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My late Dad began before D-Day as a USAAC Civilian contract flight instructor, teaching basic flying & aerobatics to Canadians volunteering for the RCAF in the late 1930’s. Dad’s prior education was as an Electrical Engineer @ LSU.
Once the US was at War, he did the same for Americans as a ‘’Flying Sergeant’’ @ Hondo & San Antonio. Then, he was ordered to train (Troop) ‘’Glider Pilots’’. Afterwards, off to OCS, Command School & the War Intelligence College.
Assigned to a USAAC Fighter Group, as group Intelligence Officer Lieutenant, to England, then the ETO. None of Dad’s War tales involved his main duties as such. Nor of any personal heroism. One of the more interesting is my topic here, as it conflicts with current ‘’History’’, and is unique.
After advancing hopscotch behind lines and entering Germany proper in later 1944, his Colonel ordered him to commandeer a large home/mansion for temporary use as HQ. Dad spoke French & English, but no German.
His knock on the door was met by a liveried servant & he quickly ascertained that he must speak with the owner.
After a brief wait, a small elderly man came out, took one look at Dad, and exclaimed in English: ’’Son, come in here, please; I’m so glad to see you!’’
Dad, thinking a misunderstanding, told the fellow: ’’Sir, you misundestand; I am an American Officer and am here to take over your home.’’
The immediate reply was: ‘’No, I understand fully. To my knowledge, I am the ONLY free-living Jew in NAZI Germany. The GESTAPO has known about me the entire time, but a powerful dear Friend, Alfred Krupps, has kept them away from me. I knew to expect that knock on my door; it would either be GESTAPO to arrest me, or you to liberate me. So, I AM very GLAD to see you!’’.
He invited Dad to take the home, then showed his stables which contained a big MB sedan, a late model U S Hudson convertible w/ leather interior, and a JEEP-like utility car. GrandPa was a Hudson Dealer back in LA, so Dad borrowed the Hudson while there. There was no gas, but the Army provided a bit.
The old Gent had buried a lot of good liquor & foods on his estate, & invited Dad for supper several times. Dad told of unique & interesting conversations evenings. The Guy wanted to hear ‘’news’’ of the outside World.
I try to record this; as in all my readings, it is unique and I got it first-hand. Many have refused to believe it, but it is true.
Post-War, several of Dad’s Comrades stayed in and were all Generals by the time I was old enough to understand their tales. They recalled this event & many others while drinking whiskey around our home’s kitchen table.
leVieux
.
My late Dad began before D-Day as a USAAC Civilian contract flight instructor, teaching basic flying & aerobatics to Canadians volunteering for the RCAF in the late 1930’s. Dad’s prior education was as an Electrical Engineer @ LSU.
Once the US was at War, he did the same for Americans as a ‘’Flying Sergeant’’ @ Hondo & San Antonio. Then, he was ordered to train (Troop) ‘’Glider Pilots’’. Afterwards, off to OCS, Command School & the War Intelligence College.
Assigned to a USAAC Fighter Group, as group Intelligence Officer Lieutenant, to England, then the ETO. None of Dad’s War tales involved his main duties as such. Nor of any personal heroism. One of the more interesting is my topic here, as it conflicts with current ‘’History’’, and is unique.
After advancing hopscotch behind lines and entering Germany proper in later 1944, his Colonel ordered him to commandeer a large home/mansion for temporary use as HQ. Dad spoke French & English, but no German.
His knock on the door was met by a liveried servant & he quickly ascertained that he must speak with the owner.
After a brief wait, a small elderly man came out, took one look at Dad, and exclaimed in English: ’’Son, come in here, please; I’m so glad to see you!’’
Dad, thinking a misunderstanding, told the fellow: ’’Sir, you misundestand; I am an American Officer and am here to take over your home.’’
The immediate reply was: ‘’No, I understand fully. To my knowledge, I am the ONLY free-living Jew in NAZI Germany. The GESTAPO has known about me the entire time, but a powerful dear Friend, Alfred Krupps, has kept them away from me. I knew to expect that knock on my door; it would either be GESTAPO to arrest me, or you to liberate me. So, I AM very GLAD to see you!’’.
He invited Dad to take the home, then showed his stables which contained a big MB sedan, a late model U S Hudson convertible w/ leather interior, and a JEEP-like utility car. GrandPa was a Hudson Dealer back in LA, so Dad borrowed the Hudson while there. There was no gas, but the Army provided a bit.
The old Gent had buried a lot of good liquor & foods on his estate, & invited Dad for supper several times. Dad told of unique & interesting conversations evenings. The Guy wanted to hear ‘’news’’ of the outside World.
I try to record this; as in all my readings, it is unique and I got it first-hand. Many have refused to believe it, but it is true.
Post-War, several of Dad’s Comrades stayed in and were all Generals by the time I was old enough to understand their tales. They recalled this event & many others while drinking whiskey around our home’s kitchen table.
leVieux
.
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