USAFE members honor fallen on Memorial Day

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mary Davis
  • Kisling NCO Academy
SAINT MIHIEL, France --  More than 48,000 American and French forces fought the Battle of Saint-Mihiel Salient that crippled the German Army defenses in that area during World War I and contributed to the Allies winning the war. More than 90 years later, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen partnered with French military members in a Memorial Day Ceremony May 30 to honor the fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate price for freedom in that battle and others.

Guest speaker, Maj. Gen. Jack Egginton, USAFE director of Air and Space Operations, joined Honor Flights from France, Ramstein and Spangdahlem, and various dignitaries at St. Mihiel American Cemetery in Thiaucourt, France, to commemorate the World War I soldiers with a service, wreath laying ceremony and gift presentation.

"Memorial Day is a special day of reverence as we reflect on the true price of freedom: the thousands of invaluable souls who bravely offered their lives that we might be free" General Egginton said. "The sons, fathers and brothers interred here at Saint-Mihiel are joined by millions of kindred sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers across history, across Europe and across the globe who gave their lives for the cause of justice and freedom. We owe them a debt that we can only begin to repay by resolving ourselves to preserve the liberty which they held so dear.

This annual Memorial Day Ceremony was important because it demonstrates the commitment the U.S. military made to honor all Americans who served their country throughout its history as a nation, said Mr. Bobby Bell, superintendent of the Saint-Mihiel American Cemetery, American Battle Monuments Commission-European Region.

"Ceremonies like these help create an opportunity for U.S. and foreign militaries to bond and share their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the thousands of Americans interred in our cemetery sites," said Mr. Bell, a former U.S. Navy machinist mate from Niceville, Fla. "It also serves as an opportunity for us to not only show how magnificent these sites are, but also provides a chance to share the stories of these brave men and women with everyone."

As a former member of the U.S. Air Force, retired Master Sgt. Robert Witford and his wife, Ceridwyn, attended the ceremony as a part of their annual visit to France from Tampa, Fla.

"I'm glad to see the committed relationship the United States and France still share," said Mr. Witford, a former intelligence NCO stationed at Chambley Air Base, France, in the 1960s. "The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the fallen soldiers who fought for the freedom we all enjoy."

The Saint-Mihiel battle marked the first large concentration of military aircraft (more than 1,400) used in combat and commanded by Col. Billy Mitchell.

"It was also the first time a combined arms approach to warfare was used (infantry, artillery, tanks and aircraft)," Mr. Bell said. "Therefore, the Battle of Saint-Mihiel Salient could be called the birthplace of the modern American Air Force."

The cemetery is also the resting place of 1st Lt. John L. Mitchell, younger brother of Col. Billy Mitchell, as well as Lieutenants Samuel R. Keesler Jr., John J. Goodfellow and Franklin B. Bellows, all of whom had bases named after them.

"I was proud to be a part of the ceremony," said Senior Airman Earvin Larry, Electro- Environmental journeyman with the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "It helped me become more aware of what happened during World War I, and appreciate the sacrifices our servicemen made for our country."

The Saint-Mihiel Salient attack was fought between Sept. 12 to 15, 1918, involving the American Expeditionary Force and 48,000 French troops under the command of U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing. The successful battle helped secure the region and ultimately aided the Allies' success.