A ceremony, twelve months in the planning to honour United States Air Force personnel who came across the Atlantic in 1940, became a reality on the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
their Hurricane fighters at Kirton-in-Lindsey.
Image courtesy of Air Historical Branch
In the splendid surroundings of the United States Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, invited guests came to honour ten serviceman who, along with other nationalities including French, Polish and Czeck helped to secure the skies over Britain against a determined enemy.
As guests arrived, the band played a selection of pieces including 3 Ruffles & Flourish and The General’s March. Master of Ceremonies, Wing Commander Wood brought the guests to attention for the presentation of the National Flags of the UK & USA as well as the Colours of the United States Air Force.
The band later played ‘God Save the King’ and the ‘Star Spangled Banner.’
US Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs K Seybolt, Brigadier General Simmons and Air & Space Attaché of the United Kingdom, Air Commodore Thomas laid wreaths at the base of the Memorial followed by a brief moment of silence.
In a poignant speech, Air Commodore Thomas pondered on the sacrifices that were made in the name of freedom:
“As we gather beneath the soaring spires of the Air Force Memorial, overlooking the capital of this great nation, we are reminded not only of the courage of those who served, but of the enduring bonds forged in the crucible of war.
….. the Battle of Britain….. was a battle fought not just by British airmen, but by a remarkable few who crossed oceans and borders to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Royal Air Force; a number of those nations are represented here, but we are here to recognise a little known of ‘the Few’. These were brave American citizens—volunteers who answered the call before their nation had formally entered the war.
Their sacrifice was not one of convenience, but of conviction. They left behind families, futures, and the safety of home to defend liberty in a foreign land. And in doing so, they became part of a legacy that binds our nations together—a legacy of shared values, mutual respect, and unwavering resolve."
Following the speech, Brigadier General Simmons accepted from the Air Commodore a plaque on behalf of the United States Air Force and said a few words.
Brigadier General Simmons
The bronze plaque has engraved on it a message of thanks from the British people and the names of the ten servicemen. They are: PIO CE Davis (601 Sqn) Ohio, P/O A Marnedoff (609n Sqn) Connecticut, P/O W Fiske (601 Sqn) Illinois, P/O P Leckrone (616 Sqn) Illinois, P/O A Donahue (64 Sqn) Minnesota, P/O V Keough (609 Sqn) New Jersey, P/O J Haviland (151 Sqn) New York, P/O deP Brown (1 (RCAF) Sqn Pennsylvania, P/O A Zatonski (79 Sqn) Pennsylvania, and PIO E Tobin (609 Sqn) Utah.
Over the last year Group Captain Nevin, Assistant Air & Space Attache to the US and Mr J Normington of the British and Commonwealth Remembrance Project worked jointly to honour the US citizens who assisted the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Research included liaison with US & UK historical organisations. As a result of evidence unearthed the Air Historical Branch, RAF Museum and National US Air Force Museum have had their records updated to accurately reflect that these ten Americans were the first to fly during US neutrality.
Mr J Normington brought the ceremony to a close with final remarks on the bravery of ‘The Few.’
Image courtesy of Air Historical Branch
Let us remember that freedom is never free, and that the courage of a few can change the course of history for many.
Air Commodore Thomas
Per Ardua Ad Astra.