“The Lost Watch of D-Day” By CJ Machado
Local Coronado resident, WWII paratrooper, Tom Rice jumped in Normandy on D-Day. He served in “Operation Overlord,” the largest allied invasion made by land, air and sea against Adolf Hitler and his German Forces. In the early morning of June 6, 1944, “Screaming Eagle” Tom Rice was number #1 in his paratrooper stick, ready to exit at the door. However, due to intense enemy fire by German DCA, his aircraft was forced to accelerate to 164 mph (54 mph above the recommended jump speed). Suddenly, 1800 pounds of para pack bundles prematurely dropped causing the aircraft to elevate about fifty feet and with the centrifugal force of the plane, it contributed to Tom’s disastrous exit. The accelerated speed and force of the winds, wedged Tom in the lower left corner of the door. It was only after several desperate attempts that he was able to break free and was forced to drop at accelerated speeds at less than 500 feet carrying over 200 pounds of pack against constant enemy fire. His arm up to his wrist was literally torn by the metal of the door and his favorite wrist watch, a brand new A-11 was ripped off and lost in the Normandy night. Once Tom reached the ground, he was disappointed to realize the loss of his expensive wrist watch that took many weeks of pay to earn. It wasn’t until seventy five years later, when Tom returned to Carentan, Normandy for the commemoration ceremonies that the fate of his prized watch and Tom would re-connect. At ninety-seven years old, Tom impressed the world and jumped into the same drop zone as he did on D-Day which harbored over 20 million views internationally. His monumental jump with the Round Canopy Parachuting Team and “The Lost Watch of D-Day” story was documented in the film Libertas (Normandy Jump 2019) where Tom would end his story by mentioning, “...And I sure hope a good Frenchman found it!” It was during the 75th Anniversary commemoration ceremonies that many came to know “The Lost Watch of D-Day” story including world renowned photographer Thomas Goisque with Paris Match Magazine.
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WWW.SanDiegoVeteransMagazine.com / JULY 2020
Thomas took such an interest in Tom’s watch story that he encouraged his friend and watchmaker, Remi Chabrat to perhaps consider creating a replica. Remi being a grateful Frenchman did not hesitate; he felt it was a great opportunity to thank his Liberator, the very man that contributed to saving his country from Nazi Germany. It took almost a year of research and craftsmanship to recreate. Tom was to be surprised in Normandy, France at the 76th D-Day commemoration ceremonies with a gift from the Praesidus watch company owners, Remi Chabrat and Guillaume Laidet. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, all commemoration ceremonies were postponed. Instead, Casey Miles with America First Spirits sponsored a local event called “Operation D-Day 76” involving the Commemorative Air Force Inland Empire Wing, D-Day Doll DC-3 aircraft. The aircraft, D-Day Doll, served on June 6th, 1944 by carrying paratroopers and towing gliders. For “Operation D-Day 76,” D-Day Doll flew Tom above his hometown of Coronado, CA with members of “Team Tom Rice,” Executive Director of the San Diego Veterans Coalition Ray Flores and Honor Flight San Diego volunteers as a tribute to Tom’s service.