreux during the winter of 1961, and it was, indeed, a very cold winter. Perhaps one of the others on the website would remember your band. I was only 10 years old at the time, so didn’t make many trips to the NCO Club. We would certainly like any other memories of your time at Dreux or in France. Again, thanks for stopping by. – Doug
It was a pleasure to read Jim O Brien article about working in the NCO club where he mentioned working with my mother Erma Lorello
I was stationed at Dreux for 5 1/2 yrs from September 1962-May 1966. My fondest memories come from the people of Dreuz AB. I have the I have a posting here of the people in the Detachment Plus some others.
1st Lt Micheal B McCormick (Commander)[email protected]
Ph # 256-543-1181 Gadsden, Alabama
1st Lt Richard Prinster, ph 719-528-1893 Colorado Springs,Co
SSgt Denver Adams (Ret E6) Burleson Tx
SSGt Lee R Mills
A1c John Rice(wife Anna)Gahanna,Ohio 614 471 10623
A1c Roland A Mumford (wife Mary Sue) Exmore VA 757 442 5009
A1c Lavanna S Tilley (wife Barbara) Clermont,Fl, 352 242 2505
A1c Micheal G Malcom (Hollywood ) (wife Yvette) Garland,Tx, 972-495-2118
[email protected]
A1c David C Mania (wife deceased Rhode Island 401-333-0275)
[email protected]
A1c Pete Sessions (Bull Balls)
SSgt Roland P Jennison
TSgt William ‘Bill” Barchus, Albuquerque NM (wife Angie) 505 296 6215
A1c Michael Hall (Admin)
A1c Colosso ? ( Rode MoPed to work)
A1c Richard Labossiere (wife Gail) Glastonbury,Conn 860 652 0011
A1c Hans Pfeifer
A2c “Louis Guy”
Do you remember my father, CWO Ennis A. Tomlinson? He was probably called Tom. He was in Army intelligence. We were there from ’63 – ’65. His wife’s name was Betty. He had four children and a fifth one was born while we lived at Dreux. We lived on the corner across the street from the base commander’s house. The commander’s name was Col. Stern.
Hi there. My name is Lisa Dreux Summer. My dad was stationed at Dreux Airbase in France and I was born there in 1957. His name is Capt. Richard Gifford.
Hey Dreux Folks, Bill & I would like very much for one of you to identify the aircraft seen in Bill Shayka’s photo album. This plane is seen parked behind the C-119G somewhat to the right in front of the PE dock building. It seems to have an aircraft number on its nose painted similar to how the MATS planes were numbered. It is hard to really see much of this plane. The strut & wheel seen could be the nose wheel ? We hope someone will have the answer for us. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
The aircraft seen in Bill Shayka’s C-119G photo is very hard to see. You only can see a small portion of the nose & windscreen & maybe the main wheels & tires. When you try to put a name on the object resembling a nose wheel strut & tire its awful easy to go with this view. But after viewing some of the MATS C-47’s seen on U-Tube I believe that’s a MATS C-47 parked behind the C-119G. The objects seen in front are not really part of this aircraft just flight line junk so to speak. We’ll never really know what these things are that have caused our minds to believe they’re part of the plane. The nose painting & number on this C-47 is an exact copy of other MATS painted aircraft front nose panels & numbers.
Some may differ with my view but that’s my view & I hope most will concur. Thank you very much. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux Folks, Billy Shayka has sent to us a photo of 16 airmen taken in front of a former Dreux Air Base C-119G. The photo is made from in front of the main hanger. One of the PE docks can be seen in the rear of this photo.
This photo is now up in the new pictures album as well as Billy Shayka’s photo album. We soon hope to have more photos coming from Billy. Billy’s father a M/sgt was at the old air base some time during 1956–1960 he tells us. We hope to get more info soon from Billy. His dad is seen as the 6th from the right in the photo.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
In addition to his story and pictures Ron Maroney also has sent us the Welcome to Dreux letter and booklet he received before he came to France. There is a link in new articles and in Dreux Information. Here is a direct link.
http://dreuxairbasefrancememories.org/files/base_maps/Welcome%20to%20Dreux%20Booklet%201964.pdf
Great pictures! And a detailed Welcome Package – lots of very interesting info – especially detailed explanation about the housing. Thanks to Ron for sending these. – Doug
Hey Doug
Liked your pix! Understand, it was a long time ago, but does the name Moreau mean anything to you! Captain or Major Bill Moreau, wife Ruth (Australian), two girls, Karen & Susan lived in officers trailers.
Nope. Sorry. Doesn’t ring a bell. – Doug
Thanks!
My wife was their babysitter, on the base, established a very close relationship. We spent every Thanksgiving in Virginia with them until their passing. We are still close to the daughters and they were thrilled to visit the site!
Thanks so much to Ron for sharing the Welcome to Dreux booklet with the group. It is so interesting, and contains some new information to me regarding both the trailers and the elementary school.
Hey folks, Pictures from Ron Maroney & Helmut Karl Rottenberg can now be viewed in the pictures albums. Take a gander & let us know if you recall anyone here or just could be that’s you in one of them.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
There are a lot of beautiful new pictures!
Very good to see this!
A1059 to iis closing in 1962. We were then sent to Evreux AFB for the remainder of
my tour. Remember a few names Joe Schilling, Darrel Williams,
Are there any more tours to the old Base?
Hi Pasquale – Thanks for stopping by the blog. The old base as we knew it is pretty much gone – it’s now a solar farm. Check out the many pictures and stories on the website, and feel free to add some memories and pictures of your own. – Doug
Hey Ron Teigen,
Please take a close look at the Softball team in my pictures. I believe at least two of the guys were Firemen, perhaps you can identify them. I’m unable to remember their names.
Hi Ron Maroney
I don’t recognize anyone in the baseball picture. I left Dreux in Feb 1965, but that dog looks a lot like Ralph our Fire Dept Mascot
he took many a ride with me taking the trucks to get gas. It was the Officers club that burned.
I went to Berlin too, along with Leo Cervati, John Cleland, and Dean Trivett. in stead of riding a bus we walked into East Berlin at Check point Charlie. We had to wear our uniforms and were told not to talk to anyone and not to go into any buildings or take any pictures. That was some trip !!!
Trivett took some pictures which I will add to my photo album. Monsieur Pierre (Peter)Massy was in charge of the Frenchmen who worked with us.
I remember the Airborne drops well we had a front row set at the Fire Dept. The C-130’s would come in low and the the troops jumped using static lines. I remember one guys chute did not open, it was a terrible thing to watch him struggle trying to get his reserve chute open. It opened right before he hit the ground he hit very hard. The ambulance on standby was there with in minutes. I don’t know if he made it or not. The heavy equipment drops were 55 gal drums full of water on a large pallet I forget how many on a pallet, but some of them exploded on impact. If I remember rignt they also dropped some jeeps.
Thank you for the feedback Ron!
I believe that dog was with the Fire Dept. and came to practice with the big guy in the back row, the one with my buddy hanging on his back!
Pretty sure Massey one in the same, he was in charge of the French drivers.
Your OClub fire story was a big topic around the APO back then, we had a good laugh over the way you handled it! Well done!
To the best of my knowledge the parachutist survived, he was a Captain. He suffered serious injuries to both legs, drove his shins up to his knees (ugh). I was on duty that day and we cleared the Main Gate and access road to insure the ambulance had clear route. He was transported to Evreaux Hospital.
Berlin was just a great experience, like yourself, we went in to East Berlin on foot as well, uniform required. Then we did civilian tour, just military ID required! Strange!
We found one of those jeeps in a farmers pond surrounded by trees one day, OOPS!
Thanks again for your response! I’ll continue to follow up on the photo.
I was stationed at Dreux AFB from 1959 – 1962. I worked in the base machine shop and part time in the later years at the auto hobby shop. I have a photo copy of our assembly on the flight line in front of the last C -119 prior to departure to the US with the complete base personal.
I may have additional pictures once I sort all my old films.
I remember going off base on weekends to the local ecconemy.
Ron’s first batch of pictures are now up. Also his story is now in memories
My father’s name was Anibal E. Morales, (Puerto Rican) can anyone tell me anything about him? I was born in 1958.
Thanks Ron – looking forward to the pictures! – Doug
Doug
Completed written memories today! Sent to webmaster site! Sorry for the delay. I have a few more pictures, I’ll try to get them to you folks!
Hey Ron, Great job thanks in advance for all you do.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Bill, Rain here and 70 degrees today. I hear you are at freezing,
sure hope you get the snow you need for your water table.
Be careful taking the dogs outside.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Bill, This is a test sentence for you to access & get the blog to let me in.
Thank you & God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Bill,
Please forward the address to mail pictures. It maybe easier than scanning!
Bill,
In the process, with assistance from my granddaughter, of sending my pictures. We are labeling them , I will Try to set up there order for you!
I will complete my memories on Monday and forward to you!
Sorry for the delay, computer quit on me!
Ron
Looking forward to see the photos, may bring back some memories for me.
Ron Maroney A1C 7305th Air Police 1964-1967
Just discovered this site and have a number of pictures from that period I will be forwarding.
Just reached out to Joe Reder through this site and two of my best friends are listed in memorium, James Potter and Michael Richards! We were in touch right up to their passing.
Additionally, I am in touch with other friends from that period, Bill Bryan, George Hutson and Klaus Bacher.
Hey Ron, Great to hear from you about just finding the web-site.
Looking ahead to seeing your pictures from your time at Dreux Air Base, France. I hope you can let us in on just how things went down in 1967 as the base prepared for closing. We just can’t get others who were there to tell us the nitty-gritty details about the last hours, so to speak. How many Air Police were left for closing & the last flag lowering ? Small items for some but great things to us who had left the base years before.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
More than happy too!
I’m writing things up now and will forward pictures to Bill for posting!
It was Wild at the end! All personnel on base worked for 1st Lt. Davis, (I believe he was a civil engineer), great guy! We worked long hours loading trucks and railroad cars. At the end, Security was SMSgt. and 5 AP’s 2 MP’s. We lived off base in small pension hotel in Brezolles, the Chevel Blanc. I’ll try to give you the “nitty gritty” on the last days, it was interesting!
Ron
I have a quick question for you. Was Buzz Cole the Commander of the Security Police Squadron when you were at Dreux?
Do you mean 1st Lt. Louis B Coles? Yes he was!
He was my boss! I’ll be putting pictures up soon! Shortly after the announcement of closing, he transferred to the Army, became Captain Coles immediately from what we heard!
Hi Everyone, I hope your New Years are off to a great start. Not much to say, but I do look forward to the new content that pops up on the site from time to time. I do appreciate you folks for keeping the embers burning on what was a memorable place that we share. I know I won’t make it back to the location of the base in May when we go to France. But, when we are driving from Charles DeGaulle AP to Chartres, I know I’ll gaze off to the north and west; and some memories will return. Be well, everyone!
Hey Dreux folks, A story is forth coming & will be listed in the Dreux memories section about an old Dreux Air Base 10th squadron C-119G, You’ll love to hear about this plane & what happened to it after its USAF days were over.
Keep your eyes open for it’s coming for all to read soon.
A/2C Sibert
Dear Dreux Folks,
The former Dreux 10th TCS aircraft story is now up in my stories.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Interesting fact: Starting around 1980 there have been a total of about 20 civilian C-119’s that have worked in Alaska. Most of the civilian use of C-119’s was in support of government projects of some sort, usually schools, medical clinics or environmental projects. The freight was usually building materials or construction equipment. Hundreds of projects were built using these aircraft. Because the freight tended to be over sized and the airstrips tended to be undersized, many of these projects would not have been built without the C-119.
I’m glad I had a chance to be at Dreux and learn what I could about the Fairchild C-119G. What a plane!!
A/2C Sibert
Great story. Thanks Chuck. – Doug
Good evening,
I want to say if realy at Dreux Air Base we found APO 84 for letters . I am philatelist and i read an article on APO en Eure et Loir.
Thanks and excuse me.
Michel the Dreux Air Base post office was APO 84
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Well, I’m a little late in extending holiday greetings to everyone on the website, but Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!. I always think of Dreux for some reason at Christmas time. Maybe it’s the cold and snow that made it seem like Christmas weather, but more likely it’s just the wonderful friends and memories. I still listen to the transistor radio every morning that I got as a Christmas gift when we were living in the trailer at Dreux in 1962. It may outlast me.
Thank you, Chuck…and the very same wishes are extended to both you and Bill! Thank you both so very much for all that you do for this website. God bless.
Dear Dreux Air Base friends and Veterans,
my name is Fabrice Loubette, I am a french aviation historian specialized in USAF in France during the cold war. With 2 friends, we started a book serie depicting the different aspects of the US military presence in France during the cold war. We would like to write the most complete and illustrated history of USAF & US Army in France during the 1950’s & 60’s as this part of our common history is not really well known here in France.
Our first book (text in french, photo captions in both french & english), published last spring, is presented here (in french only) :
http://www.aerostories.org/~aerobiblio/article5433.html
We are currently writing the 2nd book of the serie, where a large part will cover transport aviation, telling stories of Dreux, Evreux, Châteauroux but also Orly air bases.
This is why I am asking for your support, as I am looking for great pictures to illustrate the Dreux AB chapter. I have seen several awesome color pics throughout your website, courtesy of Bill Kaufmann, Bill McLeod or Charles Sibert among others. I would really love to have your support in our book project. Should you be OK to provide us with some high definition color & B&W pictures of C-119 or C-123 in Dreux, it would add a great value to our work, and help keep the memory of Dreux AB also here in France, as it is not much more than a solar plant now, which I find quite sad, but, what can we do, except working to keep the memories alive?
Well, that is all for now, I hope I can count on you.
In the meantime, I would like to wish to all of you a merry Christmas!
All the best from France!
Fabrice Loubette
[email protected]
Join me on Facebook, and like my FB page : France Air OTAN
Hello Fabrice – Bonne Annee! I’m sure that everyone on the website wishes you the best in your work. You should see if you can obtain a copy of the book “U.S. Air Force in France 1950-1967,” by Lt. Col Jerome J. McAuliffe. It is a wonderful source of information on the aircraft, units, and bases from the time American bases were operational in France. Although the transport aircraft departed Dreux in 1961, the base remained open with a high school and other small units. – Doug
Bill & I want to say a big thank you to all our Dreux folks who have checked in on the Dreux Air Base blog. Keep up the good work. We realize that many former Dreux Air Base personnel have gotten somewhat older and for this reason we don’t hear from you as much as before. Bill and I still hope you’re checking the web-site often. We hope to have up some new pictures very soon. Could be some new stories also. We hope all you folks have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2018.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Chuck has sent us a short article on Air Police in January 1961. It is in new articles and in memories of Dreux.
Hello !
My name is Patrick LAFAVE. I am the son of Norman LAFAVE who was in the base of Dreux around 1958/1961. He married with my french mother at Louvilliers les Perche.
Do you remenber him and tell me something about his job ?
He is died in 1997.
Thank you and excuse my poor english !
I was stationed in various army communication units in France in 1962-1963. Charles de Gaulle wanted NATO out of France and so American bases were being closed. First sent to a communications unit in the suburb of Perigeux, then to an area cut out of a forest just north of Orleans, and finally to the airbase at Dreux Senonches. I can’t find anything on the internet about an army contingent on the base, but this is definitely it. I don’t recognize where we were billeted from the maps you provide, but I do recall it was probably on the far south end close gate that I recall had no security gate, and when I was on night ambulance duty once a week I drove the perimiter to get to the hospital. I remember it as good duty. I bought a 1952 Citroen for $125 and drove more the 10,000K touring France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Spent a lot of time in Paris, and remember having fun driving the streets like a mad Frenchman. With 2 army buddies we visited a French bar – I believe it was in Dreux. At first they were nervous, but soon we became friends with the owner and the regulars. They were really great people and I spoke enough French that we had no problem communicating. The only other thing I remember about the village and the bar was the outdoor theater theater just outside, on the street if I remember correctly. Don’t know if anyone knows of the army contingent or the small village (if it was actually Dreux). Most of the military usually went to Chateauneuf where there a number of bars for American military.
While I was at Dreux the 246th Signal Company resided in Marguerite #4. Check the photos section, there is a post or two by Army personnel.
I was a personnel sergeant at Dreux in 1962 and 1963. My unit was the 29th Signal Battalion. We were housed at margarite 4. The unit came from Karlsruhe Germany early in 1962.
Chuck, When exactly were you at Dreux ? I was there from Sept.63 till June 65.
Joe, I was at Dreux from Sept.63 till June.65 before getting out. I was an SP-4 Comm. Ctr. MOS. I was in the barracks that was beside the road closest to the rear gate. Upstairs last bay on left, maybe 4 or 6 guys . When were there ? I would love to connect with some of my old Army buddies from those days.
I was in the same barracks on the first level somewhere in the middle. I shipped home out of Bremerhaven, arrived in the state Feb 4, 1964. I worked in the office and can only recall the major (or colonel) who used to yell a lot.
Mr. Marnoni: You probably just missed my father at Dreux as we arrived some time in ’63. My father was part of the Army contingent. His name was CWO Ennis A. Tomlinson. His wife’s name was Betty and he had four kids with a fifth being born while we were there. I didn’t realize there was a whole contingent of Army personnel there. I didn’t know until recently exactly what my father did in the Army. I understand he was in Intelligence. I remember him taking a lot of TDY trips and we had a camp phone in our trailer that someone called every night to ensure it worked. He passed away in 1985 at the age of 57.
I have only vague memories of Dreux now. I was a drafted in 1962 and spent 18 months in France. Don’t recall exactly when I got to Dreux. My main memories are working as a payroll clerk and spending nights at the hospital. Had only one emergency, a baby swallowed some draino and after the local doctors did what they could and sedated him I drove him the next base (can’t remeber which) where they had a larger hospital. I had buddies I traveled around Europe with in my 1952 Citroen. I can recall, Ed Staub from PA and another whose name I can’t recall. He was born in France and live near San Diego is all I recall.
Hello Gino. I was at Orleans from June-63 til Sept.63 then Dreux from Sept.63-June65. Memory not so good at 74 years old as it was at 20 years old. I remember going TDY couple times. One to Garmish or Lengries Germany and once to Camp De-loches near Paris. Some spelling maybe incorrect. Remember being in up stairs barracks last bay on left. Maybe four guys, possibly six.
At Orleans you were probably stationed in town. I was north, can’t recall the name of the base, but we were about a mile away in the woods living in quonset huts. I spent some good times in town with friends and spoke enough French to have conversations with the locals. I recall 1963 winter was pure hell, so cold the oil stoves in the barracks were prone to “explode”. I also delivered pay to off-base personnel. Had a 45 strapped on (no ammo). When one of ours killed a lady in town with a broom handle, just for the fun of it I tried to pay him in jail. Didn’t get far. The French found him guilty and let the military take care of the punishment. We definitely crossed paths at Dreux, but like you (I’m now 80) I remember only 2 buddies I traveled around Europe with.
Joseph Reder has sent us three more pictures and I have added them to new pictures and pictures from Joseph Reder.
Hey Dreux Folks, Something wonderful has happened, we now have a picture of Grady Gibbons up in his story. His story is in the memories section
under his name. Grady was with the Alabama ANG at the base in 1961-1962 serving in the Air Police section. Joe Reder was kind enough to send the photo to us from Tacoma, Washington. Thank you Joe.
A/2C Sibert
New pictures from Joe Reder, Dreux Air Base 1962-1965, are up in the picture albums. See the front gate photo, could that be sand in the two 55 gallon barrels ? Reder tells us more pictures are coming, he just has to locate them. He tells us the Air Police Office was located in the confinement building where his & James Potter’s pictures were taken looking northward toward the motor pool.
A/2C Sibert
Joseph Reder sent us a picture of his flight at Dreux. I have posted it in new pictures and Pictures from Joseph Reder
I was born at the air base there. Left when I was 2.
Well, Floyd, that certainly qualifies you as a valued member of our group! (Of course, anyone who happens upon this website is a valued member of the group). Do you happen to have any photos of the base that your parents might have taken? Would love to see them. Best wishes, Doug
At the moment no. I did have an album of my grandmother’s. She won a trip there with the nco cllub. . In 1961 i think. The mayor took her around Paris then a surprise meeting at the club.
The day JFK was murdered we had worked swing shift the night before. I awoke and eventually made my way to the snack bar for a cup of coffee. As I was paying the cashier said “Kennedy c’est mort”. Took a minute for that to sink in. That’s how I got the breaking news on that day.
I remember that day too. We were at the officers’ club with my parents. The radio was playing over the intercom, and all of a sudden it stopped and the news started playing informing us of his assassination. Then all the other kids started streaming in the club from the theater. They had stopped the movie to make the announcement and then closed the theater. After the announcement, it was very still in the club, some people didn’t say anything and some were crying. I’ll never forget that day.
I was at the bowling alley. Everything stopped. It was a league night and everybody packed up and the bowling alley closed. Went home to Chateauneuf, Dad an AP, put on a uniform and went back to the base. Remember the feel? Nobody was sure what would happen.
Hello, there is Alain Dubois who is looking for his friend
GARY CRISFIELD, he was a transcoder at the base of Dreux. When he returned to the USA he was in California between 67/68 last postcard sent from Chasword LA …
If anyone has any information about Gary, please give it to me: [email protected],fr
I remember Gary.We were in the 2172 Communications Sq,Det 1 togather.I was sent to Spain when the base closed and he went back to the states.I never heard from him.
For your information, a stage of the Tour de France 2018 will arrive July 13 in Chartres and will leave the next day, our national day, Dreux!
Just put up Pictures from Ron Teigen who was in the fire department from 1962 to 1965.They are also in New pictures folder. His story is now in memories and New Articles.
Put up new story on AFEX snack bar from Chuck in Memories and New articles.
Bill
I would love to hear from anyone who knew me from Dreux Air Base during 1956 to 1958, especially James Holtz or others in the Radio/Radar Communications. Anyone from the Ardmore Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Does anyone remember the old C-122 for-runner of the C-123 aircraft? Anyone who served on Temp. Duty to Rome Italy, Athens Greece, or Tripoli Libya during 1956-1958?
Does any one remember the Radio/Radar airmen & NCO’s serving between 1956 to 1958?
I was a radar/navigation repairman who served in the 376th Troop Carrier Group stationed at Ardmore Air force Base in 1955-1956. We flew from Ardmore Oklahoma to Dreux AFB in 1956. Most of the personnel went by ship to France. I was assigned to fly aboard one of our C-123 aircraft to keep our communication gear working. We flew the North Atlantic route through Maine, Goose-bay Labrador, Greenland, Iceland, & Scotland to Dreux France. It took us about 24 days to get to France because of weather and the need to refuel. Our aircraft was short range aircraft even with added pylon tanks. The 377th & 378th followed us a day apart sometimes. A short time later all squadron maintenance personal was assigned to the 60th Field Maintenance Squadron. We also had a squadron of C-119 to keep up also. I also did Temp duty at another airbase in France twice, Once to Tripoli Libya & Once in Greece where I met my future wife. I was released from active duty and returned to Oklahoma in Feb. 1958. Dreux AFB was located 60 miles west of Paris France. I left service and returned to Oklahoma in Feb. 1958.
Hey Dreux Folks, Do any of you recall any of the Frenchmen that worked
with the Dreux Airmen at the base fire department ? 1962-1965 are the years we have now with some names of Frenchmen who worked for the base fire department. It would be just wonderful to be able to touch base again with these former French firefighters who worked along side our Dreux Airmen & NCO’s at the Dreux Air Base. We are hoping someone will speak out about this request. The names we have run across are as follows: Muton–Peppy–Corramenus–Glouvard–Michel–& Massy. Massy we have heard, spoke good English.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Dear Alain Wojcik, Thank you very much for the Afex cafeteria photo from 1959.
We thank you again for this photo. You make us very happy to send to us photos.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Thank you Charles. Above all, thank my friend Eric Sandoz who gave me this picture from his aunt Nadine Sebille who worked at the snack bar
I have a new photo from Alain. It is a picture of the staff at the AFEX cafeteria in 1959. It is in new pictures and Alain’s folder. Although I was not on base a lot I have fond memories of the snack bar as we called it. Many a time I came in late late (I was a flight engineer) and slept in the morning. When I got up I went to the snack bar for breakfast. When I was feeling down I often went to the snack bar for a half gallon of ice cream. Always made me feel better. Take a look at the picture and see if you can identify anyone. Bill
I was stationed at Dreux from Feb 1961 – Feb 1965 as part of the Air Police detachment of the 7305th Support Squadron. I knew James Potter, listed as deceased in that thread, but not well. He was in a different flight. Good memories of Dreux and I would love to go back there and see what the base and surrounding area are like today.
Hey Joe Reder, So good to hear from you. I’ll send to you an
e-mail and get more info from you. I sure hope you will send to us some photos of your time spent at our old Dreux Air Base.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert “Nabb, Indiana”
Joe Reder,
You were assigned to be my mentor when I arrived at Dreux, February 1964!
I just discovered this site and will be sending photos!
Ron Maroney 7305th Air Police, 1964-1967
To begin with I would like to thank you for having this this log. I was stationed at Dreux from 1958 until 1961 when they kicked us out. I was NCOIC of the base telephone section and would love to hear any one station there and also like to hear from any of the telephone operators who worked there during the dates mention. Thank You.
Does anyone remember my father Sixto R. Alvarez who I believe was stationed at Dreux Air Base in 1959?
My late husband – M/sgt Thomas Wm Rupar was stationed at Dreux from 1956 to 1959. We first lived over a cafe in Verneuil as base housing was still,bing built. Finally moved into a nice new military house on a hill just outside Dreux. Have happy memories of me and the kids enjoying the PX and attending social evenings at the club. My son, Thomas Wn junior would love to see some photos of the base. I do have some but they are locked into my old iMac, as soon as I can have data transferred to my new iMac will post some pics.
Babs Rupar-McInnis
Hello Babs –
Thanks for stopping by the blog. We’d love to hear any stories you’d like to share and look forward to the pictures. Bill has posted some info on getting your pictures on the site – just check out the “pictures” page. Also, your son should enjoy scrolling through the ones that are already posted – there are hundreds of photos that people have sent in.
– Doug
For Chuck Sibert – – –
Here’s another obit for you. MSGT Hirt was the First Sergeant for my old outfit, the 60th Communications Squadron from 1957 to mid-way 1958.
http://www.phillipsandluckey.com/obituaries/Robert-Hirt/
For Chuck Siebert—
You have a Colonel Barr listed in the Memories section with an unknown organization. He was in Headquarters Squadron Section, 60th Troop Carrier Wing. I knew him as a Captain. He signed my rotation orders, and was Base Administrative Officer when I knew him.
Hi Everyone!…..Looking for information on BSA Troop 374…Evreux Fauville AFB…my Dad…S/Sgt Russell Nutter was st ationed there with the 5th Aerial Port Squadron…he was a loadmaster on C-119’s, C-47’s and A model C130’s…..I joined the Boy Scouts there when I was 10 years old….lived there from 1957-1960….wondering if anyone was in the Troop back then……Regards…Paul Nutter….
Hi Paul – Welcome to the blog. I was in the Boy Scout troop at Dreux and put some stories and pictures in the “Memories of Dreux” part of the website (look under my name for “Boy Scouts at Dreux”. If you were in the troop at Evreux, I’m wondering if you went to summer camp at Cazaux – there are some pictures of summer camp on the website as well. – Doug
There were two boy scout troops at Evreux-Fauville AB; 274 and 404. I was originally in Troop 404 in 1966. When French President Charles DeGaulle pulled France out of NATO and forced the American military to leave my Dad, at the time Commander of the base Weather Detachment, was one of the last to leave and since I was the last Senior Patrol Leader of the combined BSA troops which at the end became Troop 27404, I was given the troop flags of both Troop 274 and Troop 404 with their guidon streamers dating back to the ’50s, which I still have.
I also meant to add that my two older sisters attended the American High (boarding) School at Dreux AB. I attended the junior high at Evreaux.
Al Bond has up on the site two pictures, one shows him at the base standing at the drivers side of his car. I have tried for some days to figure out what type of car he had. I believed it to be a Peugeot. Well I asked Nicolas about this and he said it was a Fiat 1100 sedan 1953-1959. I then looked up the Fiat 1100 and sure enough he was right on about the car. Thank you Nicolas for your information.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Just put up a short article from Chuck on Keeping Warm at Dreux.
Dear Sherry, Bill has put up your school pictures on the Dreux site.
He has cleaned them up as best as he could. Hope you are doing well in Ireland.
You sure are missed.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
A big thank you to both Bill and Chuck for putting these pictures up. They bring back so many memories!
Sherry, I think I have my report card from that same year, too! However, after seeing yours there’s no way I’m having mine posted! It’s clear that you have been in the right profession!
Glenn,
Why not post your report card? Go ahead! We would love to see it. Miss Waris was such an inspiration to all of us kids…she made learning so much fun.
I worked in Project Seaweed,which was a classified Project at the time,We took care of all the WRM(War Readiness Matertial),The Project Head was Master Sgt Thompson, and A1C George B Murphy Jr.The base Commander was Col.Knudsen.During my tenure,We Airlitted to several trouble Spots,The Belgian Congo.,to India when the Chi-Coms came across and during The Cuban Missle Crisis when President Kennedy called up The reserves and we hosted The 117th from Birmingham Alabama.We were awarded The AFOUA)Air Force Outstanding Unit Award)with 2 oakleaf clusters.,the Base subsequently went DOB.
Hello
I was a french switchboard operator on this basé, I have grenat souvenirs fromage these years
Bonjour Michelle –
When did you work at the base? We would be very happy to see any pictures you might have or stories about your time there.
Hi..What years did you work at the switchboard. I was NCOC of the switchboard from 1958-1961 and would to hear how the operators did after the base closed. Thanks
I was at Dreux from 1960 to 1963,worked in Project Seaweed,WRM(War Readiness Materials.At the time it was a classified Operation.headed by Airmen Ist Class George Murphy Jr.our head NCO was Master Sgt Thompson,of The 7305th Combat Support Group,the base commander was Colonel Knudson.we participated in The Airlifts to The Congo,The Airlift to India,when Chicoms came across the Himalayas in to India,and othe humanitarian Airliffts.for which the 322nd Air Division was awred The AFOUA) Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal &Citation with 2 oak leaf clusters.Preident Kennedy had called up The 317th from Bermingham Alabama.The base subsquentltly went DOB
I have added pictures from Stacy Turnage to the pictures page. I thought that I had done this last year but they were not there. Stacy’s family lived in Dreux from 52-54. She would like to find the house they lived in. Look at her pictures and if you have any idea of where it was located let us know. Bill
Looking for photos of “Dietz Plaza” in Dreux France. My friend’s father was stationed there during the war and has no pictures of his childhood home. The home was outside of Paris and had a tunnel that led to a bakery.
Hi Anna – Thank you for stopping by the blog. Do you have any further information? Dreux is about 60 miles from Paris. If it was in or near Dreux perhaps one of our French colleagues that visit the website may be able to help.
Hello everyone,
I am the Frenchman who lives in the area of the former base of Crucey and who sent the photos of the folder “Our friends”. Chuck told me about Captain Dietz’s house in Dreux, but with such low information it is very difficult to find her if she is still there. I started research with people who know the city of Dreux well. I am waiting for news to find out if they have an early track to follow …
Best regards
Nicolas,
Thanks for you looking for the house in question. I know you will find the place. We will wait and be grateful when you locate the house and the area where it can be found in Dreux City.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Bill put up a story today 7-3-17 by A/2C Sibert about Dreux Air Base Basketball in the years of 1960-1961. You can find it in the memories section & also new articles.
Hope someone recalls this team.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey folks -Chuck has a new story on the site. all about his parka.
Hey Dreux Folks, Dreux Air Base had a parachute shop and we have heard nothing about the riggers or anything from any riggers. Can anyone tell us about the Dreux parachute shop or recall airmen who were there as riggers ?
We surely don’t want to leave them out of the Dreux Air Base stories. Please send to us some info about the riggers at Dreux.
A VERSE FROM THE RIGGERS PLEDGE
I will Constantly keep in mind that until men grow wings their parachutes must be dependable.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hi I hung around with Ray Burns, he was a rigger at Dreux
when one of our C-119s went down in Italy, a couple of airmen
used his parachute or should I say it was packed by hime, and he won an award it was called the “Catepillar ‘club.
I was with the 12 troop carrier in Supply
Hey Dreux Folks, We are waiting for some pictures from Rose Gifford, the daughter of Joseph and Rose Vide who’s picture is on the home page of this site.
The lady in the red dress and the man in the short sleeved shirt are her parents.
That photo was taken in 1959 and her parents were stationed at Dreux Air Base from 1957-1960. Some of you may recall the Vide’s so please blog us and tell us what you know about them. Thank you very much. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux Folks, I got an e-mail from Ronald Teigen who was in the fire dept at Dreux Air Base in 1964 when the Officers club was destroyed by fire. He tells about that fire and when we get some pictures from him we’ll put up his story in the memories section. Just maybe someone else recalls that Officers club fire.
We would like to hear your story about that fire if possible. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I was an instructor at the 8th Radio Relay Microwave school in 1957-58. I was one of the group who moved the school up from Bordeaux.
Anybody out there remember a young skinny A/1c instructor who tried his best to teach all who they sent up for a few weeks to learn the equipment.
We had a great softball team in Bordeaux and Dreux and won lots of games.
Remember the day they changed US script to US dollars?
best,
Al Foti
A/1c
Hey Al, Welcome to the Dreux web-site. Try to see all there is located on this site. Pictures alone are found in the hundreds. We would like to get some pictures from you with captions & a short story or two about your days at our old air base. This site was put on line April 15th 2013 and just keeps growing a little at a time.
Hope to hear from you ASAP. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Chuck’s story of his 1987 trip back to Dreux is now up in new articles.
Hi guys,
as MP I was working with the APs (still in contact with two of them) at Dreux from/to 1964/66. As most of us I had a good time making the towns around base like Brezolles, Senonches, Chartres, etc. Not to forget Gay Paris. I live in Frankfurt/Germany. Would appreciate hearing from you.
Hey Klaus, Welcome to the Dreux web-site. What did you find in Brezolles like maybe a bar ? When I was at Dreux Air Base I didn’t visit Brezolles. Places in Maillebois, Chateauneuf & Dampierre were OK for me. Did you know any firemen at the base ? Were you there when the Officers club burnt down ? Did you recall a James Potter an AP at the base ? His obit is posted on this web-site. We would like to get maybe a short story about your days at our old air base for the web-site & hopefully with some photos.
Last time I was in Frankfurt was Jan 11th 1960 on my way to Paris from Istanbul, Turkey. Have you read some of my stories found on the web-site ? Hope to hear from you ASAP.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Klaus,I think you taught me how to play on the Foosball machine at Micky,s in Dampierre-sur-Blevy.I was in USAF Communications detachment from ’65 to ’67.If you are from Berlin,it was you.
Hey Dreux Folks, Just sent to Bill a story about my return to Dreux Air Base after it had been closed for 20 years. He probably will have it up on the web-site in a few days. I hope all of you will enjoy it . Just maybe some of you will send to him a story about your days at the old base. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Great story Charles, Even though I was posted to Evreux, I enjoy looking in on this blog. Things didn’t seem to change as much where I was as they did at Dreux. Don’t know if that was due to the fact that Dreux was built up from the farm field while Evreux was an old airfield restored?? A lot of the same construction though.
We revisited France in 1995, 2008, 2011 and 2014. Mostly around Paris and eastern France, where we have friends. We didn’t get an on base visit at Evreux as it’s an active French AF Base. Regards, Tom
Hey Tom, Great to hear from you, don’t wait so long next time. Had prostrate surgery on an old 82 year old prostrate the 18th “Roto Rooter” is what they did. Soon I’ll be able to take the bark off a tree. (Smile) No problems as of yet.
Thanks for the kind words about the story. Lots of rain here in Nabb, Indiana. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
The second picture of A/2C Al Bond shows him in the base microwave center.
The sign on the wall to the left says “Personnel Information”. Next to that sign on the small table one can see a double burner hot plate. To the right of the hot plate one can see a coffee mug and I believe jars of instant coffee and creamer.
A/2C Sibert
Now in the new pictures album we have A/2C Al Bond’s two pictures. In the one where he is sitting on his car you can see at the far left building # 143. This building was used by DACCC-EUR. To the right of this building is building # 63 which housed the emergency generators for DACCC-EUR. This building has a slanted roof and some four or five large doors on the east side.
A/2C Sibert
Just added some pictures from Al Bond. He sent them to me in December of last year and I lost track of them. I’m sending him an email apologizing.
Here is what he said in his email
Been monitoring your Dreux Air Base website and truly appreciate your efforts to bring back fond memories.
After completing Crypto training, my first assignment was Dreux in 1966. Met some great people and mentors that have had an impact on me to this day.
Unfortunately, I do not have pictures of them to share.
Here are a couple of me at Dreux in 1966. One is with a car I purchased from Staff Sergent Joseph Galvin at Dreux. The second picture is of me in the Dreux communications micro-wave station.
Thanks for your efforts and published memories
Hey Dreux Folks, Can anyone recall a Jewish woman by the name of Youget Sommers, working at the Dreux Air Base library ? This could have been
1961-1962. Buddy Love believes she was there in 1962. She might have lived in La Harve. Maybe someone remembers her.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux Folks, Just looked at the photo of headquarters, do you recall just what the sign above the porch said ? Well it was lettered like this:
Headquarters
7305th Air Base Group
Of course this was in the 1959 photo. When the base first opened in 1955 I’m almost sure it said 60th Air Base Wing. When one looked at the front gate sign you could see where the 60th Air Base Wing sign had been covered over with the 7305th Air Base Group sign over lay. Recall how that sign needed some paint work touch up ?
Look on the roof of headquarters, see the two speakers for the flag ceremony. I stood close to here many times saluting, as the flag was lowered. It was beautiful. Just a tidbit about our old air base.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Pierre has given us more detail on the tar fire. I still think we have a translation problem with the dry ice. He has included links to three videos of Maillebois. I added this to the bottom of the Farm story.
Hey Dreux Folks, When one looks at the old Bois de Claireau farm pictures, & Google shot, you can see that the farm buildings sat where the base snack bar, library, service club building was to be located.
Just another tidbit about our old Dreux air base.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux folks, Something very interesting to look at when one looks at the Amis # 2 pictures album found in the new pictures. Find the picture captioned
“Base Solar Panel Front Gate Signs” look at the center lower area. Here you’ll see the old Dreux Air Base front gate sign foundation. Not only do we still have the front gate guard shack standing, as a reminder of Dreux Air Base, we can still see the old front gate sign foundation in this picture. I thought you folks would like to see this reminder of our old air base. Evidently a 60 year old concrete block sign foundation did not hamper the solar panel construction project in 2012-2013.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Just added Chuck’s story about the road that ran through the base area before they built the base./
Thanks for still more interesting background on Dreux.
Hey Doug, Thanks for your comment, you have made our day. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Pierre Callac sent us more information as to where the water came from on the base and where the farm was located before the base. I have added it to the bottom of the farm article. See the story for a bigger picture.
A hearty welcome for Bobby Parker who was with the Alabama Air Guard’s
7117th Recon Wing at Dreux Air Base in 1961-1962.
Bob touched base with us via the unit pages. An e-mail has been sent to him welcoming him to the web-site. We hope stories & photos will follow from him very soon. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Bobby, I was with the 117th ANG in 1961 and was in Air Police. I retired from the 117 as a part timer. My full time job was with the Jefferson Country Sheriffs Department. I retired from both in 1998. I live in The Villages, Florida.
Telephone 352.750.6615
Email. [email protected]
Charlie Brooks
Fantastic new story and pictures of the farm before Dreux ever existed! Thank you so much for sharing, Pierre!
Well Dreux Folks, The latest photos & stories are now up on the web-site.
The farm picture on the web-site now, was situated, we believe (Bill & I), in the center most area of the base. This area would be where the main hanger was located. Who took down the old farm buildings to make way for the new base we are doing our best to find out. We have some fellas we’ll call about this. Most are in their upper 80’s so we must hurry along. The base entrance road once ran thru the area of the hanger and across near marguerite # 5 and on northward. Hopefully we’ll find out more info soon. Don’t hold your breath just yet. Stay tuned. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
This is a very informative story. Thanks Pierre, for sharing. Since I was a kid there in the early 60’s, I tend to not give consideration to the history before the base was built. It makes all the sense in the world that there would have been a farm located there!
The recently added pictures are great too! The interior shots of the NCO club brought back memories of the slots machines I got to play, and the pig I won playing Bingo. Seriously, a live pig! Of course I spent untold hours at the theater and I was in the choir at the chapel. Sad it’s all gone…but the pictures provide a bridge back to those days!
Thanks to all!
Great story and pictures. Thank goodness for our virtual historians…keeping it all alive Great memories.
Pierre’s story is in both new articles and memories of Dreux.
Great story and pictures. I had no idea that the farmhouse was there before the base. Any idea as to where it was located?
Pierre (Cowboy) Thank you very much for sending your story about the farm and farm family displaced, when the new Dreux Air Base was constructed in the early 1950’s. Thank you for the wonderful pictures you sent along with your story.
Bill is now working on your story and very soon it will be on the Dreux web-site located in the memories section. We are hoping someone else will come forward now with more information and pictures about our old Dreux Air Base.
Again, thank you very much. God Bess:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux folks, When I was back to Dreux Air Base for a look see in
Aug 1987 & Dec 1990 I had no trouble driving along the French roads.
I picked up a rental car in Dreux City & away I went toward Brezolles.
From Brezolles on over to the base was uneventful. I visited all the villages
surrounding our old base with no problems. Why do I bring this up now ?
The road to Brezolles had a high speed limit & I went right on. I realize here in
the USA things are different. Example: drivers seem to want to cut it close when turning left toward you when you’ve stopped at a light. Instead of making a nice turn they cut you off with a straight line turn sometimes letting you know you are really number one. Do you folks have the same type of drivers where you live, as I find here around my hometown ?
A/2C Sibert
I had some really good memories in the mid 60. I can’t remember the town it was next to.
Hey Mike, When were you at Dreux Air Base ?
Were you there when it was about to close ?
Please don’t leave us hanging. You will surely fit in with other stories about our old Dreux Air Base. We are waiting to hear more from you, thanks for your tidbit today.
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux Folks, Now found in the new pictures section are 76 new pictures.
They are listed under Nos Amis. These are also found in the pictures album under the came caption.
Some of the captions may have to be changed, let us know what you think.
Bill & I used all our recall plus the phone book & other photos to make these captions. We hope you love these photos. We are not done trying to make this web-site special for all of the viewers. Thank you Very much. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Nice pictures. My first look is that you guys got the captions right, although I’ll go back through them in detail. Appreciate the effort. As always, stokes some memories. Always a little sad to see the effects of the years, but it’s still easy to imagine how it was. – Doug
Doug, What can you tell me about the parachute shop?
How long (tall) was the tower, width, & depth ? What was left inside when the para shop became the wood hobby shop ? Were the cables & motors to host up the chutes still there or was it done by hand ? Were there any of the 43 foot chute packing tables left behind ? Bill & I are correcting some of the latest picture captions. We hope to have it all finished next week. We are getting a few more photos to put up.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hi Chuck – I’m afraid I can’t help you with this one. I don’t recall that I ever went into the wood hobby shop, so don’t know what it was like on the inside. I just remember the exterior view – looked especially tall to a kid, but, other than that, I can’t really add anything. – Doug
Doug, Thanks a bunch, God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux Folks, Could any of you recall a Francis Dube who says he lived in base housing. What town he does not say. He says he was there from
1963-1966. Could he be a real person ?
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Just put up a picture of Buddy Love and his wife Zoopie. We have received some new pictures from “nos amis” that were taken on the base in 2010. We will be working on them and get them up soon. Bill
I hope everyone is enjoying a fantastic Holiday Season!
This time of year makes me think about the three Christmases we spent on Dreux from ’59–’62. It was amazing what the Dreux AB leadership did to help us enjoy the Holidays while we were far from home. I particularly remember the communal feasts we had (at Thanksgiving, too!). Separately Santa came and gave the kids presents. I still recall the water-propelled rocket that I got!
Of course the school kids did Christmas plays. The green leotards (dyed long johns) the boys had to wear as we danced in a circle singing ‘Deck the Halls’ is seared in my memory!
I hope each of you has a Blessed New Year! And…keep posting!
Hi Glenn and everybody else on the site –
I’d like to join Glenn in wishing everyone a happy new year. I, too, have great memories of the Christmas holidays at Dreux. We had our Christmas tree in the trailer’s lean-to which meant a quick dash to light the Aladdin heater so it would be warm enough to “do Christmas morning”. Those who lived in a trailer will relate.
And, yes, the communal feasts were fantastic!
Best wishes to all,
Doug
Doug, You really brought back some great memories for me
when you mentioned the Trailer Lean To. I was working in Housing & Billeting from Jan 65 to Mar 67 and it was my responsibility to assign the trailers to the incoming families. The add on Lean-to was a prized commodity back then.
I always had to know how many were in the family and then I would find a trailer with a big enough lean-to that would fit the family. The lean to came in all different sizes, some small and some large. So depending on how many children and their ages I would decide which trailer was best for them. I tried my best to keep everyone happy but I am sure there was some families that were not happy with my decisions.
I really loved meeting all the new incoming families to Dreux during my stay.
Tom, we were lucky with the trailer. When we arrived in the summer of 61 most of the officers’ trailer park was empty and they just gave a bunch of keys to my dad and told him to pick one. You can see from some of the pictures that I posted that the lean to was bigger than most. Also, since my dad was required to live on base, somebody came up with some funds to build a room at the back of the lean to that extended beyond the trailer. It was a great addition – took the better part of a year to build – but it added quite a bit of room. Of course, DCA moved to Paris a short while later so whoever came after us got the main benefit of the extra room. Also, they made a second “double trailer” for the DCA commander (O-6 position) at the opposite end of the housing area from the base commander’s double trailer. I remember going over to watch the crane pick one trailer up and put it in position next to the other. That was big excitement at Dreux. Don’t know if that was still there when you arrived, but would be surprised if it wasn’t. – Doug
When I was there with my dad from ’63 – ’65, the double trailer for the commander was still there. We lived on the corner across the street from it. Lt. Col Stern lived there with his family. His daughter was in my class at the elementary school.
You are so right about the lean-to. They sure made living in the trailers bearable. I’m not sure where we would have put a tree, if not there; certainly not a full-size one. It’s funny…I don’t remember it ever being hot in there; but it certainly got chilly.
Yep Glenn, on the hottest day of the summer it was not hot in the lean to.
We had a large lean-to with two rooms on our trailer. I don’t remember it being cold or hot.
Penny – I can assure you that it was hot in the summer and cold in the winter. The only way it was usable in the winter was to run an Aladdin heater in it full time. – Doug
Pierre Callac (Cowboy) has sent a picture of his school’s visit to the Dreux school in 1959. It is in new pictures and Pictures from Pierre Callac. Bill
text from Pierre’s message:
A photo when my communal school was invited by the air Base High school.
Each french student was choosen by an american girl. I was selected by a pretty
young girl.
Unfortunately I could not communicate, I didn’t speak english.
Best regards
PCallac
Cowboy, What age were you and the school girl ?
A/2C Sibert
hi !
We were about ten or eleven years old. I was proud to be selected by the prettiest girl of the assembly.
The binome American French was soon abandonned I think we were too shy , too crazy, too wild …
…(.Our school master was not able to help us ? he had psychological problems . He was very shy, brutal. He struk the pupil every day. At this time I hated the school )
But for the first time I was somebody for the US world
when I pushed the cows on the road you saw me but you did not look at me, I was nobody only as a part of the landscape..
I stop the feel storming
Best regards
I wish you and your family a merry Christmas
PC
Merry Christmas Pierre.
Does anyone know who is the couple on the front page of the Memory Page site? They look so much like my parents, Joseph and Rose Vide, who were stationed at Dreux AFB from 1957 to 1960.
Dear Rose, We here at the web-site have been asking this question for some two years. You are the first person who has ventured an answer to this mystery. We sure hope you are correct in your analysis. This photo was taken by M/sgt Daniel Watson in 1959 who worked at base headquarters & also the NCO club.
He was the father of Sherry ( Watson ) Nelson who has pictures, stories, & blogs on this web-site. Would you have any other photos that you or us could try to match up with what we have now on the home page ?
Could you provide us with information about your parents while stationed at Dreux Air Base ? This could very well bring about others who knew your parents & provide more photos so we can finally resolve this long, long question. We here at the web-site hope that the picture found on the home page is truly your parents. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I will see if I can get some pictures of them sent to you. I’m afraid I don’t know much about my Dad’s time there but I will send you what I can. I know that someone named Thomas, who was stationed with him, recently reached out to him. My father has been ill so it will be difficult to get any information and my mother passed away a few years ago. I think it would be wonderful if we could help solve this “mystery”. Though the picture is very small, I know my reaction when I opened the page was “OMG, that’s Mom and Dad.
Rose, Your reaction pretty well tells me it surely must be your parents. I had a tear in my eyes when you said “OMG” that’s Mom and Dad. I await your pictures so we can see more clearly but I bet that’s them.
How wonderful we can now after these years, talk with you about this. This is really the way we want this blog to function but needless to say some folks just say hello & never do we hear from them again. Merry Christmas.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Rose, What unit was your father assigned to at Dreux Air Base 1957-1960.
A/2C Sibert
Hello Rose Gifford,
We too believe the couple on the home page to be your parents. Here’s what we at the web-site would like to do. Please send to us pictures of your parents & others of your family. We’ll need to have their names. We’ll make up a picture album of these photos for the web-site including the picture from the home page, showing your parents in front of headquarters, with a caption letting all know these folks are your parents.
Photos made at Dreux Air Base of your mom & dad will be in the first rows of the album followed by what else you send to us. Now is your chance to have your mom & dad’s own picture album for all to view on the web-site. I’ll also be sending to you an e-mail about this exiting plan. As soon as we receive your photos it wouldn’t take long to have them up on the web-site.
Thank you Rose, we’ll be looking for your photos.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hi sir Doug Donnell
When I was guest of the hunting where I met the air base colonel, I was on leave. The event happened in 1964. The lieutenant colonel was probably Jack Moffat.
As a lonesome cowboy I was a lonesome hunter with an old gun and a black dog.My hunting strategy was to run very often the fields and woods as a trapper..
I killed between sixty and one hundred animals a year.
I stopped hunting in 1989 there was no more game.
Many air base colonels lived not far from the family Boulguy’s house.
A day my cows ate the clothes which were dried on the fence of the meadow bordering the colonel’s house. The wife was furious , she wanted to shoot my cows.
Best regards.
PC
Thanks for the reply. A funny story! I will see if I can find some pictures of the hunting group from the base.
Doug Donnell
Cher Cowboy, Can you find a photo showing the WWII German headquarters building that was located in Dreux city ? We have now a photo of that building & need to know if it is for real.
Please let us know where in Dreux city the building is located & please give to us the address. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Cher Cowboy, I am still looking for a photo of the Boulguy’s
mansion. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hi !
AIr meeting 1957
In this year 1957, sometimes planes passed the wall of the sound, there are no restriction a this tme..
All of a sudden; an enormous noise burst open the air, surprised everyone, opened windows. My two pigeons flied away the cell door was opened….
A few days before the air meeting, after the school time,we saw the various air patrols from many countries training in the sky of the air base.We tried to identify
the country of the engines.
On the D.Day meeting I went to the base with my parents with a gang car.
Still wondered by all these planes, transport , fighter planes by all the craft of the US Army I remember to be sitted at the cockpit of a starfigter and to have visited a C119.
Many planes were exposed, in particular French planes like Griffon, Mystere IV,
Vautour and many others.
The Army parade was successfull.
Many paratoopers were dropped and one of then landed in the crowd. Ten years later I could see the difficulty to drive the sail of the parachute…
After this episode , it was the air meeting, the planes made the fixed point
the crowd felts the hot air of the engines, the hat flew….
The show was stunning, the planes picked on crowd, rectified the flight to made
barrels, loops, and various figures….
In short a wonderful an extraordinary air show with those which I could see later/
I remember the loud boom from breaking the sound barrier! It was the first time I ever heard the sound or even knew about breaking the sound barrier.
I’m wondering if there’s a Facebook page for kids born at Dreux ?
Kristy, go to the Dreux American High School web-site for all the answers about your question.
A/2C Sibert
Found this site today 11/22/16. I arrived at dear old Druex in the early summer of 1955. I was one of the first 50 or so to arrive on base. There wasn’t any clubs, px, commissary ect. Strangely they did have a class 6. I was assigned immediately to a support sqdn(7305th support). My name is john c brown and being that the “Charley’s Brown” comic strip was very popular at the time, the troops soon hung that monicker on me. After about a month on base I was assigned to the 60th Fld Maint Sqd. It was at this time that troops stationed at Rhine Main begain being re-assigned to Druex. I pulled couple of “prime” TDY’s in Athens(project Athenia) and Rome(project Spiggetti Drop ) during my first tour overseas.
Hi Chuck,
I enjoyed meeting you yesterday and chatting. I visited your Dreux website and enjoyed the material too.
Best, John
John, Thank you for the kind words. Was a pleasure to meet you & your wife at the Waffle House in Scottsburg, Indiana on your way to Alabama. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2017.
Look for an e-mail from me.
God bless;
A/2C Sibert
hi !
I am a french native of Dampierre sur Blevy village. During your duty; you saw me.
When I was a kid seven years old , I was a lonesome cowboy on foot with the cows and a dog, I blocked the road to Chennevieres. At this time I was not quiet because of Blue dodge car and GMC trucks.
My family was living in the aera base , my uncle and my grand father were farmer. They were staying in the center of the base in ‘Bois Claireau’ farm. They left their fields. From 1952 to 1964 I lived with the base, Often I worked in the field in a space set between the base road and Chennevieres road.
I had a friend a US soldier : Bobbie R Neal support sgt . He disappeared in 1964.
Many remenbrances in my mind when I read the blogs. I can tell many stories about US and french people. ( Open Gate, Michy’s Bar, Chez Olga…)
Sorry for my bad english…
Best regards
PCallac
P Callac, Thank you cowboy for your blog talk about the old base.
You are from Dampierre sur Blevy so just maybe you recall Raymond Boulguy who was with me in August 1987 when I visited the old base. I believe his sister is still living, maybe in Loans.
My wife & I visited his parents in December 1990 at their house in Dampierre. We enjoyed the visit very much. I sent to them many letters. The father Raymond & son Raymond both died the same year 2009 ? Raymond, the son, lived in Maillebois with Patricia Mogis. She is on facebook. Olga was the owner of Auberge de Maillebois. Do you recall Suzie’s bar in Chateauneuf ? Look to my pictures album. Talk to me again soon.
A/2C Sibert
Thanks for your answer. Family Boulguy was. friends. I always knew them. Raymond son and Nicole were school friends .R.B was a bosom friend when we were children.
The ended school we played together with other boys of the village. It was a very good time as much more were curious about all the events concerning the base. Unfortunately R.B father and the son died the same year of 2009. A part of the story of the village disappeared with them.I don’t recall suzie’s bar of Chateauneuf. I was too young. My living space limited itself to the village and its close neighborhood.
To study and to work , as many young people ,I have to go away. R.B stayed, it was an exception…
At once by the lock of the air base the french workers left toward cities , they were repaced by new generations.
Now the spirit of this time has disappeared. Although
became a old villager; I feel a foreigner, peaple stay at home. Their life is somewhere else can be near their workplace.
I do’nt know…;
I have no account in facebook.
Can be that the house of the Boulguy family is now occupied by a heir. ??? I am going to inquire.
Hey Cowboy, Good to hear that you and Raymond were very good friends. I enjoyed meeting his mother and father in December 1990 at their home. I will look for photos of that meeting and get them up on the web-site for you to see.
Raymond and I visited the old air base in August 1987 for about two to three hours. He knew the two gate keepers and we had a very good talk with them and had some red wine with them. My French was not the best but it worked well for us all. I met Raymond that day in front of his house when he was talking to the post man. We talked and he said he worked at the base when it was open. I drove him to the base and we took the pick-up truck of the gate keepers to visit the old base. Look to my pictures album for some of the photos. Talk to me soon.
A/2C Sibert
Hl !
When we came to visit the base,a former NCO relay station was still living in Brezolles.He stayed here because of his French wife.
In 1964 he invited me to a hunting party in Crucey ( Hamel) where I met the colonel
commanding the base. I was a good hunter
my private hunting ground extended from the fence in front of high school to Dampierre…
This veteran would have been an excellent guide…
I think they come back to USA around 2005
because his sons have been promoted officers in the 101th Airborne.
Like this family french women married soldier and in most cases disappeared without giving any news. Do you know sone of these mixed family ?
Photos.
Four photos were given to us by the AIr Base.
Three photos concerned the ‘Bois Claireau’ farm fefore its destruction and the last one concerned a visit of may communal school to your High School.
I can’t add the photos to the blog.
Another day, I would tell about experienced events during this period.
Best regards.
Bonjour PC (cowboy) –
Thank you for your comments on the blog. I hope to see more of your stories here. My father was stationed at the base from 1961-1963 and hunted frequently. Did you ever shoot on the base? My father helped build a skeet and trap range on the base and there were many days when the local French hunters and shooters came to the base for an afternoon of shooting. There are a few pictures on this site of the skeet range. As I remember, the president of the “Rod and Gun Club,” which was the organization that made the arrangements with the local French hunters was a Lieutenant Colonel named Jack Moffatt. Perhaps he is the one that you remember as he was there at the same time that we were (1961-64). – Doug Donnell
Stationed at Dreux with the 8th Radio Relay Squadron providing communication with radio relay sites throughout France, England and Germany. Spent some time in Verneuil-sur-Havre and L’Aiglon. Last visited France in 1999 and made re-acquaintance with Hotel Littre at Montparnasse and Orly Airport (Field) where I was stationed for a while.
Stationed at DREUX in 1956-1959 with 8th Radio Relay Squaron
I could use your help please. I have an gentleman that served in Dreux France in 1961-62. He is needing his patch 7117. Can anyone point me in the direction on where I can get this for him?
Amanda –
I have not seen any original patches, but there is a replica patch available on eBay that includes the 7117th.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USAF-BASE-PATCH-DREUX-LOUVILLIER-AIR-BASE-FRANCE-GONE-BUT-NOT-FORGOTTEN-Y-/361298783064?hash=item541f15eb58:g:t90AAOSwstxVV-zK
Good luck, Doug Donnell
My brother and I lived in Dreux, France, from 1952 to 1956. We are the children of Captain John H. Dietz, III, who was stationed there. We would love to connect with people who could help us with our childhood memories. We grew up in a house that had been occupied by the Germans and was used as their headquarters in the area during the war. We have a lot of photos.
Stacy – Bill McLeod here. We have at least one kid who was there in 1953., Paula Wadsworth Hansinger. She has not been on lately but she corresponds with Sherry Nelson so maybe Sherry can get her back on. If you can scan your pictures and email them to [email protected]. We would love to see them. Bill
Stacy –
I’ll try my best! In the meantime, we would love to see your photos! Thank you in advance for sharing.
My father was stationed at Dreux in 1952. My family lived at Chateau de la Barre near Brezolles, then in the Nonancourt area. My brothers and I attended school on the base when it was in a quonset hut. Later a block building was built. There were only about a dozen kids in the school at first. The only other person I’ve seen on this blog who was there at that time is Gene Brown. My family was the Frosts. Johnny, then 10, Dotty, (me) then 9, and Jimmy, then 7. Mr and Mrs. Cody were our teachers.
Somehow one of Ron Britton’s comments did not get approved. Once you have been approved all new comments should go directly to the blog. I don’t know what happened. I am repeating it here. Maybe Doug will be able to answer it.
Hi All, I have recently been trying to track down my Dad, Elton Britton’s service records. I was hoping to up date his info on this site but the only service records returned from the request were stateside assignments. Is there a different request site/process for overseas records? Perhaps the Cold War nature of the service affects them? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. RonB
Hey Dreux Folks, Got a phone call from Buddy Love tonight.
Buddy lives in Charolett, North Carolina. He says he, his wife & family are OK & well even tho the city is having great problems.
Thank you Buddy, you’re in my prayers & lets hope many others on this blog are praying that the trouble will soon be resolved where you reside.
A/2C Sibert
Military records are archived and are available from the National Archives. Instructions can be found on this site:
http://www.archives.gov\veterans\military-service-records
Note that there was a big fire at the records repository in St Louis many years ago and it destroyed many records. Records for discharges before 1954 are public and can be requested online. For post 1954 discharges (over 62 years after the discharge), only direct relatives can request, which, I’m sure is the case for Ron. It’s not a problem – the request has to be submitted by paper and the form (SF 180) can be downloaded from the Archives website. I hope that helps. – Doug
Thank you Doug. This was the avenue I went for my original request but the returned records were only stateside. I’ve been thinking I may try one more time mentioning I am looking for his overseas records as well but perhaps those were some of those lost in the fire…. Thank you very much for your response. Ron
Ron—
I knew your Dad. He was the organist/pianist for our chapel choir under MSGT Levau, who was also the wing SGT Major. Your Dad’s greatest achievement when I knew him was playing the organ at the Chartres Cathedral when we gave a recital there.
Billy Mac Thank you very much for keeping an eye out for me here. I hadn’t had a chance to check back but appreciate the re-post and response from Doug. Cheers All, Ron
I glad that the Dreux close ups are of some use. I made them thinking that eventually google would update their sat view of the base and we would lose them.
The close-ups are very useful as well as interesting, Bill. Thank you for making and sharing them with this group. Per Glenn’s suggestion, I have taken another look at Close-up 1D and it does indeed show the ballfield that I have been talking about! There were only simple benches there (no bleachers), and the backstop. I remember watching the airmen, as well as other kids, play there many times. Glenn’s observation about the cement rink in the close-up shot brought back so many memories…I, too, spent many hours roller-skating there as it was a perfect spot. The skates were the clip-on kind then…nothing fancy! Next to the rink was a large field of red poppies where we played until dark. Glenn is so right: this site is a gift that keeps on giving!
Hi All, I have recently been trying to track down my Dad, Elton Britton’s service records. I was hoping to up date his info on this site but the only service records returned from the request were stateside assignments. Is there a different request site/process for overseas records? Perhaps the Cold War nature of the service affects them? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. RonB
Ron – see my comment above (25 Sept entry). Hope that’s what you were looking for. – Doug
Hey Dreux Folks, I wonder, wonder who,—might have had something to do with the B-36 bomber before they came to Dreux Air Base ?
I’m to give a presentation about this bomber at our WW-II round table meeting
the 26th of August held at the Clarksville, Indiana library.
It would be a nice tidbit to let the ones there at this meeting, hear about someones B-36 story from long days ago. I may have known an Airman at Dreux but was unaware of their connection to this bomber. I hope to hear back about this request. God Bless:
A/2CSibert
Hi Chuck – Well, I obviously never worked on one, much less saw one actually flying. I’m sure you’ll check out the fairly thorough article on Wikipedia. Since design started in WWII, it had reciprocating engines and ended up being underpowered, hence the addition of the jet engines. I got a kick out of the maintenance expression, “six turnin’ and four burnin'” to describe normal operations. With 56 spark plugs per engine, I’m sure that maintenance was a challenge – especially since most were assigned to northern tier bases to be close to the Soviet Union. Loring AFB, where I was stationed from 88-91 was originally built for the B-36. Being at the northern tip of Maine, it was close to the Soviet Union over the great circle route. The largest building on base (and I think the largest in the state of Maine, at least at the time it was built) was the Arch Hanger – which was specifically constructed to be large enough to hold the B-36. There’s a restored B-36 at the SAC museum between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska if anyone wants to see one. – Doug
Hey Doug, Thanks for your input about the USAF B-36 Peacemaker. I gave this presentation at the WW-II round table back in 2010. Some of the same old veterans are still coming to the meetings. Bill Martin who heads it up is 93 & Col Humbert is 91. I will have a door prize as well, a 12 package of DvD’s about WW-I & WW-II. I have a lot more material this time around. More hand outs to discuss & 30 pictures on 11×17″ poster board that has been laminated as well as a video & some sound effects I recorded & enhanced plus Kate Smith singing God Bless America at the close. I try to make all the meetings but some I failed to attend. We have close to 30 now each month. Someone has a presentation each month & November is our show & tell month. December is the off month as our meeting date falls on the last Friday of each month.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I also added links to Phillipe’s website for aerial view video and the open house video.
Buddy Love sent us a gas coupon. I have added it to his story. He was in charge of issuing them while he was at Dreux. For those of us who may not know what they were I have added Doug Donnell’s explanation to the story.
I was wrong on the video. You can’t see the area of the front gate and the school. I added links to two videos on Philippe’s website to our video page to make it easy to access them. You should still go take a look at his website. It’s worth it.
Just put up a new story from Chuck. Also check out the website of Phillipe. There are some things there that we don’t have. If you click on the solar panel picture you get a video where you can see the whole base from the air. On the main base the roads are still there but all the buildings and foundations are gone. On margaritte six the buildings are still there. Further down the page you will find a referral to our website. The speckled picture just before our picture of the last C-119 is actually a video taken at the open house in 1956.
Hi,
congratulations for this wonderful blog !! I am a private pilot and research of old military bases for some aerial pictures and stories. I allowed myself to quote in my article about Dreux Air Base Memories.
Congratulations on your blog, many thanks for this memorie work.
Best regards,
Philippe
http://vudavion.tv/pontoise-bernay-laigle-dreux-otan/
I could not help but notice in some of the pictures that Dreux evidently continued on long after I left in June of 1961 on reassignment to Evreux to cross train on C-130’s. Within a couple of months at Evreux, was transferred to Athens, where I stayed until 64. Got to Dreux May 13th 1960 to work on C-119’s. I can’t recall the squadron, but I recall my barracks was located kitty corner from the airmen’s club, and the squadron airplanes I worked on was not not far from there as well, because it was a fairly easy walk to get around. my squad of airplanes was Most likely somewhere on the west end of the base. I was under the wrong impression the base closed up in 61, but judging from the pictures it lived on for a time. After Athens, was assigned to Otis AFB Cape Cod, and from there to Viet Nam to work on C123s. Got honorably discharged in 68: Went to college and later taught aviation maintenance and ground school for pilots in San Mateo California Community College.
there’s more, but for now this is probably TMI. In any case I thought I’d share this with you. I’m ok if anyone cares to write to me at my home email. But not sure if you folks out there allow that, so will leave it out for now.
Cheers and be safe and healthy everyone.
Hey Jim, From what you say your barracks was # S-163 at the corner of California Ave & Florida Ave. Same one as for Bill McLeod. The Airmen’s club was located on California Ave at North Carolina Street. It shows up in capture # 26 in the Dreux closeup picture album looking like a black 90 degree angel type building.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Chuck
thanks for responding so quickly and for giving me the exact location of the barracks and airmen’s club, and by street name no less. What more could I ask for. Funny story. When I was first assigned to France just out of tech school, I left the U.S. kicking and screaming. Yelling to my friends something like….how can I leave our great country and go to some backward place like France. Well it wasn’t long before I was introduced to a whole new world that opened my eyes to such a wonderful place…..and only a few kilometerss from Paris. I soon got to love the place before I was shipped out to new places, as previously mentioned.
Hey Jim, I am very glad to help you with anything about our old air base.
I was in Turkey at Incirlik Air Base Adana, Turkey before I came to Dreux Air Base. When I arrived in Turkey hardly any Turks I came into contact with spoke any English. You can check this out in my stories. There was very little to do for us off base in 1958 because we had to learn some Turkish first. No so in France. I liked Turkey & France. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Bob, Thanks for what you said. The unfinished main mess hall for the base in your photo, allows me to see just where you fellas were camped.
Were you in on the assembly process of erecting the Belgian quonset huts for your living quarters ? When you left the base for good were all the trailers installed in the Officers park ? The Officers park had metal light poles with shaded lamps at the top on the streets and underground wiring. You can see them in one of your photos. It would be great if we could get more photos of your time at the new air base.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hi Ckuck I read your comment Re” the thrift store & it brought some memories to me If you refer to my picture album you will notice one pic with no trailers & one with trailers which was the officers park There was a hut about 3-4 rows over from my street & on the north end which was the 821st EAB PX. Also if you look at another of my pics taken on xmas day 54 You can see the AF mess hall in the distance which was not fully completed yet. Our mess hall was at the end of the muddy street in the pic. Just thought I would mentione it for what its worth But it did ring a bell with me Thanks & Requards Spc4 Bob Keller
Dreux Air Base did have a thrift shop it was quonset hut T-1115 at the north end of the officers trailers court. See officers trailer area found in Dreux base maps.
You get there by going to Dreux information first. Sherry tells us her mom would bring home used comic books she bought there for 12 cents & after she & others read them they would pass them on to other kids.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux Folks, was there a softball field in the vicinity of Idaho Ave & North Carolina Street across from the NCO trailers first loop ? Sherry told me she recalls a field where the Airmen played that had benches for the players & a backstop. The children from the NCO trailer park often played near that ball field in the grassy area.
A/2C Sibert
The only ball fields I remember were the ones over by the high school and the ones behind the NCO club. Both are visible in some of the pictures that we have posted on the site. The fields by the NCO Club may be the ones Sherry was thinking of.
They had benches, and backstops. It’s quite possible that there was another set of fields closer to the NCO trailers – I just don’t remember. Everything at Dreux was so close, so anywhere on base was a short walk. – Doug
Hey Doug, The softball field behind the NCO club near to the football field was right next to the electrical substation for that area. You put up a picture of your dad playing in a game there with his co-workers & some Army fellas.
There may have been a players bench but I never saw any spectator seating. I was able to look out on that field from my barracks S-168 overlooking the south goal post of the football field.
Sherry played in the field next to Idaho Ave across from the NCO trailers first loop. Going east walking you left the NCO trailers first loop, crossed over Idaho Ave & then you were into the grassy playground area that Sherry talks about. She says there was a softball field there as you walked north toward North Carolina Street.
This grassy area ran north from the perimeter road to somewhere close to North Carolina Street. I do not know how far it went eastward. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
You’re right on all counts Chuck. I remember watching quite a few softball games at the field next to the electrical substation, and I don’t recall any spectator seating. In my picture you can clearly see that there wasn’t any seating on the 1st base side – don’t remember if there was any on the other side. I’m sure Sherry is right about the playground area by the NCO trailers – I just don’t remember it. I know for sure that all of the baseball and softball games we played for little league were at the fields over by the high school.
Sherry is indeed correct. I spent many hours learning to pitch with my dad, against the backstop at that field. I don’t think it was used for any games. Out what would have been the left field line, there was a oval cement ‘track’ where I learned to roller skate. I think I could see the outline of both spots on an aerial picture once. I will try to look for it.
I think Glenn replied the the wrong thread so I am repeating it here —
from Glenn
I found the picture. It’s 1d in the Dreux close ups. Look at the far right of the frame and you will see the oval. Go due south of that and you will see a v-shape tree/shrub line. That’s the area Sherry is talking about and where the backstop was. This site is a gift that keeps on giving!
Hey folks, Here’s what we are up against. Talking to Sherry Nelson just a few minutes ago we were discussing the snack bar Juke box. She tells me her & her sister Debbie would go there for coca-colas & sit near the Juke box for sometime to listen to the stateside music. She said the GI’s would play many songs. She tells the songs were maybe only five cents per song. What I need to know is, was there also a Juke box found in the service club ? Bill Kaufmann’s service club sketch shows a Juke box located in the service club but I don’t see one located in the snack bar ? Could be he left that out of his sketch ? I hope someone will enlighten us about this.
A/2C Sibert
Even more on the NCO trailer park. I combined the two diagrams into one to make it easier to compare. Sherry is coming up with more information on what was in the opern areas. Everyone is invited to contribute. Bill
More on trailer numbering in the NCO trailer park. I have added the diagrams for the park from the 1960 phone book and the one that we got from the AFCVM which was later then 1960, if you look at them the trailer numbers are the same except some of the trailers are gone and they have a 2 in front of the original trailer number. For example Sherry trailer was 364 in 1960 and 2364 in the later diagram. The diagrams are in Dreux Information- Maps and Sketchs. Bill
Thanks you, Bill, for sorting this dilemna out! The two additions – side by side – show interesting comparisons.
Does anybody know the pharmacist or pharmacist assistant that was there in jan 1961..he helped birth me in the back of a staff car. My folks hv died and i hv some questions about location of my birth.
This is a test on my part to see if this goes through been having some problems with my computer Have a nice day Bob Keller 821st EAB
new test.
Don’t know which picture you are talking about with four digits but the officer’s trailer park was all four digits in the 1960 phone book.
The AFCVM pictures are great and bring back so many memories. Thank you so much, Bill, for a job well done. Regarding the trailer numbering question that Glenn has raised, I would agree with him. Our number on South Dakota Avenue, for example, was T364. Perhaps some of the trailers were numbered differently. In any event, I have studied the new Trailer Park map here tonight with the street names identified, and so many memories have flooded back of the families we shared our lives with all those years ago.
Just put up a new NCO trailer park map. Doug has added the street names. Take a look.
The home page picture of Headquarters & the main Hanger was taken by Sherry Nelson’s father Daniel Watson, in 1959. The 60th Troop Carrier Group with its three squadrons 10th, 11th, & 12th started to arrive at the new base beginning in Sept 1955. If that hanger was completed in 1954 or early 1955 it was only 4 or 5 years old when the photo was taken. Since all the hangers were demolished in 2007-2008 for scrap they only stood for 53-54 years & were really only used by the USAF for 6 or 7 years. When I was living at the base, 1960-1961, that hanger looked exactly like the main page photo. When I came back for a base look-see in Aug 1987 it looked as tho that hanger had been painted a rust color. When I walked inside that hanger it looked similar to my last days at the base but the outside made me almost shed a tear, for it wasn’t paint, just rust on rust. The Vietnam war was going on when U.S. troops left France for good, so we didn’t hear too much about the bases closing in France. I just had to talk a little bit about all the treasure Uncle Sam spent on Dreux Air Base. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Bill, your test was great. Keep up the good work.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
This is a test comment to see if recent comments is updating.
When you look in the picture folders for AFCVM, under control tower, there is a picture showing three men working in the tower. This picture was posted in the Dreux Review on page three. We do not know the year as of yet. My guess is the early years of the base. When did the Dreux Review begin to be printed ? Again my guess is in 1956. We are hoping someone will recall the three men in this picture. Left to right they are A/3C Glenn W. Simonds, Mr Michel Leveillard (no doubt French) , & S/sgt Daymond G. Maddox. Again we would like to find out if anyone out there can help with these questions. It could be someone will recall, after some 50 years, some information concerning these folks. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hey folks, Bill has put up pictures in the AFCVM folder that are different than what he had there at first. Some could be the same but better, so take a look. I am putting comments these pictures as of now. Bill had had these pictures for a while, just takes some time to get it all together. My hat’s off to him !!!
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Wow, these are really great and should dust off a few memories for the folks on this blog. I was amazed that there was a trailer left on the base. As bad a shape as the pictures show it to be in, those that lived in them will certainly be able to recognize the general layout. I still remember that little bathtub that you would sit in. Great job Bill.
– Doug
Hey Doug, The trailer shown in the latest pictures was not on the base when the photo was taken. The AFCVM folks told us that this trailer was found by their folks to be in a factory enclosure somewhere near to the base. If you look close one can see metal fence posts & woven wire fencing near to the trailer. I will continue to search my e-mails to find just where we were told to find this trailer. We may have info on where one can find another trailer from AFCVM e-mails. For some reason Bill & I can not reach these folks again ? Thank you & all you do to keep this blog moving forward !! God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
These AFCVM pictures are great. I don’t remember the trailers having 4 numbers. For instance, ours was T218; in the non-comm section right on Perimeter Rd. I have posted a picture with that number. The one picture with T227 seems more like what I remember. I guess we were in another area of the base.
I found the picture. It’s 1d in the Dreux close ups. Look at the far right of the frame and you will see the oval. Go due south of that and you will see a v-shape tree/shrub line. That’s the area Sherry is talking about and where the backstop was. This site is a gift that keeps on giving!
My family was at Dreux AFB from 1957 to 1958 with Sgt Glenn Fugitt and Connie Fugitt. I was born there and the next year in 1959 moved to off base housing known as the French Economy, just outside the city of Dreux, France, right across from an abandoned factory (which I would also like more information on). If anyone has any information they can share regarding the trailers on-base housing or about SSgt Glenn Fugitt who worked at the Motor Pool, please contact me. I am looking for the nice gentleman with reddish hair, an officer, who helped my mom often with rides to the hospital or the NCO club. Thank you.
First of all I really enjoy reading about Dreux from all. I was stationed there from 1958 to 1961. During my stay I was assigned NCOIC of Base Telephone Office also worked at the Officers Club tending Bar.We lived in Dreux housing at first then moved to the trailers which made it nice. The only people that I can remember was Msgt Steeves, Tsgt Leroy Mullins and Tsgt Gauthers. Thanks for letting us keep up with the base.
Hi George – Welcome to the blog. Could you tell me something about the telephone system at Dreux? When I lived there I was a young guy, but went on to a career as a comm officer in the AF and worked a lot with phone systems. I’m curious to know anything you might remember about the inside and outside plant at Dreux.
Thanks, Doug
Hi Doug. First of all I ran the base telephone operations section and also worked in the Teletype section much different then todays Comm. We had the old teletype equipment and received the old card system. My back ground in comm extends to Korea, Vietnam, Clark Ab PI, and Greenland. I retired after 21 years in 1972. Sorry I’m able to help on inside and outside plants. Take care and thanks for your blog.
Hello again George. I had to chuckle a bit when I read your post about “old” teletype. We were still using teletype machines to punch paper tape when I came on active duty in 1972. Then, when I was in tactical comm in the late 70’s the AF was still using teletype machines in their comm vans. Thought I had seen my last teletype machine until I showed up for a NATO assignment in 1991 and went into the comm center only to see banks of teletypes. So, I suppose “old teletype equipment” is a relative term. Those machines were reliable, but incredibly slow by today’s standards. During exercises I would sometimes put a courier in a staff car and have him hand carry the Air Tasking Order to the ATOC, as it was faster than sending it by teletype.
Hi George…I remember you and Sgt. Bojako arrived at Dreux at the same time – he took over teletype and you took over switchboard. I worked for TSGT Steves and Lt. Waple. I didn’t realize Sgt. Steves had made MSGT, but he was very sharp and deserved MSGT. I made SSGT in four after I rotated back to the states to Westover in Jan. of 1960. Spent a total of 8 years, and got out to go back to college. After an MBA I went with the railroads and the Fed. RR. Admin. Thanks to my 8 year in the Air Force I retired from Gu’mint with 38 years. I’m now retired and living in Tennessee, half-way between Nashville and Knoxville.
Hey Chris, Do you still have the same phone number ? If so I’ll call you. I have your last four as 6820.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hi Chuck ! I will try to answer your question again Guess I didn’t do it right the 1st time Re: location of E M club Late 55 it was moved from the Q- Huts in the 821st area .same time they moved us into the barracks etc. If my memory serves me correct the AF EM club was close to the new warehouses I don’t recall any street names . I think there was at least 2-4 warehouses in a line the club was across the street or not to far also I think construction was under way for another mobile park in the area. this would be in addition to the park that was built in the Q – hut area almost across the street from the hut that was my home. Hope this goes through I will keep trying if it doesn’t Bob Keller
Hey Bob, You are right on about the EM club. That’s where it was when Bill & I were at the base. The trailer park you mentioned being built, was to be for the NCO’s. I was dating a girl who lived in one of the trailers in 1960. The trailer park across from your Quonset hut was for the officers.
Anything more you can recall please get it to me.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I was at Dreux in 1955 having transferred from St Nazaire with a SCARWAF (probably mis-spelled) unit. Drove a Mack quarry truck and ran to Paris on every weekend opportunity in my 1955 MG1500 ($1300+, brand new) as well as attending two LeMans races- 54/55.
Look back at that time of my life as a grand adventure and still keep in touch with Dick Etchinson a friend for life that I served with.
Great time to be in France and have been back to the bases and France in general several times.
Re: Saul Musikant remarks june 14th I was stationed at Dreaux with the 821st EAB From Oct 54 TO Jan 56 During that time period we lived in Quonset huts & the streets were just plain ole dirt refer to my picture album Late 1955 they did move us into one of the new Air Force Barracks & used one of the new chow halls. & the E M club down by the warehouses . Just thought I would mention this for what its worth Have a nice day Bob Keller Spc 4th 821 EAB
Hey Bob, Just where was that EM club ? Could it have been near the corner of California Ave & North Carolina St ? That would have been very near to the warehouses. If so that EM club would become the Airmens club that Bill & I knew in 1959-1961.
A/2C Sibert
In December 2015 or maybe January 2016 we had a comment from Saul Musikant. Saul was a radio repairman CPU with the US Army 821st engineer battalion. He made a remark about one of Doug Donnell’s pictures from 1978 he took of the base. He tells that the airport part of the new base was finished but troops still lived in tents & small quonset huts in 1953. He tells that the base roads were unfinished and very muddy. As we all know, barracks were to be constructed about the new base. This was 1953 & the base opened beginning in Sept 1955.
I just found his comment in the new pictures album. Could be he will read this blog & get back with us via the blog. Saul, we sure hope to hear from you.
A/2C Sibert
.
We have a fella by the name of Mitch Clark who signed in on the unit page.
Says he worked in the TTY maint shop ? That’s about all he’s told us for now.
I sent to him an e-mail & hope to hear back from soon.
Maybe someone can recall this Airman.
A/2C Sibert
.
I have wonderful memories of this base! I was really young, but remember Trailer City and our little duplex we lived in with my parents and 3 of my siblings.
Was anyone friends with The Bennetts. My father was Major Chester Bennett. My mother was Julia Bennett.
Siblings were; Sherry Bennett, Beau Bennett, Christopher Bennett and myself, Becky Bennett. We were there from approximately 1961-1964?
Then we moved stateside to Lockbourne AFB until 1969.
Thanks for this blog!!
Becky Bennett-Armstrong
Hi Becky. Welcome to the blog. You were there at the same time we were. There are several members of the group that were at Dreux at that time. What were the ages of you and your siblings at the time? Did you live off base or in a trailer? Hopefully, we’ll be able to match up some info for you. – Doug
My first post and image gave wrong date
We were there from 1965 until all troops left.
Joe
My name is Tom Fitzgerald I was at Dreux from Jan 65 til Mar 67, I worked in Housing and Billeting and was one of the last to leave. Was your squadron commander a Captain with the nickname Buzz?
My name is Joe Campisi, I was a TSGT with the Security Police. 1963 until all troops left. We really enjoyed our time there.
I was a small child living in the Trailer City from about 1956-1960. My Dad, Frank Overcast was int he Air force and worked in the hospital. We loved it there because everyone lived like family. I remember our neighbors Chuck and Faye and we remained friends for years. I also remember going to the Riviera and driving through the countryside. Visiting Paris was so much fun for us. My Dad used to take my sister and I to the country to have shoes made for us which we thought we were so special. My Mom Hazel Overcast and I were in a fashion show at the club on base. I’m sure I have an 8mm film somewhere of our trailer and neighbors.
Welcome, Yvonne! Please share your film of the trailer and your neighbors with this group when you locate it. We would truly appreciate it! Many thanks.
Hi ! I’m french and I’m a Brezolles’ chlid who is, now, 50 years old. My father was a garage manager and he was talking a lot about Crucey base’s people. And to me those pictures are very interesting and poignantes. I would say thank you to the people who manage this web site and thanks to the americans which alowed my country to be free. Merci !
Bruno – Welcome! Merci d’avoir visité notre blog. Tout le monde ici a de très bons souvenirs de la base et nos amis français dans les communautés environnantes. – Doug
The Moped I owned at Dreux Air Base was not the Moped listed in the for sale section of the base paper. (Dreux Review) That Moped was listed for sale by Jack Bernklow. His daughter Nancy Bernklow had asked about this some months ago & I am now replying for her. Sorry Nancy it got lost in the shuffle.
A/2C Sibert
Hey Dreux folks,
Bill just received three DVD copies of movies taken of Dreux Air Base years ago.
They are somewhat rough and Bill will try to clean them up and put them on the web-site as soon as possible.
Bill wants to know if there is a former Dreux person that can help with this task of cleaning the DVD’s up.
Could be someone could point Bill to some software that can help with this project ? Let us know.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
What a good day to say hello to all Dreux Air Base folks. I’m looking for more photos to put up on the web-site. Just about exhausted my supply but could be some in this next box ? I hope you folks will be looking in your spots for more pictures also. I understand we’re all getting older but who’ll do it if we don’t ?
Have a great day and a wonderful 2016. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
We have a contact lately via unit rosters. I am repeating it here.
What where you doing a Dreux?
My father (Leon White Coles) was stationed here until his death in
1958 (13th Jan 1958). I believe he was there between 1949 and 1958.
I am trying to locate a photograph of him.
When where you there?
Not applicable
Please include name, rank. serial number, job, and unit either yours
or of your parent. If you were a civilian employee send what infor you
can.
Name: Leon White Coles.
Service No: AF 32 089 629
Rank: Technical Sergeant
I have emailed Jim Bandy who I hope knew Sgt Coles.
4/6/16
Thanks for sharing this site. My father Jack Fohey and family was stationed at Dreux AB I believe 1966. he was Army supply sergeant. If anyone remembers him, would love to hear from you.
His daughter,
Patty Fohey Key
[email protected]
My husband was in the Alabama Air National Guard which was activated in October 1961 and sent to Dreux. He was a JAG officer, William C. Howton, Jr.
Since it was supposed to be a 10 month activation no dependents were provided for but some of us came anyway. There were a few trailers on the base and Bill managed to talk an officer who was living in one of them to give it up so I could come with our infant daughter. There were few families there and not even that many military personnel. The planes were all sent to another base so it was really quiet. The most exciting thing that happened was when a young French soldier was killed in some kind of accident and three members of the Alabama Guard were accused in his death. It was hard for the Americans to grasp that the French judicial system is so different from ours. Most of the Alabamians were experiencing their first trip out of the country and could not believe that the men would be charged according the the French system even though the incident occurred outside the base.
We lived in our cosy trailer till sometime in the Summer. By then there were more families at Dreux and a group got together and chartered a plane to take us back to the U.S. We went via Amsterdam to New York. There were many children on the flight, including 11 tiny babies, many of them born over there.
Hannah, Buddy Love had told me about the French soldiers death.
He said the Guard’s supply sergeant Garrison was held in the base stockade until the guard rotated back to the states. What month in 1962 did this happen ?
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hello Hannah – Welcome to the blog. I was there at the same time that you were, although as a young dependent, not an adult. When we arrived, the base had already been put into a caretaker status so things were pretty slow and it was pretty exciting when the Alabama ANG showed up. I remember the planes arriving . . . then leaving for Chaumont AB. I hope you can provide us with some stories and pictures from your time at the base. Again, welcome to the blog. – Doug
I’m looking for some more photos of Dreux Air Base here at home. I hope to find some to get up on the pictures album. It would be very nice if some others would search their secret places and come up with more photos for the web-site.
More to follow about this endeavor, stay tuned.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Further to the picture. It doesn’t matter what the background is. I am working in photoshop essentials. Bill
Does anyone have a good picture of a C-119C or C119G in flight? I have been working on a picture and all I have is the one of 7850 and it was shot just at dusk and is dark. Click on this link to see what I’m trying for. http://dreuxairbasefrancememories.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/test4-1024×722.jpg
I was there… I was an instructor at the 8th Radio Relay Microwave School at Dreux.
Col. Thomas, Capt. Williams, and we Instructors. Anyone out there remember the good old days, drop me some email.
notification system
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Just put a welcome to France booklet from 1960. Booklet was for families being sent to France. Thanks to Doug Donnell for the book.
Hello Jim
Hay are you Jim and Ronnie The family From England, would love to correspond with you, please Email us [email protected], we jest looked up the blog and saw your reply– then we said hay that’s Jim and Ronnie–we will wait for your reply—————Bert / Jimmy
Hello Ken, Very sorry about the sad loss of your mom, our condolences to you all. Wish we had this wonderful Blog years ago. We were in Fairfax, VA for about 16 yrs before moving to Colorado. I would have enjoyed meeting up with your dad, he’s a good guy & I liked him. You are right about the chateau. We lived there from early 1956 to late 1960. It was a wonderful place for families & we have many fond memories of living there & France in general.
Yes it would have been nice to connect earlier with former Dreux residents. We lived in Fairfax for 10 years before moving to Arlington in 1988. Mom and dad visited often, so we could have hooked up. I just got back from skiing at Copper Mountain in Colorado. Such a small world.
Ken
Myra – check our dreux information link for maps then Chatteauneuf housing . There is a map showing the city location and a bigger map showing houses. These were made from google maps. You can go to google maps and then use the google street view to look at individual houses.
Thank you so much for this helpful information. I have been studying the maps and will do as you suggest.
Calling out to those that were in Dreux later as in April 1963-May 1966. My Dad then Tech Sargent Jame E. Looney was station at Dreux Air Base for those years. We started our residence there in a silver trailer with a lean to built on for only about 3 months but not sure. Then we moved to Chateauneuf. My brother thinks our neighborhood or village was called Leon which does not show up on the maps. We were very fortunate as we lived on the edge of the off base housing right across from French residents. We played with these kids and learned somethings from them including eating chocolate with bread.
Our next door neighbors were the Parkers. Any Parker family members on this blog? My sister was born at the airbase hospital in Evreux in July of 1963. We loved this area and our sweet ironing lady Madame Leon. There was a little stream with a bridge that my brother fished from.
The French were going socialist and even as a child I read the “Yankee Go Home” painted on a 2,000 year old Roman wall with sadness. We were soon moved back on base into a silver trailer with a little built on lean to. Pretty tight for a family of five. The fun of living on base was walking to the movies every Saturday morning and sneaking into the fighter planes that were stored on the back of the base. We got run out by the MPs more than once.
So us three siblings are planning on going back this spring maybe end of May to first of June if I can get my brother to commit. It looks like there are several on here planning spring trips. Does anyone have any advice?
We are thinking after arriving in Paris Friday, May 20th we will immediately go to Chateauneuf to explore for several days. Will we be okay to visit that area over a weekend or will everything be closed up? In this area we will look for our old house, what’s left of the air base, go the Chartres on day (a perennial field trip location). Then we will head north through Evreux (my sister’s birthplace) and on to Normandy for a couple of days. Then back to Paris. I really want to run a race in Paris and there is a 5 K Saturday May 28th. Of course we will do many other fun things in Paris and then fly home.
All advice is welcome as this will be the first time back for us in 50 years. God bless you all
BTW I think I also had Miss Waris she was an amazing teacher. She got married the year I was there and became Mrs. Pamy.
I was stationed there 63 t o66. I worked in the motor vehicle repair shop under a Sgt. Looney. And I knew Sgt Parker too. Sgt Looney wrote all my APR’s and he was good at it. I came to Dreux an A3c and left a SSgt G5. Sgt Looney was a straight up guy and I admired the man greatly. As I was only 18 when I arrived there and he was a father figure to me. He was from Chatanooga, TN as I recall. I left Dreux and was stationed at Myrtle Beach for a year, then went civilian. But I occasionally thought about “Looney” and always thought I owed that man a lot. Don Austin
HELLO we were the first to occupy the Chateau de la Barre, after the army left– still looking for Arthur A Terry— I am Bert Faase, just talking to Bob Lanahm- who was with operations—we were with the 60th field radio operations—- with Raymond Stakley— we returned home in Feb of 1957
Hello Bert, Glad to know you are well. One of the pictures was from a postcard we bought at the village shop in Les Chatelets, the other was a picture we took on our last visit in 1990. We stopped by the farmers house & spent a nice time with him & his wife, enjoying coffee, goodies & drinks. They made us most welcome & he gave us a tour of the chateau. They told us how nice it was for them when the ex American residents stopped by for a visit & that it was like family coming home. They did mention that Roger Acord had recently visited. We corresponded with them for some years until we got a short note saying they had both passed away. Ask Stakley does he still have the Ford with trumpets on the fenders that played Rock & Roll. Tell Lanahm I said Hi, that’s if he remembers me.
Returning to France this summer. I was going to stop by Dreux. I am hoping to find “Billy Goat Hill” hill and take my red wagon down the hill for old time sake. I was cruising thru the internet and came across the blog about the Dreux school. So much fun.
It has brought back so many great memories. We were stationed at Dreux for 3 years (1958 to 1961) . I was in grade school, 3rd to 5th grade. Great teachers, my favorites Ms. Stevens and Estabrook. I remember two classmates Sonny and Doug. Anyone out there in the same class. We may have been square dancing partners.
We spent 1 year in Dreux than moved to Chateauneuf.
I am planing my first trip back to France this May since my family transferred back to the States in July 1960. We lived in Dreux while my dad (George Vranich) was stationed at Dreux Air Force Base from 1956 to 1960. Although I have inherited a very poor long-term memory in general, I did want to try and visit where we lived at that time to see what memories it might jog. I was quite surprised to come across this web site while searching for information on Dreux. I was even more surprised when I read the article posted by Sherry Watson Nelson about “A Very Special Teacher” — we must have been in the same 1959/1960 3rd grade class with Miss Waris. After living in the new housing area just up the hill in town of Dreux for 3 years, we moved to the same trailer park as Sherry for our last year. Although I don’t recall any of our classmates, we must have know each other at the time.
One thing that I was trying to find before our trip (May 2016) is where we actually lived for the first 3 months of our tour. We arrived in October 1956 and the Druex housing was not yet ready so we were assigned to an old hotel somewhere in the surrounding area. I believe we stayed there until January 1957 when the housing was completed. There were other families at the hotel also, but as it was quite full, we (mom, dad and my brother) were in one room with two double beds in the attic. There was a sink in the room, but the bathroom was elsewhere…believe it might have been on the floor below. Don’t know which town it was in, but looking out the dormer windows we could see a square with a WWI memorial for which there was a ceremony on November 11. I know a bus picked up my brother and the other kids staying at the hotel for transport to the school on base (I hadn’t started yet). Thought it might be Nonacourt, but searching Google Earth did not give me any clues. Does anyone have any idea where this hotel might have been?
Would love to hear from Sherry. Seeing the details in her posting she may remember me even if I don’t remember her.
Hi Ken!
First of all, a big welcome is sent your way! I have enjoyed reading your post and will look forward to more contributions from you in the future: memories, photos, etc. While I cannot put a face to your name, I do know that there was a Ken in our class as I drew his name for the Christmas gift exchange! I remember this distinctly as my grandfather shared the same first name and I thought that was neat at the time. Do you have a photo of yourself from that time? Perhaps we were square dance partners in class! While I can’t help you with your search for the hotel information, I suspect that someone in this group can and will help you soon. I wish you the very best of luck with your trip back to Dreux. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ken,
I’m glad you found the site. I’m sure it will whet your appetite for your upcoming trip. My dad was stationed at Dreux from 59-62, and I also had Ms Waris, with Sherry; so we were very likely classmates for 3rd grade, too.
I made a trip back in 2012 and again in 2014. Structures were being torn down in the first trip and ther was nothing but a bit of rubble in the second trip. That’s progress for you!
I think the third picture in my album may be the War Memorial in Maillebois that you described. I don’t know if the building behind it is the ‘hotel’. It sits at one end of a town square, so when you go you may want to check it out. I have to imagine the structure is still standing.
Enjoy your trip, and please share a report when you return. I hope by now there is some access allowed to the solar farm facility that’s on the site. At least you might be able to travel some of the old streets.
Glenn,
Good to hear from another classmate even if it has been 56 years and we don’t remember each other. To bad they didn’t do group class photos back then. I do have my 3rd grade photo, but will have to look through old slides my folks took to see if there are any from school. I know we had some from when we went to the Paris zoo at year end, but don’t remember if it was after 2nd or 3rd grade.
Chuck sent some info on Maillebois and I did see the hotel on Google Earth. It is the place I remember. Just thought it was bigger than it looks now. But then again, seems like every place we lived growing up looks much smaller now than back then.
Will follow up with info when we come back from our trip in the Spring.
Ken
I remember taking a zoo trip to Paris during my second-grade year, probably in the Spring of 1959. I guess that was something of a tradition!
Sherry,
Thanks for responding so quickly, but as you can see I am not as diligent. I do have a 3rd grade photo which I suppose I should not be to embarrassed to post once I get a some time to figure out how to do it. I do remember the square dancing especially since my folks were in a square dance club in Dreux. They would rotate having the dances in different homes in our housing area. Had to make their own entertainment back then with no TV and the movies didn’t change that often. Oh the good old days!
As you can see below some of the others have responded to my first post and I will make an effort to reply to them also. Until next time…
Dear Ken,
I’m the historian of EAASDC (European Assoc. of American Square Dance Clubs, see eaasdc.eu). The club that you report about was a member of this association. I’m on the search for information about the club, through rotation a lot got lost. Could you be of any help and provide me with pictures, badge or other information? Originals or scans everything is welcome. Many thanks in advance.
Hey Ken, I believe you were housed at the Auberge de Maillebois in Maillebois some 5 miles from the Dreux Air Base. Maillebois is found on road D-939 to the left going south just off Road D-20 coming from Dreux. See road sign photo where you turn off to go down slight hill into Maillebois in my pictures album.
You could have seen the WW-I memorial standing at the front of the square from your attic room dormer. The Auberge de Maillebois (hotel/Inn) building still stands on your right heading toward Chateauneuf but maybe not used as a hotel/Inn now? I was there in Aug 1987 and the sign still said
Auberge de Maillebois. Directly across from this building is the Auberge des Trois Epis, a Hotel, Restaurant, Tabac, & bar which is still in business.
Look in my picture album for photos of this area 18th row 2nd photo- 37th row 5th photo- 49th row 1st photo- 60th row 5th photo. The old Open Gate Restaurant Bar building still stands on the left side of road D-20 just before you make a right turn onto the base entrance road D-315.1. See 18th row 1st photo. The 18th row 2nd photo shows how the Open Gate used to look in 1960.
I hope this will help you when you return to the area where our Dreux Air base once stood, just a beautiful Avion Base.
The families I knew from 1987 that lived very close to the old base have all passed away but I will try very hard to get to you the e-mail addresses of people Bill & I have been in contact with the last two years. I believe someone will be glad to meet up with you and help you locate what you want to see.
The mayor of Maillebois may be of some help for you.
In the Dreux web-site you will find the locations of all the off base housing areas along with their photos.
Bill and I will help you all we can as you will surely need all the help you can get on your trip to France.
More to come ASAP. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
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Hey Ken, I am sending to you a picture of the old hotel where you lived near the WW-I monument as it looks now in Maillebois. I know this will help you a lot when you get to Maillebois. The old hotel is just behind the blue car looking north past the monument.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Chuck,
Thanks for the information and Maillebois must indeed be the place where we stayed in the hotel. Could not see where you sent me a photo, but I did see it in the ones you posted on the Pictures page. Once I saw that, went to Google Earth and was able to see how it currently looks. Not as big as I expected, but the location was on the mark…even down to the river/creek that ran through the town. Will try to get by there when we visit in the spring. Also will go by our house in the subdivision up the hill from the St. Louis Chapel in Dreux itself.
For now, this has been a big help as it was driving me crazy trying to figure out where that hotel was. If I have more questions when the trip gets nearer, I will let you know.
Ken
Hey Ken,
I knew your dad quite well, being my flight chief in the 11th Sq. He was a TSgt at that time & a great NCO. Fair & honest in his dealings with us young GIs, speaking in his very impressive deep voice. I also met your mother. They were visiting a friend at the chateau where we lived & stopped by our apartment for a look see. Your mom was a lovely lady & very pleasant, they made a handsome couple.
Hope you enjoy your trip, we love France. Remember though, take twice the money & half the clothes.
Jim,
It was very good to hear that someone remembered some nice things about my folks. I wish that I had been older when we were there so that I would have more memories of the place.
My mom passed away in 2007 and is Arlington National Cemetery. Dad turned 90 last year, but his memory and cognitive abilities are dwindling very fast. Thus, he cannot help with any questions I have about Dreux. After spending many years retired in Florida, he is now in the assisted living section at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in DC. It works out well since my brother and I both live in the DC suburbs and can visit him frequently.
I do remember visiting a chateaux where some of the families lived and saw some photos of it on the Pictures page. I would assume that is the one you mentioned. The only specific memory I have of it was that there was a room where the chateaux owners had apparently stored all their crystal when the place was turned over to the Americans. Much of the crystal was untouched, but there were a lot of broken pieces all over the floor. Is this the same Chateaux?
Thanks again for the good words.
Ken
Just got this from Jim O’brien. You can see his stories in the memories section and his pictures in the picture section.
Thanks to all of you on the team for all the of your work & time spent working this BLOG for our benefit, enjoyment & fond memories. For you Bill, a special thanks for getting me in touch with our mutual friend Don Leslie. It was great reminiscing with him about our days at Dreux. We discussed working on the on C-119s & the various NCOs we worked for. He & I were both fresh out of Tech School at that time, & impressed with the aircraft & in awe of NCOs and their rank. That, inevitably rolled into our experience being on flying status & the responsibility for the care & maintenance of the planes while alone at different air bases on cross country trips. We also chatted about the various aircraft commanders we crewed with. All in all we both enjoyed every aspect of the 11thSq. & agreed that Dreux & France was a great overseas assignment.
On another note, I stayed with the Air Force as a career, & on flying status for about 18 yrs, with most of my time in the Pacific area. I crossed paths with several people from Dreux during my travels. TSgt Joe Hammond & I served in the same AC-47, Spooky Gunship Sq. in Viet Nam. TSgt Bob Larrick & I shared a house for awhile in Saigon. Again in Viet Nam I met up with SSgt Bodo Wiesner, A2C Tom Green, & an old buddy from Food Service A1C Paul Marsh. In the Philippines, MSgt Harold Wilkerson. he was the 1stSgt. of the 11thSq. when I got to Dreux & without a doubt the finest NCO I ever knew. Other people I met: 1Lt Jim Moore, at Clark AB, then a Captain for Branif. TSgt Pete Cooley, Hickam. I keep in touch with a good friend SSgt Vince Snipas, he was a Radio Operator in the 10th. Also, my wife Ronne, met A1C Roger Acord, in Honolulu, he was also an airline Captain but for, PANAM. While at Dreux he was in Avionics with the 60th FMS. He & his family also lived in the Chateau de La Barre, the same time we were there.
I had hoped that my two articles in Memories of Dreux would garner some interest on the BLOG from the children who might have seen their fathers’ names mentioned, but alas, there was no joy. I hope this note generates some interest from them. I am sure that many of our WW11 & Korean serving airmen that we knew at Dreux have now moved on to that big base in the sky. May God bless them all.
A1C Jim O’Brien
Jim, We read your article about working at NCO club. My friend was born at Dreux in 1959. His older sister (9 at the time) remembers MSgt. XXXXXX too, who was good friends with their parents Glenn and Connie Fugitt. Her memories are exactly as you described him, very dapper and genteel. Do those names ring a bell? Also, do you remember MSgt. XXXXXXX’S first name and/or the name of his wife? Thanks,
pHi Sandy, my heart almost stopped when I read your post. That 9-year old is me! My name is Evelina Dunn, married name, but back then I was Vangy Fugitt and was living in the trailers on base before moving off base. Glenn was my step dad and Connie was my mother. Both have since passed away. I sure would love more information from anyone about the French Economy housing as it was called, specifically the house across from the abandoned factory next to a small stream going through the forest. I remember the school and some friends like Mary Beth and my boyfriend at the time in 7th grade, a Ron and a cool guy known as Julius who wore black leather and put mirrors on top of his shoes, bad boy! But especially Mr. Chrome Dome, our French teacher we dubbed by that name. He was a great teacher. I remember seeing movies in those Quonset huts. I loved living in France and always hoped to return, but it wasn’t to be. I do have some old photos of the housing, and the trailers, not sure where to post them.
Hey Dreux Folks, When you scroll to the very bottom of the home page you need to click on the web site there. Some may not even know about this web-site because they’ve never looked at the bottom of the home page. I’ve talked to some folks that never have looked at the bottom of the home page. When I ask “did you see the wonderful pictures from AFCVM” many tell me no.
Association Francaise des Collectioneurs Vechicules Militaires is the site. Don’t pass this up for you might just see Dreux Air Base scenes you haven’t seen for many years. Let me hear back about this from folks who never saw this. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
thanks-i’ll forward to pic to my sister-she’s going to Evreux in April, me in June……
60th TCGp & Other C-119 Vets Reunion. Sept 11 – 14, 2016 Fiddlers INN, Nashville, TN. Contact Paul Baldwin, 113 Par Dr. Whitney, TX 76692, 254 694 2257, [email protected] All units WELCOME
was there a hospital there, or, if you were at Evereux, would one have been born there? My sister’s 1959 French birth certificate says only she was born ” a’ l’hopital de la base ame’ricaine”. Our dad T O was flight line 317th at EAFB…
Hello R Bond, There was a hospital at Dreux air Base. Sometime in the year 1961 it was downsized to a clinic. There was a hospital also at Evreux that stayed open as such, till that base closed for good in early 1961. Would you tell us more about your father ?What do the letters T O stand for ? Thanks for you blog note. We look forward to hearing from you soon. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
R Bond – I have contacted some of our Erveux readers and their answers are here:
Thomas Sparr says:
Yes, there was a hospital in/at Evreux. It was/is located on the west-north-west side of town as the terrain starts to rise up from a small river that runs through that side of Evreux. I say “is” as the buildings remain, although few are occupied and most are in disrepair. I visited the sight in 2011 and took a number of photos. There was also an officer’s housing area a few blocks south of the hospital.
The MF Smith listed in the CC address was stationed at the hospital and may comment. That is if he didn’t mind me including him in this email. Also, in it’s a small world, my mother was a McLeod, from north-east Ohio. Regards, Thomas, 39th TCSq, 1960-64, Evreux.
MF Smith says:
Yes, the 317th Tactical Hospital was on the hill above Evreux, which was referred to as St. Michel. I was occupied in mid-1960. I arrived late December 1960 and one of my first projects was the formal dedication and opening ceremonies. Thanks to friends in other units, we pulled it off!
With the birth certificate dated 1959, that would have been at the hospital on the main base. I believe it was in the building that later became the BOQ across the street from the O Club. Not really sure, but I think that officially to the French would have been Fauville which had a small city hall just outside of the back gate.
I have included Laurent Loizy, who lives in Evreux, on the distribution of the message. He is much more versed in the history of EFAB than I am and may be able to amplify.
This is a link to a photo of the outside of the building. Photo was supposedly taken in 2010 but unusual that the “Bus Stop” sign is in English.
https://www.google.com/maps/search/21+Place+Dupont+de+l'Eure,+%C3%89vreux,+France/@49.022139,1.230984,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1s38264447!2e1!3e10!6s%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fproxy%2FnS4CWOJEK261DL83hORkzg_2f4XAasV7NoMTpMypxdFR0ykyblK323YOyxHwy8B0GI_yaTja8eoRdFcTp_TqT8pnI-pCJw%3Dw203-h137!7i1818!8i1228
I believe the GPS is 49.022517, 1.230927
Wouldn’t bet my next pay on it, but I believe this is the location.
Chuck, Evreux-Fauville AB didn’t close until 1967, the deadline for NATO to leave France. Our C-130 Sqdns went TDY there till at least 66. Was your 1 a typo? I don’t know for sure how long l’Hopital au Evreux stayed open. Regards, Thomas
Evreux did close in April 1967 not 1961. Thanks Tommy for
seeing this & letting me know about it. Yes, I did make a type-o. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
the pic, that is.Thomas Oscar, from St. Louis, but he always went by TO….
R Bond, Your post of yesterday is interesting, with a TO from St. Louis. I say I’m near STL because most don’t know St. Peters, 25 miles west. Are there two Toms in/near to STL?
I’ll be with you and your sister in spirit during your travels to France this year, am planning on 2017or 18. There is a chap on facebook, Evreux Alumni, who lives near & works on the Evreux AB. He may like to meet you as he is interested in the history of the bases in that area. His name is Laurent. Did you get some photos of l’Hopital Evreux? Thomas
Your statement about the Evreux Hospital closing in 1961. I don’t think that date is correct. My brother was born at Evreux on August 4, 1964.
The Dreux hospital was downgraded to a clinic in 1961 when the operational aircraft left. The Evreux hospital remained open after that, until the phase down to close the NATO military presence.
Coming up on the new year . . . have many great memories of Christmas at Dreux. As so many of us have said, our time there was so special in so many ways, and the Christmas season is just another set of great memories. My very best wishes to all of my Dreux friends. Wishing you the very best in 2016. – Doug
As usual, Doug expressed himself very well, and captured the sentiments most of us have. I was 8 to 11 while I was there, but my memories of Dreux still remain vivid over 50 years later. Special times; special people. This site, and this community have helped me to re-live those times again. Thanks to you all…and have a wonderful 2016.
I was stationed at Dreux AFB France from May of 1960 until it closed in 1961. I was subsequently reassigned to Evreux, AFB France. At Dreux, I was an E-1 and worked as a general aircraft mechanic. Crossed trained to C-130’s at Evreux. While at Evreux, within four months I was reassigned to Athens, Greece.
Hello Jim, You tell that you arrived at Dreux Air Base in May 1960. The base did not close in 1961, the flying squadrons were inactivated. The aircraft personnel were sent to other bases or separated from the USAF. What month did you transfer to Evreux? Bill & myself left the USAF in April that year at Mcguire AFB. You say you were an E-1, just what is this ? Hope to hear more from you soon. Bill’s barracks was located on the corner of California Ave & Florida Ave & I was in the barracks on California Ave at the south end of the football field. God Bless;
A/2C Sibert
I stand corrected on the bases’ actual closure. As mentioned, I transferred out on those dates. An E-1 is a one stripe enlisted airman. Eventually I ended up as a staff sgt., (4 stripes) leaving the Air Force (1959-1968) after 8 years and after one stint in Viet Nam.
Hey Jim, An E-1 is really an Airmen basic.
An Airmen 3rd class (one stripe) is a E-2.
An Airmen 2nd class (two stripes) is a E-3.
An Airman 1st class (three stripes) is a E-4.
Bill & I wore two stripes & our pay grade was
E-3.
You were a staff sergeant with 4 stripes an E-5 so just count backward & you’ll see what I’m saying. This was the way it was in the 60’s.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Dear Dreux folks, Today is Christmas day 2015. Jesus is the reason for the season. I wish to all a very Merry Christmas & the about to be here year 2016 to be very good to all of you !!!!!!
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert “Nabb, Indiana”
Merry Christmas All.
Happy New Year
I found this blog while I was trying to locate French nationals for my mom. My parents met while my father was stationed at Dreux. My mother was a French National. They were married for 30+ years and had five children before he passed away. She is currently living in the Scott AFB area. I am sending her this link so she can post some of her memories and get in touch with others. I know this will be a wonderful experience for her!
Bonjour Elena, I am not a French national but I do live near St. Louis, MO and know Scott AFB, Il. I was not posted to Dreux, but was assigned to the 39th TCSq from 1960 to 1964 at Evreux-Fauville AB, a few kilometers north of Dreux. We have some friends who came from Dreux and joined our squadron when the C-119s departed Dreux. We also have a few French friends from the Evreux to Mantes les Jolie area along route N-13 to Paris. I have spoken to a couple of French speaking people at Lambert St. Louis Airport, but unfortunately never learned their names. We are friends on Facebook with a French couple who work in Ohio and try to retain and use what French we do know. If your Mom does choose to post on this blog, I can respond if she wishes. What unit was your Father assign to at Dreux and during what time period? Regards, Thomas & Nancy
In keeping the reorganization of the site I have linked all the new articles to both the their group, such as Memories, and the New Articles page. The New Articles page will work the same as the new pictures folder. that is, all new articles whether information, obituary, memories, etc will be linked to both places. After awhile (not determined yet) I’ll drop them off the New Articles page. Bill
Mary I went to the prom in th Eiffel Tower it was a great experience. I was at the highl school 1960-63
I was at Dreux with my father from 1959 to 1962. My older sister graduated from the high school, went to her prom at the Eiffel tower — loved the video of that event! My father was attached to the 8th Radio Relay station
Welcome,Mary. For everyone else, Mary and I have been exchanging emails and we were in the same 6th grade class. Ron Holland was in it too — now three of us on the website from the same 6th grade class in 1961/2. How about that.
Where is Ron Holland from? I know a Ron Holland from Tennessee.
The ship Corky Dault went to France on was the U.S.S. General W. G. Haan.
She was launched 20 Mar 45 & at the end of her life scraped in Taiwan in 1987.
Just a tidbit some might want to look up.
A/2C Sibert
Just put up memories from Corky Daut. Both his story and Grady’s story are highlighted in red for easy finding. Bill
I have just finished reading with interest Grady Gibbons’ memories article (thanks to Chuck Silbert). My sister, Debbie, was one of those kindergardeners in the margarite 6 building that he described. She was there during the 1960-61 school year, so that would fit.
I have put some new obituraries. Of note is Reverend Hofstad, he was mentioned by Chris Crissifulli, and Joe Upton who has pictures on the site. I also put up some information on Grady Gibbons in Memories of Dreux.
NOTICE – NOTICE-NOTICE
I am going to be adding some security features to the site and while I expect no trouble, it could happen. I will do the update on Saturday. If the site disappears don’t worry. I have it backed up and we can restore it . Bill
Dreux Folks,
Bill has some new to us, obits up on the site. Maybe you can recall these former Dreux Air Base USAF folks. Bill has been working very hard to get the site updated. Give him a hand !!!!
A/2C Sibert
Dreux Folks, Sherry made it home to Natchez, Ms safe and sound & exhausted.
Glad she is well & recovering. Washing & ironing she was when I talked to her Saturday.
A/2C Sibert
While I was working on our new video I discovered another Dreux video on You Tube. It is from the high school. I added a link to it on the video page titled Dreux high school. Bill
Great find Bill. That’s my 7th grade French teacher, Mr. Joannais, walking around the language lab.
Just added and new heading to match the reorganization – New Articles. To initiate it I have added a new article from Alain Wojcik on his tour of the base. It includes all the pictures taken the day the video was taken. Eventually I will get the pictures into new pictures and Alain’s folder. Bill
I have put up a video from Alain in You Tube. It is of the tour on October 7. Go to video page and click on Dreux Air Base Tour. I am still working on the pictures. Bill
Dreux Folks,
Sherry should return from her New England vacation to Natchez, Ms this week-end. Lets all that will pray for a safe return for Sherry. I’m hoping that her house in Ireland will be sold in a few short weeks. She needs to have that behind her very soon.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Just got a bunch of pictures from Alain Wojcik. He went on a tour of the solar farm on October 7. There are more than we got from Patrick Rouby but are identical. He also sent a video shot from the viewing stand. I wiil have to ask him if I can put on youtube. Will get the pictures up as soon as I can. Bill
Good job, Bill. Your reorg of the site will be particularly helpful to anyone dropping by for the first time. – Doug
Just reorganized the website. We have essentially two types of accounts, stories like sherry’s riding the school and chuck’s getting caught in a rainstorm; and information on Dreux like maps, booklets. sketches of things at Dreux, History etc. I have created a new page titled Dreux Information. it appears in the header. Clinking on this will take you to an index for these types of information. If you find anything missing let me know. Bill
Just put up my explosive decompression and ejection seat training card.
What did a C-119 flight engineer need with this card. Can anyone tell me? If no one answers I will tell you later. Bill
http://dreuxairbasefrancememories.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/jet_card.jpg
Dearest:
“If you can dive, swim, and Jump then you were allowed to “FLY”.
Sincerely, searching for those who knew:
An American stationed @: Dreux, area (1957ish):
(?) (?) Fogg has a child with: Jean Carroll and the male child is born:
14 November 1958: Stephen James Fogg @ Dreux A.F.B., France.
He’s my neighbor and we want to help him locate his “Roots”.
Sincerely,
Betsi Anne McNeill Sukoenig Nagasawa
Santa Monica, CA
dtr. of: Ralph Kenneth McNeill (Laurel, MS)
m. Kathryn Shanteau Louise White (Ocean Springs, MS) (1st. m. to: James Hampton White, Jr. of Clinton, LA) and searching for those on Base 1957/1958 RE: Fogg and jean Carroll’s child: Stephen, my neighbor born to them).
Chuck/Bill…I saw comments from George Tyndall and Ron Britton (dependent of TSGT Elton Britton) as I surfed the site for the first time in a couple of years. I knew both fairly well. George and I were in the Communications Squadron together. I remember when he arrived. I know Elton Britton from the Protestant chapel choir. He was our organist/pianist under MSGT Edward LeVau who was the director and the base sergeant major. One of the highlights for Brit was playing the organ at the Chartres Cathedral where the choir did a recital. The picture I had of that day (Sunday) is now in the possession of the Air Force Historical Office in Montgomery, AL. In addition, the Protestant chapel choir came in second in the USAF chapel choir contest. That drew a lot of notoriety with Colonel Churchill presenting the award to Chaplain (Captain) Dean C. Hofstad and MSGT LeVau. I don’t know where LeVau and Britton rotated to, but Chaplain Hofstad went to Hanscom AFB, in MA.
HI Chuck/Bill and Dick, I just read Dick’s note from October 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed hearing some of the events that happened back then. My Dad, TSGT Elton Britton rotated to Malmstrom, MT and stayed with choral music throughout his career. One of his most memorable moments he would share with all was playing the organ at the Chartres Cathedral and the choir. Elton and my Mom stayed close friends with Dean Hofstad and his family. Dean and Elton served at Cam Rahn Bay, Viet Nam where Dad formed the Cam Rahn Bay Choraleers who were taped and performed on Ed Sullivan Show 1965. I’ve tried to find the tapes which were probably Air Force tapes but haven’t had any luck yet. Since the tape was provided to the Ed Sullivan show, they weren’t recorded into available historical footage from the network. I’m going to try to view the picture you provided to the Air Force Historical Office in Alabama some day too… Thanks so much for your recollections.
61 yrs ago this month I arrived at Dreux mud hole 821st EAB H&S Co. Returned to the states Jan 56 great experince
Sherry has made her way to the Boston, Mass area getting there around 5:30 PM
today. She’ll now meet up with her husband & Irish folks tomorrow. She still needs all our prayers for a safe return trip later this month.
A/2C Sibert
Sherry has made her trip from Natchez, Ms to Knoxville, Tn and last night she was residing in Carlisle, Pa. Today she heads out for Boston, Ma & tomorrow to meet up with her husband & friends from Ireland. Don’t forget your prayers for her to have a safe trip.
A/2C Sibert
61yrs ago this month I arrived at Dreux AFB H&S Co 821st EAB Time flies Huh?
Hey Bob, I just wanted to thank you for taking my place at Drew. I left in March 1954. I had arrived in April 1953 with the original 821 EABs landing. It was a great cow pasture.
I was in the 1st platoon, Co. C. I was TDYed to Chaterue and Leon most of the time and didn’t get to build any of the luxurious quarters you moved into.
My MOS was Heavy Carpenter and every thing I worked was steel, a theater and service club at Chaterue and a 10,000 gal. fuel tank at Leon.
John Daut
Just put up a new picture. Dreux Rod and Gun Club Patch.
Hey Dreux Folks, Sherry is going to meet up with her husband and three of their neighbors from Ireland this week in New England. Let’s all pray for a safe round trip journey for her.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
William,
Tell your father that I’m waiting to hear from him about Dreux Air Base.
Surely he can let us know things about the old base we never even thought about when we were there. I’m moving on up to 81 years, so tell him to get a move on.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I still havnt gotten my father to look at the blog. he is a tough old E-9. still a hard worker. William McKinley Jordan Jr. ” Bill
Sherry’s house in Ireland still has not been sold. Her & her husband have purchased a house in Natchez, Ms & would love to see their former home in Ireland sold. Let’s all who will pray do so, about the sale of the house in Ireland.
Thank’s to all the folks who read this blog.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Thank you, Chuck, and to all of the members on this blog! We appreciate it.
Good luck Sherry in selling your home. I have no idea hoe hard it is to sell over there; but I hope a buyer materializes soon!
Tom – No I took early out and returned to the states.
Bill Deegan– Sorry your comment didn’t show up immediately on the blog. It got caught up in the spam filter and I missed it. You were at Dreux from the time of mud till it started to be a real base. I was there right after you, from 59-61 when the flying squadrons left. I was a flight engineer in the 11th and apparently the goto guy when no one else wanted to go. I doubt that my time on base was over a couple of months. Welcome to the site. I am also going to post this on the blog so people will see it. Regards Bill site manager
Bill, Did you come to Evreux with some other flight deck crew members? We gained a couple pilots but FEs, LMs and Navs don’t remain in my weak memory bank. Tom, 39th TCS 1960-64.
I was born in the base hospital, I think, 10/04/56. My father is William McKinley Jordan Jr. he was stationed there for 4Years, 9 months, We were then transferred back to the States, to Turner AFB,, in Albany GA. My father is still living in Anderson S.C.I would like to know if anyone out there remembers him, and/or was stationed there in that time period? Also, if there are any children that would be about my age (58), that would be willing to get in touch with me? Dependent chidren, that is…..
William, What a good blog story for all Dreux folks to read.
We need some more info about your father, what did he do at Dreux Air Base, his rank, where did he live on or off base.
What was his unit & what hanger if any, did he perform his duties in ?+
Just maybe we could talk with him in South Carolina ?
Could he have some photos of his time at the base we could add to the picture album ? That would be just heart warming.
I will see who I can touch base with when I find out what he did at the base. Surely there are airmen alive that knew your dad.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I was stationed at Dreux from 1955-1959. I was a Parachute Rigger and Survival Equipment Specialist assigned in the maintenance squadron. I remember going to the recreation center to watch a movie and the reel would be changed every 20 minutes. Not much to do being a young airman until things started to improve about a year after I arrived. I have fond memories of Dreux and we made the best of it, all things considered.
Just added five pictures He took from outside the base in 1978, Remember if you click on the big picture it open in a new window where you can scroll around to look at it closely. Bill
Hey Doug,
Behind your trailer’s heating oil barrel’s on the right there seems to be a vehicle of some nature. Whatever it is seems to have a very large windshield. Can you recall if this vehicle was a Dreux Air Base bus ? It seems to be parked near one of the trailers. Maybe a bus driver lived in the trailer ? I’m sure you would have scoped this out like you and your buddies did all other aspects of the base.
Waiting to hear back as to what it really was. Thanks a bunch.
A/2C Sibert
Chuck – Don’t see a vehicle — right behind the oil tanks is the storage shed — each trailer had one. As I looked at the pix there were a couple other things to note. Each trailer had a clothesline, which you can see in the pictures. Also in one of the pictures you can see that the trailer had no propane bottles, which obviously meant it was unoccupied. Following the departure of the aircraft in early 61, there were lots of empty trailers. They essentially gave my dad the keys to a bunch of them and told him to pick whichever one he liked. You can see that the lean-to on our trailer was larger, which is why we selected that one.
Put up two new pictures from Doug. Look in new pictures folder. (also in his picture folder). Looks cold.
That winter was cold. And in those trailers made it seem so much worse. I was so glad when we finally got into offbase housing and a warm duplex.
WOW…I remember snow…but not that much! And we were definitely there that winter. Nice reminder!
Yes, a nice reminder for me. Dad had put a kerosene heater in the lean-to but it was still quite cold. Even though I was only 7 I remember Christmas Eve with my little sister huddled in a quilt blanket with Mom in a rocking chair watching the Christmas tree twinkle.
Thank You to all the Servicemen who have contributed to this page. For a lot of us here Dreux was a different special place of our youth, and your pics and stories have sparked many a memory tucked away in our minds.
Well said! This is so true for so many of us who were kids at the time. Thank you.
When I got to Dreux in Feb 1966, I was looking forward to a 3 year tour in that beautiful country, but it got cut short when Mr DeGaulle asked us all to leave. So I got only one year there before we moved to Moron AB in southern Spain, which was, fortunately, another enjoyable place to spend the other 2 years. I bought a small motorcycle from another airman at Dreux and got off base as often as possible to practice my French. Loved it.
Hey Jim,
Wonderful to hear about your one year stay at Dreux Air Base.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you about what really happened in 1966 as the base was packed up and moved out.
Did you know Lt Davis the last base commander ? Would you have any photos to send to us about the base closure ? We really don’t have a photo album with photos taken about that very large move. It will be nice to come up with some photos from your last days depicting the base closing.
I’ll e-mail you at length asking about some of the things you might recall regarding your section. By the way, just what did you do at Dreux Air Base ?
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I was at Dreux from 60-63 with my Dad Jim, we were in Wiesbaden when DeGaulle extended his boot and remember my Dad being sent back to help dismantle the Base. When he got back he said what they didn’t take got left in poor condition.
I was stationed at Dreux Air Base from 1962 to 1965 Fire Dept.
Hey Ronald, Thanks for letting us know about you being at Dreux Air Base 1962-1965. Have you looked at the photos we have on the site that shows some of the ups & downs of the Dreux fire station ? I believe that the building to the rear of the fire station was a storage area for the station. Could you let me know about this & what did you guys keep inside ? I was never inside the fire station although I had my transient alert office on the side of the main hanger looking toward the fire station. I always waved to the firemen when passing close by in my yellow follow -me VW pick up truck. I wonder if the yellow
follow -me VW pick up trucks were still around when you came to Dreux base in 1962 ? By the way what state are you in ? I’m in Indiana. Where was your barracks located on base ? We need any info we can get about the base fire department as we have very little up to this point. Were the French still working as firemen ? Hope to hear back from you soon. I hope you can get us some of your pictures for the site. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I was station at Dreux Air Base from 1962 to 1965 Fire Dept.
Chuck – as usual is half right. I was returning from Arizona but was in New Mexico when he called. I don’t know about any great upcoming changes. With the amount of traffic we have on the blog it sometimes seems that we are wasting our time. Bill
NOT SO!. The blog may not be super active but you all have preserved a bit of history and a wonderful time and place that can never be recreated. I have immensely enjoyed the effort you have put into this and the reconnection of many memories I lost because I was so young.
Hey John, You are so right about this web-site. There is so much info about Dreux Air Base found here and still more to come. Where else can one find what we have uncovered about our old NATO Air Base ? Just look at my picture album alone. There have been over 12,000 views on this one album. One must realize that most of the former Dreux Airmen & families are up in age now. Just take me, I’m now going on 81 years. Things come more slowly with older age but we’re still moving along.
I have found some more photos to get to bill to put up in my picture album. I’m working on a story about another Airman at Dreux in 1961-1962 for the memories page. I hope to have all the info I need by the middle of September. Things are moving but not at warp speed due to the age factor. Just wanted to let you know more stuff is coming down the pike !! God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
And we will look forward to it, Chuck! None of us are getting any younger…
Hey Folks, Just talked with Bill on his cell phone. He’s on I-25 headed home from New Mexico where he visited with his sister & brother-in-law for a week. He says he feels rested and ready to do more work on the Dreux web-site. So hold on folks, something is gonna happen.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Nancy, I didn’t buy my moped from Jack, your father. My moped was purchased from A/3C Kenneth Priddy, an airman from West Virginia, in June 1960. He bought it new from a moped dealer in Dreux city. I believe he only had the moped about 2 months. Thanks & I hope to hear from you soon.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Testing notification system
Hi. I just wanted to say that the ‘moped for sale’ posted in Memories of Dreux was my father’s (Jack Bernklow). He was there from 1956 until early 60s I think. My Mum, brother and I lived there and were joined by my younger sister when she was born in 1958 (at Dreux). The three of us were baptized there and I still have my baptismal certificate. My Mum was (is) Scottish and my Dad had requested a posting at Dreux so she could be near home and indeed we made several trips to Edinburgh and my Grandmother came to visit us in Dreux. I was very young and so have only vague memories of our time there although I might be able to fish out some photos.
Nancy, Thanks for the heads up about Jack’s moped for sale.
We just love to hear back about things posted on the Dreux web-site. I know that was long ago but recalls are special for you & us.
Please send the photos to Bill so he can get them up in the pictures album. Hoping to hear back from you very soon.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Nancy, Thanks for the heads up about Jack’s moped for sale.
We just love to hear back about things posted on the Dreux web-site. I know that was long ago but recalls are special for you & us.
Please send the photos to Bill so he can get them up in the pictures album. Hoping to hear back from you very soon.
God Bless: 7-15-15
A/2C Sibert
Hi Dennis!
Many, many thanks for sharing your very interesting story with our group. We look forward to more memories, pictures, etc. from you. When you mentioned about going to the movies, I had to think that we were probably all sitting there together at the Saturday Kiddy Matinees, where my Dad, Daniel Watson, ran the projector as a part-time job. What job did your dad do on the base? Thanks again for sharing your story!
Some thoughts on Patrick’s pictures. If you watch the inauguration video you will see that the solar company made a raised platform for the ceremony. Best view is at 2.20 minutes. Most of Patrick’s pictures were taken from this platform. Note the access ramp runs down to California ave. Look at picture 3, we are looking down California toward where the Golf Club used to be The gate to the left is Colorado. the bare area to your left was where base ops used to be. You will also notice the the solar panels have been fenced off from where the buildings used to be and that access to the platform is also fenced off from the solar panels. Pictures 1,5,6, and 10 were taken from the platform. 10 is a composite of three pictures. The first one taken toward the farm on the north road, the second taken toward Chennevieres and the third taken toward the chapel and movie theater. Picture 2 was taken on the ramp between base ops and hanger 1 looking toward Chennevieres. The other pictures I would be guessing at locations. Bill
Great to hear your recollections of your time there Dennis. I was there from ’60-63 a year older than you. My Dad was in the Motor Pool at Dreux. I forgot all about the gypsies. They must have made their rounds to the offbase housings, we had them stop in at Senoches as well from time to time.
Hello Dennis, Thanks for a wonderful life story about your days at Dreux Air Base. Bill & I were at the base when you were there. We may have crossed path’s with your dad about the base. Just what did Sandy do at the Dreux Air Base? Bill & I would like to locate the white house near the big old church in Blevy. Could you possibly get a Google shot of it and sorta hone us in on it? Maybe you could send to Bill some photos of your days at the base. Let him know & he’ll get his address to you. It is so wonderful to hear from you about Dreux Air Base 1958-1960. Hoping to hear more from you soon.
God Bless: A/2C Sibert
Hello Everyone ! It is so nice to find people with something in common with my family. My father was Sandy Angelo and we were stationed at Drew from 1958 until the end of 1960. (Before and after that, we were stationed at Scott AFB in southern Illinois, near St. Louis, MO.) I was only a kid at the time; was 3 when we arrived in France and went to kindergarten fall of 1960 on Dreux AFB, then moved back to O’Fallon, Illinois (near Scott AFB) for the second half of kindergarten in the spring of 1961. I remember going to the movies on the base and an airplane that they called the “Boxcar”. We lived in Blevy, France; first in a cold old house, then in a beautiful white house along a small creek near a huge old church. The nice house is located down the alley on the left side of this church; down a driveway to the left hand side at the rear of the church. I remember gypsies coming to that house begging for handouts on one occasion. You may need to cut & paste this link below:
http://images-02.delcampe-static.net/img_large/auction/000/281/498/758_001.jpg?v=1
Dad enlisted into the Army-Air Corps in 1936. He was originally from Dudley, Pennsylvania, where the family operated a shoe repair shop, among other things. Dad was good working with his hands, and found his way onto Charles Lindbergh’s ground crew. Dad told this story about a time when Lindbergh was in a hurry to fly off to somewhere and in the rush to get his plane out onto the runway, they clipped the wingtip on the hangar door that had not been completely opened. Lindbergh read the crew the riot act and Dad spent the weekend doing sheet metal repair work on the plane. Dad worked his way up to Warant Officer and during WWII, got a field commission to Officer while fighting the Japanese in the Pacific; probably around 1943. Dad retired in 1965 – he was about to be promoted to Lt. Col. and transferred to California, but contracted tuberculosis from a co-worker (who died of the disease) on Scott AFB. They retired Dad immediately after he recovered from the disease and we moved to Oakfield, NY. After living in upstate NY for 2 years (think tons of snow) , we moved back to O’Fallon and Dad worked Civil Service; Disaster Preparedness at Scott AFB for 12 years.
Dad passed away in 2005; 17 days shy of 90 years of age. Mom & Dad also adopted a baby French girl while stationed at Drew in September 1958. The father was an American serviceman and her mother was a French woman. I had also been adopted out of East St. Louis in August of 1955.
Many thanks ti the Air Force community that I was raised in and the wonderful parents that adopted my sister and I.
Glenn – I hate to disgree with you but if you look at picture 6 it was taken where the taxiway to base ops hits the south taxiway. The building on the right is the farmer’s barn just in margarite 6.
Bill, I don’t disagree with that. That new northern access was made primarily for the electric company. There are a number of points where you can get good vantage points of the northern perimeter of the base. With a little creativity and a bit of trespassing you can get to the east and west sides, too. What I was talking about, and should have been clearer, is that you can’t get on the base property where all the buildings were.
We have some recent pictures of the base from Patrick Rouby. He has a lot more and as we get them we will work them into the normal picture album but I wanted to get these up fast.
http://dreuxairbasefrancememories.org/files/Stories_html_nf/patrick_rouby/patrick_rouby.html
It’s nice to see these pictures. I will have to say, however, that I don’t think he’s actually on the base property in them. When I was there last year I pretty much got on the same roads that are in his pictures; but they only take you up to the perimeter fences. I actually asked the electric company to let me on the base, before my trip and when I was at the base, and the security was very tight…as you can imagine with a field of solar panels. And the farmers may let you get up to the fences, but can’t get you on the base property; legally anyway. There is also a lot of soil remediation being done on the base now that the buildings are gone. I hope I’m wrong because it would be great to see some actual pictures of the base property; but I don’t see it here.
Hey Folks, we have some photos today from Patrick Rouby who lives next to our old Air Base. We want him to tell us what part of the South base section the photos are from. When we get this info we’ll be putting the photos up on the picture album under his name.
P. S. Sherry Nelson is now living in Natches, Mississippi waiting for their house to sell in Ireland. When its sold, her husband Don & his mom, will join Sherry.
A/2C Sibert
Sent Ira two emails to try to get him in touch with our 821` people. One Bob Keller does not recognize the name but maybe a picture would jog his memory. here is what I sent.
Ira – I tried emailing you before but I was using a new program and don’t know if it really was sent. Here is what I said:
Ira – We have two bloggers who were in the 821st during that time. I don’t know how often they read the blog. If you will send me you phone number. I will call you and try to put you in touch with them. I have found that most of us don’t answer phone numbers we don’t recognize. My number is 303-287-4736. Bill McLeod
Since that time I have heard from one of the 821st guys.
Hi Bill Sorry I missed you this morning I have tried calling you But just get busy signal so I will give you the message I was trying to post on the blog to Ira Goldenberg re: his dad who was stationed at Drerux same time as myself 821st EAB H&S co. The nameI did not recognize But if he had picture that he could post it might ring my memory Also Tom Joyner who was there at the same time might be able to help . Both Tom & my picture album under the Dreux picture album. This is more or less what I tried to post on the blog but for some reason wouldn’t take Again sorry I missed your call Have a nice day Bob Keller
Look at the pictures from Bob Keller from Bob Keller, Tom Joyner, and is this dreux. We have had people find their parents from other people’s pictures. Waiting to hear from you. Bill McLeod Site Manager.
Glenn, I will stand corrected with you. Hard to see the runway area even from the back side. I did meet the farmer, he watched me very closely when I drove toward the military entrance. When I came back we talked for a few minutes, sign language mostly. A horizontal wave of the hand with palm down when I asked about the buildings on the base. Flat in any language.
The military entrance is a sturdy fence with the same signage as on an American base, enough of a threat to ward off anyone but a criminal.
While I may have a post at the top will a moderator please add my father to the list.
A1C Will T. Hurst
AF14392989
7305th Air Police Sqdn
With Alabama Guard and remained on active duty when it deactivated. Thank you
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-BULOVA-ACCUTRON-214-RAILROAD-APPROVED-WATCH-DIAL-/201343658577
Here is a internet translation of patrick’s messages:
If you have pictures i would be interrested to see. if you can send me i you would send mine thank you.
Hello I am french and I do not live very far from the base, following your answer I can confirm that the track is still used, aircraft of the French army is regularly poses after noon around 16:00 pm and in the evening sees the end of pisteils make “touch and go” Attached is a link that shows you that the track does not have solar panels:
http://www.survoldefrance.fr/affichage2.php?&lieu=Senonches&f=0&img=39000&prev_suiv_link=1
http://www.survoldefrance.fr/affichage2.php?&lieu=Senonches&f=0&img=39000&prev_suiv_link=1
Indeed the main entrance is the property of the electric conpagnie “EDF” and access banned the only access can be between 5 and 6 magueritte by a road past a farm, except the farmer stands in the way and we can not enter and this one does not want one returns by.
I have not been able to return on the basis for 2 years because Vegetatio around is dense and we do not see much damage …
If I manage to make pictures I would put them on your site
friendly
patrick
I stand corrected; although I will note that these photos were from 2012 and the buildings are no longer standing.
Hey Chuck,I just went to personal lists and saw a few names I recognized, did they come from rosters or were they placed there by themselves?I entered mine just for the record.Hope you are faring better than me,getting old is just not what it’s cooked up to be,certianly not for the faint of heart.I can remember the first few days after I arrived at Dreux,S/sgt.Buckanan asked Gerry Goodall and myself if we wanted to go to Paris with him and two other guys,one of which was rotating back state side.After accepting,we soon found that all three knew most every one in every village all the way to Paris,and that each one wanted to buy each of us a glass of wine.Both Gerry and myself were the same age which kept us from drinking back state side,by the time we got to Paris,neither of us could find our butts sitting on our hands.I do remember being down on Pig Alle,and just bits and pieces after that,one thing I will not forget is the next day at work,I have been hungover many times since then but that will always stand out.
Would like to know anything about my father’s service or the conditions @ Dreux, 821st EAB, H & S Co., from March 1954 to Septmber 1955.Thank you,
Ira, We need to have more info about your father. What was his Name, Army or Air Force, His rank, Serial # & mos. Where was he from, what did he do with the 821st ? We want to help you all we can & we will. Thank you for your interest in the unit that started the building of Dreux Air Base in 1952.
A/2C Sibert
My father’s full name was, Harvey Daniel Goldenberg. His service # was: U8 51 262 221. His DOB was June 7 1929. His rank was private first class – SP-3, to which he was appointed on Dec 1 1954. He was discharged from active duty on Sep 1 1955 @ Ft Hamilton NY. He had 1 yr., 6 months & 4 days of foreign service, from which I infer that he was @ Dreux from approximately Feb 1954 to Aug 1955. According to his discharge record his most significant assignment was “H & S Co, 821st EAB APO 84.”
I was born in France during his assignment there. This summer my wife & I will visit France and we would like to see what remains of the base. In addition, I’m trying to locate the house where he & my mother resided off-base in Saint Remy sur Avre.
Any information about my father’s life at that time would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Gary – added your dad to the 7305th air police. need to do an overall update the the unit pages. Bill
Ira,
Been awhile since I’ve been on the Dreux blog. You have probably already taken your trip to France, but in case you haven’t, I lived in the housing site in St Remy from 1958-61. If you need directions, would be happy to help. Haven’t been there for a decade,so if you have pictures would be nice to see them.
Hi Bill
If that was a reply to my post, I think the area that was the base is a combination of private property and a French military area. When I was there on Sunday a light single did what I thought was a low approach to the place the runway was, I don’t think he touched down. The front gate seemed to be controlled by the electric company. There is a side gate that is near the west end of the runway off of D30 and that has signs indicating that it is French armed forces property. Unfortunately, if she wants pictures of the ” ancien Americain air base” there is nothing left.
I think her best bet is to try to talk to someone from the solar panel company.
I tried to send you some pictures, unfortunately I didn’t get your email until after I got back so the few of Chateauneuf were the housing area and the intersection of D939 and the Dreux road D928. I think I remember Shirlene and have a couple for her. All the best, g
Bonjour je suis francais et j’habite pas tres loin de la base,suite a votre reponse je vous confirme que la piste est toujours utilisée, des avions de l’armee francaise se pose regulierement l’apres midi vers 16h00 pm et le soir on les voit en bout de pisteils font des “touch and go” ci joint un lien qui vous montre que la piste n’a pas de panneaux solaire :
http://www.survoldefrance.fr/affichage2.php?&lieu=Senonches&f=0&img=39000&prev_suiv_link=1
http://www.survoldefrance.fr/affichage2.php?&lieu=Senonches&f=0&img=39000&prev_suiv_link=1
Effectivement l’entree principale est la propriete de la conpagnie electrique “edf” et l’acces interdit le seul acces peut se faire entre la magueritte 5 et 6 par une route qui passe devant une ferme, sauf que le fermier a barre la route et on ne peut pas acceder et celui ci ne veut pas que l’on rentre par la.
je n’ai pas pu rentrer sur la base depuis 2 ans car la vegetatio autour est dense et on ne voit plus grand chose… dommage
Si j’arrive a faire des photos je les mettrais sur votre site
amicalement
patrick
More – I have attempted to translate patsi’s message using google translator and some common sense. Here it is:
I saw your message. I live near the base and for the last three days there have been doing touch and go’s on the runway by aircraft so I don’t know if you will be able to get on the base. I also am interested in taking photos if you have permission. I have been unable to enter the base since the mayor refused to give permission. But if you have the permission I would like to get together and go there.
Chuck has sent Patsi a email requesting more information. If nothing else this message implies that the mayor can give permission. All we have to find is which mayor.
Bill
From my visit a year ago, I doubt seriously that there were any touch-and-go’s being done. Solar panels occupy the vast majority runways & taxiways. If there is any bare runway surface, I don’t think any pattern work would be safe, or permitted.
Yes, I was standing at the main gate and the light single approached from the west did the rectangular pattern and low approach and left the way he came. I was surprised even at a low approach because you’re right, no concrete left.
I have pictures of the Chateuaneuf housing area from last week if anyone wants them let me know. I don’t think they are really the type stuff to post in the picture section.
bonjour geary hurst
si vous avez des photos je serais interresse pour les voir si vous pouvez m’en envoyer je vous ferais parvenir les miennes merci
[email protected]
Gary Hurst repled to an old post with the following post. It is probably too late to contact him but you can try. Bill
Geary Hurst on May 16, 2015 at 2:15 pm said:
Hi everyone, I am in Paris on a 48 hour layover, will try to get a car tomorrow and get out to Dreux and Chateauneuf if I can. Anybody have any requests for photos or updates. I am at the Pont Bercy on the south side near the perifique so should be an ok drive on Sunday. Email me if you have requests I usually do Chateauneuf to Mallebois by the base and to Senoches, that was my family’s Sunday drive route. My email is
[email protected] all the best g
Bonjour suite a votre message j’habite a cote de la base et depuis 3 jours il y a des essais de touch and go sur la piste par des avions donc je ne sais pas si vous pourrez vous approcher et rentrer sur le site , par contre je suis egalement intéressé pour prendre des photos si vous arrivez a avoir des autorisations pour rentrer sur le terrain, car je n’aijamaispu rentrer sur la piste et depuis lamairie refuse de donner l’autorisation. Mais si on peut se mettre ensemble pour y aller et avoir le droit .
My father Theodore Kaster was stationed there from 1964-1967. He is trying to find his old friend Charles Delagarzo. Can anyone point us in the right direction?
Chuck,you nailed that one right on the nose.I had just gotten it back,I found out latter we had never lost them,two other guys and I were horse playing in the barracks and knocked a hole the size of my butt in a wall,we were brought up before the first sgt and he told us to remove our stripes,as we had only been in the air force about 8 weeks,we thought we had been given an art.15,only when we were shipping out did we find out we pulled extra detail with no art 15.I have a picture some where with one of the other guys pointing to his stripe and laughing.He and another airman named Dale R.Friend went through Lackland,Amarillo,and ended up at Dreux,all three of us Airframe repairmen,I don’t remember where they went to from there.Fred
Hey Fred Fore,
The photo of you standing on a wooden barracks porch with your A/3C stripe on your fatigues and a name tag buttoned to your right fatigue shirt pocket looks like
Amarillo, Texas. Are we correct about this ?
A/2C Sibert
Just put up pictures and combat cargo newspaper from Fred Fore. I am going to be rearranging things on the site and there will be a heading for newspapers, but for now they are in new pictures. Remember you can make them bigger by clicking on the lower center of the picture. You can click once more and it will get very big. Fred included some info on people and places so I will be adding captions to the pictures but I wanted to get them up as quick as I could. Bill
Good Morning to one & all.
A fascinating story has come my way & I need your help to uncover the whole story. Dreux Air Base 1959 is the setting. Seems there is an Airman stationed at the base who’s lady gives birth to a baby girl on July 11 1959.
Was the baby girl born in the base hospital, I would think not. The mother’.s name was Mireille Marie Slezak and she was living in Nancey France at this time. The baby girl was named Francoise Slezak at birth.
The birth mother found she was unable to care for the child, why I don’t know. The Dreux Air Base Airman has a meeting with his Msgt first shirt and spills his heart out about his plight. The Msgt first shirt after hearing the Airman’s heart breaking story, steps up and say’s to the Airman “My wife & I will adopt the baby girl”. Joy surely abounded in this Airman’s heart & the needed paper work was taken care of. The first shirt & his wife, Clifford E. Moore & Elly Gertrude Moore now had this baby and changed the baby’s name to
Karen Ann Moore. Clifford’s DOB is 26 Jan 1929 & has since passed away.
Elly Gurtrude’s DOB is 17 March 1925.
There is no record found as of yet, of her real father’s name. Karen Ann Moore lives in Falmouth, Mass and suffers from cancer of the liver. She stands 4′ 11″ and has a nick name of “Angel” from birth. She was told her real father gave her the nick name of “Angel”. Karen was raised by her adoptive parents and now would love to see if she can somehow, find her mother & real father.
Her 56th birthday is fast approaching and her health is a question mark.
My prayer is, someone soon will have more information for Karen Moore.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I love to ferret out things on the internet…
Slezak is not a common surname in France, it is from Czechoslovakia. Only 54 people found with that name in France.
I found a listing for a Mireille Slezak with an address and phone number. Several different sites give same info. Could just be a shot in the dark….
Mireille Slezak
410 Avenue des Etats du Languedoc
Résidence Languedoc Bâtiment A4
34000 Montpellier
Phone# 04.67.22.33.97
Hey John,
Thanks for the info. I have sent this on to the parties involved. I’ll let you know what happens very soon. Stay tuned in.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
I found an Obituary Index for France online that lists the following:
Mireille M. Slezak (Salter) “Mimi” – died in Dombasle, France on 1/06/1998 at the age of 58.
On this site, there is no actual obit, just the index listing. She would have been born in 1940 or so.
I also found a naturalization record for Mireille Marie Salter from 1964. I would think Salter is her married name. The record indicates she was born October 31, 1939 and was living in Lynn, Mass at the time the certificate was issued.
By the way, Dombasle, which I mentioned in my prior post, is very close to Nancy, France.
Sorry, she was born in Dombasle, France, which is close to Nancy, France. She actually died in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Fred Fore – Got your pictures and newspaper. Will get them up as soon as I can.
I was just checking in and want to thank everyone here who have helped keep our wonderful memories of Dreux AFB alive. Especially Bill McLeod and Chuck Silbert who are a couple great guys. It made me kind of sad to read one comment That stated he didn’t come here much because the site just has kids that grew up there…. As one of those kids, I am extremely grateful for the joy you have given many of us Bill and Chuck, where Dreux was a magical place to grow up. Many of us (including me) had never been out of the States before Dreux.
I came to Dreux in 1960 @ 6 years old and left in 1964 @ 10. The trip there was quite a journey on it’s own with parts of it still in my head. We left McGuire AFB in a plane I can’t remember it’s designation, maybe someone can help. I remember being told it was a transport plane converted to carry passengers. Some rough weather and we stopped in Nova Scotia? or Greenland? and then on the Scotland, and ended up at Orly Field.
We lived in the first row of trailers facing south I believe. We spent our first summer through winter there. Just before school started the following year my father came home to tell us we had secured a “real house” on Rue de Moulin Foss in Senonches. Dad was in the Motor Pool at Dreux. Airman 1st John E Frederick. My Mom (Beth) worked at the Base Bowling Alley. My memories on the Base are scant. Playing in the Ditches that seemed far bigger than they were, the little playgrounds scattered through the trailer court. Tiny school rooms packed like sardines. Going to see my Mom at the Bowling alley after school before heading to the Base Gym and bugging the Sergeant there for work for spare change. He was a saint in my eyes, put up with me well, and usually put a broom in my hands or had me cleaning locker rooms. He took money out of his own pocket to keep me in goodies from the PX.
The memories become more clear as we moved off base and the walks in the countryside and bike trips into town by myself. Often with my little sister Robin in tow. My folks were pretty loose and trusting back then, I guess it was a different world where you could do so. My Mom was amazed at how well I had learned basic French and the people I knew, when she would take us into the town to pick up a few things. I loved to go into the Cathedral there. Even though I wasn’t Catholic the place marveled me and I would usually put a 5 centimes coin in a box and light a candle and place it was the very many others there that seemed to be always burning.
A Sergeant across the street and up from us always had parachutes stacked out in his backyard for us to play in on weekends and for a nickel we would go into his house and watch 8mm movies he shot in the air. His wife would serve us popcorn and kool-aid. I wonder if anyone here remembered that or knew his name.
I love the walks in the little dirt trails leading out of the housing area to the north and east with the little wooden signs on them telling you where they went and Kilkometers. One trail had several benches to sit on along the way, one of them was under a large tree. On that trail was a large stone Crucifix that succinctly remains in my memory. That such a statue existed way out in the middle of fields on a trail. I used to fantasied there that perhaps there was a town there at that intersection long ago.
Other than the bus rides to school on Base that seemed to take forever that is about it for me, but they firmly remain with me and I am so grateful for a period not many kids got to exist in and also to the people here who help keep those memories so special.
Thanks! John.
Hey John,
What memories you and others have of Dreux Air Base, a special place lodged in your memory for all your life.
I know some didn’t recall the base as special but we still love these folks. As long as this site is up, more recall trips will be the norm for quite a few of us. Keep up the good work. My eyes were leaking just reading about your encounters, a special base for me also. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Hi John!
First of all, I would like to compliment you on a beautifully-written story that I know, MANY of us kids will identify with right alongside you. Please consider including piece in the MEMORIES section of this site as well.
You wrote something that sparked a memory with me…something that I hadn’t thought about in a long, longtime. Where we lived on the base NCO trailer park (#364) from 1959-1961, there was a family who lived in the trailer directly behind ours. There were 2 kids, a bit younger than myself at the time (maybe 6 & 8 or so). Their Dad was the most popular man around! During that hot summer of 1960 he got hold of an old parachute and created a big tent between the rows of trailers. ALL of the neighborhood kids would play out there for hours on end…it was great! My Mom would make jugs and jugs of Kool Aid to serve, while I can remember other Moms baking cookies, etc. This famous Dad also got an old ,yellow rubber raft and put it in the back yard…complete with paddles…and filled it with ice cold water for swimming! All the kids around ditched running through the hose sprinklers for swimming in the raft! What fun we all had those summers at Dreux. It is these types of recollections, sometimes needing just a prod to bring them to the surface once more, that make our collective childhood stories of that special place called Dreux enhance our very precious childhood memories.
I worked at the ” Community Center” in the years 1962/63/64 . My boss then was Mrs Horne…I was in my 20th then & don’t remember many people …Lieutenant ERSKINE was often in the office …….I remember the secretary Evelyne SMITH….But I made friends with Naomie HERBERT…Her husband was a school teacher & a painter as well….I lost touch & I’m trying to trace them…Naomie had 2 boys from a previous marriage : Bruce & Kenny …If you know how I could contact them, please let me know….
Sylvie
Sylvie –
Do you remember the gentleman that ran the crafts shop in the Community Center. As I remember, his name was Lee Burkett. Have great memories of hours spent there. Also, do you remember the librarian, Madame Hoquetis?
Doug
Hey Doug,
Silvie is in Amsterdam, Holland with her husband for at least a week. They’re there to visit her brother-in-laws.
Check out her web-site http://www.tour-de-belfort.com
She asked me about the librarian saying she knew her when she worked in the community center but didn’t know her assistant if she had one. I had asked her to identify the woman who’s photo I had taken posed in the library window. This photo is found in my photo album.
I would say Silvie will have the names of many Dreux people that you knew from your days at the base.
I just hope we can help her find her friends from long ago. God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Regarding “Naomi Herbert”, I have found information that confirms the last name was Herberg, not Herbert. He was an elementary teacher at Dreux. First name was Gary. Wife was Naomi Lucille. They were divorced in 1971. Looks like Naomi married a fellow named William Rosenberg in 1973. Gary Herberg died in 2004 and Naomi died in 2005; both lived in California
Hey Chuck,I can only say for sure I was dropped off on a perimeter rd.I think it only happened twice in the 10 mo.I was there,as for the carbine,I think we drew them from sq.supply.Did you ever remember the guy with the Metropolitan,I think he was in alert also.I was in Tripoli,Lybia(Wheelis AFB) TDY one time and ran into a guy,I think was in alert,He was in crash and rescue down there,I only saw him once but we knew each other.I hope you can spot some one you knew in the pics. fred
Bill,I have a few pics.from my time at Dreux pus a copy of the combat cargo newsletter,I haven’t been able to copy and send them on my computer.I would mail them to you if you could put them up,if you would like,I can put names on the back and maybe there would be some one that would recognise them,just send your mailing address to my e-mail and I will send them to you.Fred
Fred – My address is Bill McLeod, 9181 Race Street, Thornton, CO 80229. I will get them scanned and send them back to you.
THANKS BILL,WILL TRY TO GET THEM IN MAIL TUE.LATEST.Hope some one recognizes a face or name.Fred
Hey Fred,
Hate to hear about your hand. I had the same thing back in 2012 for the right one. Until the numbness wore off it felt like I was carrying a sack of taters.
Looking ahead to your photos, glad you’re getting them to Bill.
Just where did you get dropped off that 6×6 for OSAF duty ? I was stationed around the marguerite # 2 area. Where was the building located where you drew your Carbine ? Do we have it listed and numbered on the maps ?
Hang in and be cool with that hand !!
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Bill,I have no problem with memory from things long past,it is what happens last week that I can not remember.I was just showing my wfe the map and perimenter road,I waas on the OSAF team and showing her where I would be droped off when we went on alert,I remember one night we had just made a pot of coffee when the siren went off,I filled my canteen with coffee and grabed my gear,drew my weapon annd loaded up on a duce and a half,t droped me off and first thind was going to get a slug of hot coffee,wrong,it was stone cold.I remember stories of guys filling thier canteens up with wine only to get sick because wine andaluminum react very badly.I am going to try sending some pics let me know if they get through.
Hey Chuck,Bill, Ihope you two are taking old age better than me,seems like scince I hit 70,everything just started falling apart,now I have had carpal tunnel surgery.I feel like an old car someone is trying to re-store.Do either 0f you remember the little red hesded Frenchman that used to dish out salad in the chow hall?He saw my nametag one time ans told me Fore was his last name also,if yocu do remember him you will remember,he had some kind of quirky thing that he would make a face and jerk his head over his shoulder,my Grandfather,who raised me,told me before I shipped out that we had French blood in us.I never told Him about that little man until I came home. Bill,I will try to get that stuff together and send it to ydou,scince I can’t use my rt.hand for six weeks I should be able to.Hope you all are fairing better than me(if I had only known) really applies now .Fred
Sorry to hear about your carpal problem. With all the mouse work I’m doing to clean up pictures and maps I may wind up with it. I don’t remember your red headed frenchman. Your memory seems to be a lot better than mine. Hang in there and keep getting up in the morning.
A big “HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY” is sent today to our own Chuck Silbert. His vision is what created this website several years ago now, and for that we are all truly thankful. Many of us Dreuxites have been reunited with each other through pictures, stories, and memories on this site. Enjoy your day, Chuck, and may you have many more!
Sherry, You bring a tear to the eyes of this older fella. I just want to thank you for all you do. I’m looking forward to meeting up with you and Don later this year in Mississippi.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
You only beat me by a year Chuck. I’ll join the 80s group next year. I was posted to the 39th TCS at Evreux in 1960 and had four great years in France & Europe. Several guys came to our Sqdn when the 119s departed Dreux. Came across this site and have enjoyed all the similar experiences we enjoyed while stationed in France.
Hey Tom,
You say the 39th at Evreux. How many C-119’s were still left over at Evreux when you were
there ?
Didn’t the 39th fly the C-130A’s ?
Where did you go after Everux ? Thanks for your blog, we really like folks to get back with us.
Would you know anything about the house trailers on the NATO bases ? We have found three former Dreux Air Base trailers near to the old base. We have a contact who lives near to the old base and he’s our eyes and ears. Locals must have purchased these trailers after GI’s left the base and the French took it over in 1967. Hoping to get more info from you and again thanks for your blog. God Bless
A/2C Sibert
Chuck, The C-119s were phased out at Evreux in 57-58, I believe. When I arrived at LFOE in early 1960, no 119s remained at the base. All three squadrons at Evreux did fly the A model. I was able to fly the A for nine years, till 69.
I have heard that the trailers at Evreux were sold to a Frenchman who was going to start a camping sight somewhere in the south of France, but I can’t prove that to be true. Tom
test comment
I landed in La Pallice France via the troop ship General Haan in April, 28 1953 came off the ship down the ladder nets to waiting Dukws and brought to shore went on to Druex to start building an airfield our unit was the 821st EAB and we first had to set up tents for our living quarters while we constructed the pre fab buildings that would be the final living quarters its been a long time and a lot of my army buddies are not around any longer I would like to link up with a few of them before I go any information would be appreciated..
D. Rosa
Fairfield Va
Dominick, Welcome aboard the Dreux Air Base Memories site.
If you will look on the memories section of the site you will find two of your fellow members of your old unit, that have stories here.
William J. Auell & Joseph Ashton have put up interesting stories.
I will try to send to you their e-mail addresses.
God Bless:
A/2C Sibert
Corky Sent this email to administrator. I forwarded it to Dominick.
From: “John \”Corky\” Daut”
To: “admin”
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2015 8:30:29 PM
Subject: Re: There is a new comment to Dreux Blog
Hello brother Rosa. You and I weren’t really that close because the Texans pretty well stuck together as did the men from the deep south and the men from New Jersey and New York and my platoon was TDYed to Leon and Chateroux a large part of the time,, But I do remember you well. I was John Daut, in the first squad of the first platoon. And you were in the first squad of the second Platoon as I remember.
One of my best memories of Dreux was our first payday on that God forsaken prairie. Our tent decided to have a party that night. Almost everyone of us went to the eighteen wheeler trailer that was the PX and bought some goodies and a case of beer. The next morning every one but me was moaning and groaning. I was feeling great and laughing when we went to work that morning, but when we came in for lunch I told my buddies to go to hell, I was heading for the tent and the cot. I was still