THE JANUS
Editor's Note: Presented here are three accounts of the recent trip to Italy jointly sponsored by AFS Travel and AFS Archives and organized by Intercultura, the AFS Partner in Italy. Two accounts were written from the point of view of the travelers, the other by the director of Intercultura. We thought you might enjoy the contrasting styles and tones of these accounts. You will notice also that the list of participants contains the names of two ladies who are not drivers' wives but indeed were AFS volunteers, in the AFS Scholarship Programs. Miki Rakay and Bertha Masor rate a special welcome in this number of The Janus, as does Cristina Zavaroni, a returnee of the program from Italy to Indianapolis, IN in 1989-90.
This trip was proposed by the drivers who had taken the weU-orchestrated Ten Days in England Trip, laid out and checked in person by Dan Hastings of AFS Travel, working with AFS EnglandItaly was different. To get the most out of the trip, we had to relax and enjoy III dolce MIll Italian style. But first, our New York send off at Sardi's (courtesy AFS USA) to accustom our palates to Italian cuisine: what a marvelous thrill to meet both today's volunteers carrying on a tradition and old friends instantly fifty years younger. Most marvelous of all, Liv Biddle's stories seemed to have accumulated an aura of truth with age. This augured our fate for the mad whirl of the next two weeks of long late dinners and early departures. Two or three days we had huge celebratory lunches and dinners both! We were treated beyond our deserts and despite our demurs as the heroic founders of the international educational exchange programs. AFS "volunteers" and former exchange students from every city in Italy, It seemed, competed to feed us the fullest with the finest food and wine to be had. In Naples we dined In our old convalescent villa, now a celebrated restaurant. Our fifty.year-old memories of the place were like the blind men describing the elephant. I remembered the wrought iron spindles of the open staircase, someone else the tiled fireplace, another the large bay window from which we had watched Vesuvius erupting. The stone wall (which I had forgotten), scattered rooms, and stone-age sound system garbled the first five speeches so badly (including one by a member of parliament) that the U.s. Consul and I intelligently did without. But intelligence wasn't the watchword. These speeches were more for show than tell, at midnight, no less. 0Ilss was the watchword, which included our wearing AFS ties and crossed.flags badges. I did one more speech, much abbreviated, in Rome, thankfully at the beginning so I didn't have to hold back on the vino for the next four hours.
And this time, I like everyone else got to talk to AFS exchange students of the last forty years. One had been In Rochester, New York, in 1954, where Don Bragg had been instrumental in getting the program going, so they had a good time reminisdng. Here and elsewhere these people seemed to be recapturing some of our memories of long-ago associations with Italian friends. After that I graciously-gratefully deferred to D. [David] Ford (sorry, I couldn't resist) or anybody else who would rise to and for the occasion. Fred Wackernagel (his name, I insist, means ·Stout Sword·) spoke In Padua about his and Ingrid's experience (shared by others on the trip) parenting an AFS exchange student. Walt Brethauer, who had tagged me to speak in the first place, got tagged back on the spot to respond to the Mayor of Milan, who gave us all real prints of the city along with metaphorical keys. Walt not only outclassed the Mayor (not to mention me) In well-navored prose but damned near outbeamed him. I predict a great future In politics. Our picture made n Giomo (that's Barry Tome shaking hands next to the man In the handsome sweater), and Walter Brethauer, Walter Murphy, and Laurel Grant are all quoted in the text. Chick Squire and I (·two sprightly gentlemen in their seventies·) one-upped them in an interview for l'Unita, ·formerly- the Communist Party paper. (We had to buy it at the side door of the newsstand.) In addition, 1nJeraIJtJurI Magazine was totally devoted to the ambulance service, with pictures featuring some of us, courtesy of AFS Archives. Chick spoke both more seriously and also lightheartedly at Intercultura headquarters, before unveiling a memorial plaque and bust of Stephen Galatti. Steve came alive for us again In the stories Chick told of our old friend as well as in this authentic rendering in bronze of an authentic patriot, world citizen, and humanitarian. We also planted an olive tree, symbol of lasting peace. Anybody get a shot of me? Our most successful dinner with Italian AFS friends, all agreed, was when we were split up In Venice for dinners in private homes. (This Included an unscheduled midchannel transfer of Alec and Lucy Stumpf from one wzporetJo to another.) Miki Rakay, Tom Ellinwood (John's son), and I were whisked away to Mira on the mainland for dinner with two brilliant young women named Lisa (incidentally lovely), one of
whom had been the homecoming queen at Albert, Iowa, three years ago. When the other Lisa apologized for her cooking, which her boyfriend was critical of, Tom said, ·Get a new boyfriend.· I offered a more ponderous compliment: "When I drove into Mira fifty years ago, the road was lined with cheering, waving crowds. I feel even more welcome tonight.· We were also invited to visit our convalescent villa In Florence, which I have long planned to make a fortune and buy. I was right In my ambition but I don't think I've made it yet. I tagged along with Dave and Ann Ford and the elderly padrotuz to revisit the well-remembered three baths upstairs with green, yellow, and black fixtures, which had blown my mind in 1944. I'll never forget the elegance of Christmas dinner there with a footman or maid to serve each of us and six different glasses for wine. We made duty calls upon the u.s. Ambassador and the Pope, having become somewhat aware that we were promoting the cause of 1nJeradIJurz, not to mention world peace and understanding. Being caught two weeks after his entertainment expenses had run out, the Ambassador offered kind words, ornate surroundings, and a photo op, giving rise to the following sentiment:
~~ The Pope, who seemed as frail as you have heard but resolutely cheerful, was late. Our group responded with decorum to being recognized by name, as Instructed we had passed on the word about having served with the Polish Army_ As with the earlier trip, the association with other tour members was the soul of the occasion, so I was pleased to share trips to Anzio and Cassino with those that had served there, and to visit the well-tended Memorial Cemeteries with those that had comrades buried there. Flowers were placed on each Volunteer's grave. Perhaps like all cemetery visits, these were as disturbing as expected yet strangely comforting. It's good to associate the victories at Anzio and Cassino with the cost; there are six thousand Poles buried across the valley from the brand new medieval Abbey. Most attended the memorial services there, and some talked with members of a tour group
from Poland-More to my liking was watching Walt Brethauer and Dave Ford pointing out exactly where they parked their ambulances at St. Elia, Bob Kennedy ditto at the Vatican, and AI Parsell decoDStructing the Hotel Victoria to do the same in Faenza. Well, Bnzvo brrwo to lnIeraUtwrz and God bless Italy. Do we do India?
Bill Cantrall
CM92 Arriving in Rome Sept. 25th In lovely 80 degree weather our group of 36, Including 18 metamorphosed young ambulance drivers, we received our first impression of Italy in the nineties, a red Ferrari (what other color Is there?) pulling up to the Fiumiclno airport door. A missed plane connection to Naples resulted in a rather sultry bus ride down the autostrada that bypasses the more interesting country traversed by the old road we knew. The message was change, that ongoing constant, was at work and not likely to be considerate of our aging memories throughout this tour. Our first visit was to Salerno. Imagining the difficulty of landing and gaining the high ridges behind the beach was a sobering realization of what the American Army faced. That evening in Naples we were transported to the Vomero District for dinner with AFS volunteers in the building once used as an AFS convalescent home on V18 Tasso. From this lofty site the view of Vesuvius in 1943 was a thing of beauty. On this occasion the mountain and far reacbes of the city north of Vesuvius were obscured by pollution. Expansion of industry and housing in the Naples Bay area has been great, surpassed only by the volume of motor scooters, motorcycles and automobiles that clog the streets. The restaurant -La Corte del Leone- was a wonderful setting for our first meeting with exchange students and organizers. Bill Cantrall put forth a worthy effort to overcome the echo chamber effect of the room, making use of his effective professional voice to convey our pleasure in being back In Italy and so royally treated by our host Intercultura. An early departure the morning of Sept. 27th, was made to reach Cassino by mid-morning. It was my first time to enter the rebuilt Abbey. The grandness of the structure, Its historic Importance,
the view it commands of the Rapido Valley, overlaid with memories of what took place in the valley and surrounding hills 50 years ago was overpowering. Our group was escorted to a chapel under the main church structure, beautifully restored in all detail to the original, for a memorial service honoring those AFS volunteers who died in pursuit of their duty. Those who worked around Cassino can't forget traveling the rutted -road- through fields and creek from Rt 6 to St Elia where a sign of greeting read,
dIr
Where a few stunned farming families attempted to eke out an existence from the land in 1944, trapped by circumstances totally out of their control, and perhaps understanding, while madness reigned, there now stands a new Cassino of multistoried housing extending along Rt 6 to Mt Trocchio and north in diminishing density towards St Elia. Seeing the area, talking details of the past with Dave Ford and others who did extended service here was, from my perspective, a high point of the trip. Roberto Ruffino, Secretary ~neral of Intercultura, who had met our party at the Cassino Abbey, joined us in Rome the following day and guided us to and through a general audience with a strong, purposeful, though pbysically weakened Pope Paul II. The ceremony was held in an impressive, modern 6000 seat, single level hall in Vatican City. Later at a the reception in the U.s. Embassy, Ambassador Reginald Bartholomew greeted us with a straightfoNBrd expression of welcome, described briefly the rich surroundings of the former Royal Palace in which he works, expressed appreciation of AFS during the war and for the Intercultura program of today, released the front security gate and that was It. Thursday, Sept. 29th and Sat., Oct. 1st were times of commemorating the deaths of companions who lost their lives while serving with the AFS. Flowers were placed on each grave by friends who knew them best. In the American Cemetery at Nettuno/ Anzio lie Vernon Preble, Alexander Randall, Robert Bryan and John Cunningham. At the American Cemetery outside Florence lie Donald
Harty and Paul Cagle. Following the reflective time at the Nettuno/ Anzio Cemetery we brieOy surveyed the general area by bus and retired to the wCacciatoriw Restaurant In Nettuno for a much needed spiritraising lunch. By this time most of us had reached our limit of food Intake. After a few hours of walking In Rome we went to the restaurant wVAccademlawto pursue our dieting and spend an evening of exchange with AFS volunteers. Fascinating groups, these • doctors, professors, school teachers, students, grandmothers and grandmothers' friends all talking with us and each other In ever rising volume. In the location of Colle Val d'Elsa, about 10 miles north of Siena, headquarters of Intercultura, we were greeted In a 400 yr. old converted Cloister by volunteers from allover Italy. Roberto Ruffino gave a compassionate address In which he pointed to the mission of AFS, held In common by Intercultura, as a meaningful, effective program of sowing the seed for growth of understanding and brotherhood In this divided word. In honor of Stephen Gallatl's distinguished leadership In formulating and building the AFS program, there followed the dedication of a sculpted head of Steve by Bernardo Giorgi and a plaque in honor of the AFS founders. Unveiling of the sculpture was In the competent hands of Chick Squire, who verbalized a warm picture of this many-faceted friend. The similarity of the clay to the real man was remarkable, catching his spirit, lacking only the soiled tie and bent-under collar tip, as Chick pointed out with affection and humor. This meeting was certainly one of the high points of the Return to Italy Trip. Arriving at Villa Mann in Florence, the former convalescent home, we were greeted warmly by the family now In ownership of the stately house and by local volunteers. A number opted to visit Pisa. The majority pursued their interests In the galleries and Piazzas of Florence. Martha and I opted to locate the monastery that was AFS headquarters In Florence. Our entree to this building during the war was possible through Its owner, Donald Coster. We located it and also the house of Galileo that had been a museum and housed a collection of early navigational instruments and telescopes, some of them presumably his. Stops at Faenza and Padua with
volunteers, in attendance at the latter, preceded our late arrlvalln Venice. In the evening we were paired with an AFS returnee family and proceded by motor launch to the city. Martha and I were guests of Luigi and Gluliana Todesco and their two sons, Marco and Luca. Marco completed seven months in Australia as an exchange student. Father, as a youngster, lived In Australia six years. While Signora Todesco prepared a standout dinner, Luigi, an architect showed us the 300' long brick building, a former stable In which horses were bred, that he. and several others were converting to co-op housing. The exchange of views on many subjects moved the evening ahead all too quickly. This was one of the most satisfying encounters with our Italian hosts that we experienced. For our final dining experience we were taken to an old restaurant outside Milan. The prepared dishes and wines were outstanding. Preparation of the food could be observed through large windows at the end of the room - Intersting but no match for sensations of taste as we closed our eyes to any thought of dieting. Maybe It was the wine? Whatever the factors at work, the evening was a grand finale to our two weeks of experiencing Intercultura hospitality - generous people doing fine work in the AFS family. Our guide Cristina, with her OuencYin English and Italian and unOappable demeanor performed ably in keeping our diverse group on schedule.
Walter Brethauer ME 19, eM 94, IB 59-T
It was a journey through the layers of our history. Hosting the World War II drivers In Italy meant searching for the locations of the AFS headquarters In 1943 and 1944, from Naples to Orvieto, to Perugia, to Florence to Forli. Some of them still exist, like the villa in Naples which was converted Into a restaurant in the 70's, or the Gordon Mann estate In Florence, which was sold to the Paroli family in 1955. Some other buildings were wiped out in the reconstruction of the country In the 50's. It meant searching for the American War Cemeteries, where six drivers are still buried under
a white cross that bears the name of the American Field Senice; others who also died in Italy were brought back to the United States. Those incidents are vivid in the minds of their companions, who were silent and in tears when they brought Dowers to their tombs. It meant honoring those who are still alive and who came back after fifty years: they took part in a papal audience, were received by the American Ambassador in Rome and by the city mayor in Milan, planted an olive tree of peace in the garden of the AFS office in Colle, inaugurated a bust of Stephen Galattl and a plaque for the founders of the American Field Senice, attended a special servi~ in the crypt of the reconstructed abbey at Cassino. They were also the guests of honor at five dinners in Naples, Rome, Colle, Florence, Milan: over 600 returnees¡ from those of the early 50's to the younger ones • sat with them enthusiastically for hours and beard them talk about the early days, when Italy bad no highways and people had no food. It was a Journey that opened our eyes on many things we did not know and nourished our souls with refreshing memories of youth and courage.
Roberto Ruffino Secretary General Intercultura (APS Italy) For photos of Return to Italy trip see photo enclosure pp. 1 - 3. RETURN TO ITALY PARTICIPANTS ROSTER Donald J. Bragg 11th 485 Coy (1942) Walter and Martha Brethauer 567 Coy, LAD, HQ W'tlliam Cantrall 485 Coy, "0" Platoon John and Joan Ellinwood 485 Coy, "C' Platoon Thomas Ellinwood (son of John) Tucson, AZ
1994
David and Ann Ford 567 Coy, "B" Platoon Laurel and Virginia Grant 567 Coy, "0" Platoon Robert and Dorre Kennedy 567 Coy, "A" Platoon Bertha Masor Chicago, IL Rowland and Alice McKinley 567 Coy,"C' Platoon James and Pat Munro 485 Coy, "C' Platoon Walter and Leila Murphy 485 Coy, "B" Platoon Or. Alfred and Ruth Parsell 485 Coy, "A" Platoon Ken and Jacque Proctor 567 Coy (1943) Moo Rakay Pittsburgh, PA W'tlliam and Ruth Shearman 485 Coy, "D" Platoon, FFC, FR 3-T Chick Squire 567 Coy, "A" Platoon Alexander and Lucy Stumpf 485 Coy, "C" Platoon Charles Barrington Tome 485 Coy, "D" Platoon Frederick and Ingrid Wackernagel 567 Coy, "C' Platoon Arthur and Barbara Whitehouse 485 Coy, "0" Platoon Eleanora Golobic AFS Archives, New York
Cristina Zavaroni Tour Guide Intercu1tura ITALY
As indicated, the kickoff for the trip was a gala dinner at Sardi's in New York arranged by Dan Hastings, Director, AFS Travel, and attended by over 130 diners, including Richard Spencer, Jennifer Froistad and Russ Peppet, and former AFS staff, program volunteers, ambulance drivers, trustees and other friends and supporters of AFS. The notes of the guest speaker Uv Biddle are printed herewith for the enjoyment of those of you who did not attend the dinner and for the remembrance of those of you who did. Because of the success of the dinner, AFS Travel has donated $3000 to begin a new scholarship fund, The Applewhite Scholarship for students going to Italy. Russ Peppet, Chairman of the Board of AFS USA, welcomed the group by saying: wit Is a very special opportunity for us to gather in celebration of the original members of AFS - the volunteer ambulance drivers whose courageous efforts in wartime Italy began the legacy of what AFS is today. And what a force they and others in this room have helped to create. -All of us here tonight go with you in spirit to ltaly...and while there will surely be sobering and poignant memories, there will certainly be a great deal more of fun, laughter and good wine. I think you will find justifiable pride in what AFS has become in Italy - a force for peace and understanding that you helped to create. On behalf of the board and all your friends here this evening, Arrivederci.w
Livington Biddle (ME 32, FR 6) recalled three memories of days in Italy: W A British medical Officer's courage under fire; AFS Ingenuity at the front; and a British corporal's philosophy of war.w 1) Scene, a Regimental Aid Post on the hills north of Rome during intense enemy counterattack. Uv, a Leftenant in charge of B Platoon (485 Co.), when told more ambulances are urgently needed, arrives outside RAP's partly destroyed farmhouse, along with German shell. He dives into open bulkhead. Huge explosion. Dust. He is prone, thinks he is Ufeless, is aware of highly polished shoes in front of him. They belong to impeccably-dressed Captain. He bids the volunteer arise. tryou look a bit shaken, old man. Perhaps a sherry?w Uv identifies himself in trembling voice. wLeftenant Biddle reporting for instructions_w "Who?' wBiddle: says Uv. wBiddle: the captain repeats, as more shells explode outside. wBiddle...Believe I may have gone to school with a cousin of yours. Oxford, you know. Now, let's see what ~ his first name? George? No, not George, I think-Harry?Crash. Bang, Boom_ -Sam?- Uv offers in a feeble tone. -Sam_Yes, it could have been Sam.A staff sergeant appears. -Sir, the Germans are right outside!-Really?- The captain goes to a small window cut into the hillside. WByJove, you're right, staff. Come on Biddle, have a look. Are the cooks armed, stamwNo,sir."Well then you'd better arm them, hadn't you?The battle swirls. Immense cannonading. The Germans disappear down the hill. In a momentary respite, the captain says, wNow let's see, where were we? Oh yes_ Biddle... Perhaps it's time for that glass of sherry_2) Scene, Not far from Perugia, in the hills. An Advanced Dressing Station, and B. Plat. HQ in an adjacent farm. All await the arrival of WOldJoe: intrepid vol, in a spare ambulance, one of three held in reserve, coming all the way from just beyond Naples with a consignment of Patrla Gin - whose factory the AFS
and B. Plat. much earlier had discovered. (Patria was not the best of gins, but not adulterated with gazoline, therefore safe, and, with liberal amounts of lemon powder, potable.) -Old Joe- bas been on the road several days, his exact whereabouts only surmised, but as In the past there Is supreme confidence that he will overcome all difficulties of the long trek and get through. His cargo, hundreds of bottles, each Individually wrapped In a thin sleeve of straw, is entirely -bespoke.By officers of the ADS, Including Its British major commanding, by many Vols, by mechanics, orderlies, a mm assortment of expectant personnel. Suddenly over the hilltop comes not old Joe, but the ADMS, the colonel, In charge all things medical In the Sixth Armored Division, to which B. Plat. Is assigned. He arrives In his Dingo, or armored staff car. He's out to Inspect forward positions, he says and asks Uv if all is well, and chats with the major - and Just then appears on the distant hilltop -old Joe.The ADMS Is delighted by the driving he can see afar 011'. -Look how careful, major. Must be stretcher cases In that vehicle. Several of them. There's a splendid lesson in driving ability. Down through all those ruts and mud. Good show!The major, recognizing full well the ambulance, seeks to engage his colonel with activities inside, but the colonel is adamant: he and Biddle will welcome the driver, and he will open the rear doors himself. Old Joe belatedly sees the Dingo, so Intent had he been on the road. He stops. The colonel strides forward and opens the doors with a flourish. There is absolute silence.- Bottles and bottles and bottles wrapped in straw from floor to ceiling, from back to front. Uv visualizes an immediate Court Martial, followed by a firing squad. The colonel, moustache bristling, blue eyes narrowed, turns. "Well Biddle,- he says in a crisp, clear voice, -aren't you going to Invite me to lunch?3) Scene, A Mountain road south of Florence, a little Italian hill town on the horizon, slate roofs clustering upward, a gray church spire. A small convoy makes its way forward. Suddenly there's a black speck In the grave sky - a German plane
diving. Everyone leaps from the convoy. The plane's guns fire, two bombs drop. Biddle Is hugging to the bank below the road's surface with a British corporal next to him. They are splattered with mud and debris. A truck Is blazing, an ambulance spared. Tremendous noise. Uv raises his head, also the corporal. Across a ravine they see the silhouette of the plane, trying to rise. It seems almost to collide with the hill, then It lifts, angles up, clears the hillside, Is In the sky. Moments later pufl's of smoke appear where the plane had been - anti-aircraft swirls drifting away. "Will you look at those bloody gunners,- says the corporal, (giving full value to the double '0' and the '0' in the words.) -Jerry's 'ome and 'avln' 'is Bloody tea, by now_A nickname for the enemy, who came within Inches of killing you_ A critique for your countrymen's skill in marksmanship_ And 'ome_ With a cup of tea.
Said Liv: All combine to express a special nostalgia - out of our days together, that meant so much to us, and still mean so much ... Commitment to our cause, and work ... and above all tonight, at this gathering, nostalgia. He finished with a proper British salute to all, feet stamped down, right hand flat to the brow, forearm atremble ... "Sah!"... The old show of respeet-- and Admiration! For Liv's photograph at Sardi's see photo enclosure p. 4.
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Since our last Janus we have recorded several address changes to our AFS Volunteer Drivers mailing list. Please see attached AFS Volunteer Drivers WW I and WW n Mailinf: List Address Chanf:es and make a note in your roster.
During the past year the Archives received and processed 40 accessions which ranged from WWI and WWII drivers personal collections to the visual materials and artifacts of the student programs. An award commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of France 1944 - 1994 and the Normandy landing (D-Day) was presented to the Archives by Col. Roger Cestac, President of the Federation of French War Veterans. An AFS WWI bronze cap badge (ca. 1916) was donated by a collector of WWI and wwn memorabilia. Fourteen prints taken by Richard W. Thorington, SSU 27 (depicting the section's service with the French army in 1917) were received from Thorington's son James Thorington n. Color prints of early Fords, 1919-1930, from the collection of the Museo del Automovil, Mexico City, Mexico were sent by the Museum. Photographs of 21 rue Raynouard -- were donated by Bill Foley, who also donated the WWI drivers artwork - original etchings of Yale by Samuel Chamberlain (SSU 14) and copies of sketches by Cyrus LeRoy Baldridge (TMU 184). The most recent edition of "The AFS Letters of Oliver Wolcott to his mother Edith Prescott Wolcott" and original letters were donated to the Archives by his son, Oliver Wolcott Jr. This collection documents Oliver Wolcott's service with AFS Section 2 February to June 1916 and his friendship with two ace pilots of the Lafayette Escadrille, Victor Chapman and
Norman Prince. In addition, we received Wolcott's diary written between February 12, 1916 and July 23, 1916, when he served at the Verdun front. Mr. Wolcott has allowed us to make copies of his mother Sybil Appleton's diary, letters and photo album from 1921. These documents reflect her work with the American Committee for Devastated France in 1921. WWI administrative records (ambulance donor cards) were donated by Andrew Gray, grandnephew of Piatt Andrew (through Bill Foley). Mr. Gray also sent Stephen Galatti's notes on A P. Andrew written after Andrew's death in 1936. Mrs. Isaac Patch, Andrew's sister, had given Galatti notes for a proposed biography of Andrew, which was never completed. Book donations include Arch Whitehouse, Legion of the Lafayette (1962) from Arthur T. Whitehouse (CM 86). The book contains references to the American Field Service and the AFS WWI drivers (1915-1918), who after their tour of duty, joined the Lafayette Escadrille and the Lafayette Flying Corps. The Face of Mer<y: A Photographic Histoty of Medicine At War published in 1993 was received from Random House/Epicenter Press. The Archives collaborated on the book and contributed four WWI evacuation photographs. Alan Albright, member Archives Advisory Committee, contributed a World War I pictorial album of Pierre Miguel, 14-18: Mille Images Inedites (Paris, 1988), while Eleanora Golobic, Archivist, contributed a publication by John S. Haller Jr., Farmcarts To Fords: A Histoty of the Militaty Ambulance (1992), which contains a chapter devoted to the AFS in WWI. From Mr. A Tappan Wilder Archives
received a copy of his father's posthumously published Armageddon Revisited: A World War I Journal (Yale U. Press, 1994), a book of reminiscences of Amos N. Wilder's (SSU 2-3) participation in the Great War in AFS in the Argonne and the Balkans and later in the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Archives has also acquired Julian H. Green's (SSU 33) The War at Sixteen: Autobio~aphy Volume n (1916-1920) (Marion Boyars, 1993). Mr. Green is a long time member of the Academie Francaise, resident of Paris, and a distinguished author of many works written in French. John C. Ellinwood(CM 88) donated an original manuscript of Ralph E. Ellinwood's (TMU 397-SSU 68) Behind The German Lines (1920),which contains an account of his father's experience as a P.O.W. in Germany in 1918. David Shepherd, who did research on WWI AFS at the Archives in 1993, has sent a copy of his thesis for a Master's degree at the University of South Carolina. Richard S. Sinclair (CM 88) has donated two issues of The Radiator, a publication of the U.S.AAS with the French Army in 1919, containing references to SSU 14, SSU 609, and SSU 637. James H. Gerrity (ME 16) contributed an early volume (1916) of Friends of France. Doris Bepler Sharp, AFS French University Fellow in 1920-1921,sent in the AFS Association Bulletin. Boston Branch Number (May 1922). An important collection of the late WWII volunteer, George Knowlton (CM 43, CM 92) was given to the Archives by
Mrs. Molly B. (Knowlton) Kinney. This collection, spanning the years between 1943 and 1956, includes a British issue field jacket with insignia and ribbons, knapsack, steel footlocker, British Royal Army Corps of Signals badges and patches, AFS documents and personnel records, correspondence, AFS publications (1943-54), German WWII artifacts, L Buswell's Ambulance No, 10 (1916), and G. Rock's The Histoty of the American Field Service. 1920-1955(1956). The late Mortimer Belshaw's (ME 1) collection was a gift of Mrs. Nancy Thornburg. This interesting WWII record contains ME 1 Unit's photographs in India and the Middle East (December 1941February 1942). This was the first AFS unit to serve with British armies in the Middle East. The Unit's arrival was delayed by the U.S. entry into the war followingPearl Harbor. Mortimer Belshaw was captured by the Germans near Mersa Matruh and spent 11 months in P.O.W. camps in Italy, until his release in June 1943. The collection also contains his correspondence home and clippingsof this period. Walter P. Murphy (CM 86) donated a collectionof WWII memorabilia including WWII artifacts and pamphlets, 1944-1946. In addition Archives received William G. Congdon's (ME 20, CM 90) Bergen Belsen collection from the Foundation for Improving Understanding of the Arts, Milan, Italy. This collection documents Congdon's stay in Belsen as an AFS volunteer driver in April - May 1945 and includes letters to his parents, a typescript of the poem "In the Death of One", 15 photographs of Belsen drawings, a catalogue of Congdon's retrospective in Milan (1992),and an art pamphlet. Father Michael R. Pastizzo, SJ. (Rome, Italy),
Congdon's biographer, has contributed a detailed biography of Congdon (1993),and a chronology of Congdon's art and writings. The wwn collection of GeorgeBunker (CM 41), 1943-1945 includes a Geneva Card (1943), photographs of his service in the North African and Italian campaigns (1943-1944),and AFS wwn publications. An attractive art publication, Landscapes 1949 - 1989 (1993) representing Bunker's works is also included. In connection with 'The Drivers Return To Italy 1994Tour" Alfred P. Parsell (CM 92, m 59-T) provided a very moving account of the Italian campaign "War is not only for soldiers: Civilian life in World War n Italy". The memoir probes the personal and social consequences of war and AFS driver-civilianinteractions. Leslie J. McKie has given us two issues of Dekho!, a publication of the Burma Star Association in 1993. Livingston L Biddle Jr. (ME 32, FR 6) contributed his recent book, Qm: Government and the Arts (1988). This publication written with an intimate knowledge of the government agencies deals with Biddle's experiences in Washington as Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Saga of The Exterminators Squadron: The Combat Histoty of the 66th Fighter Sqpadron 1941-1945(1994) by Albert Schoenfield was received from the author. The book covers the history of American pilots of the 57th Fighter Group, who served with the British Eighth Army from El Alamein across North Africa, Sicilyand Italy until the end of the war. This publication was researched in the Archives and contains a reference to the AFS evacuation of the Squadron's wounded at El Djem, Tunisia, in April
1943. Photographic donations include 42 wwn prints of the AFS 567 Coy in Italy, Belgium and Germany 1944-45 from William S. Prince (CM 88, m 6Q-T).Mr. Prince, an AFS 567 Coy driver, was a member of the British Liberation Army who helped at the clean up of Bergen Belsen concentration camp in April-May 1945.We also received wwn and current photos of Richard Paulson (ME 4, m 7) taken in Syria in 1942and in Ames, Iowa. Hazen B. Hinman (ME 16) is contributing selections from his print collection of the North African campaign and at El Alamein, October - November 1942. The Archives is also the recipient of visual and publicity materials of the AFS Intercultural Programs. Kathy Murveley, Iowa City AFS representative, has forwarded to us a collection of AFS Iowa City Chapter student records, photos, and artifacts dating from 1959 to 1969. Bettina Hansel of the AFS Center for the Study of Intercultural Learning contributed her new publication, The Exchange Student SurvivalKit (1993),and two microfiches dealing with intercultural learning. A very interesting book written by Sora Frankel, The Frankel Hotel (1993) was donated by the author (through Pat Moody). Mrs. Frankel, an AFS volunteer and a host mother provided an overview of her experiences with the AFS exchange students she hosted in her Florida home between 1962-1993. She remembers affectionately all her AFS children, but holds a special place in her heart for a handicapped French daughter. Two AFS Belgium pins were donated by Christine De Leener (AFS Belgium 1954) upon her visit to the Archives in
August 1993. We also received a most recent AFS student recruitment folder from Doris Wilkins, Manager of AFS Volunteer Services. A photographic record of the Archives current exhibit, AFS Driver's Art exhibit at Wilderstein Preservation, President Spencer's visit to Red Roof and Beauport, and the Return To Italy Tour was donated by Eleanora Golobic. We are grateful to Charles Barry Tome (CM 45) and Arthur Whitehouse (CM 86) for photographic documentation of Return to Italy 1994.
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We are pleased to announce the latest AFS Archives and Museum publication, The Saga of SectiQn S~ written by Paul C. Rodgers, Jr. (ME 32, FR 8) with materials frQm Gene Hammond (ME 16, CM 92), Chick Squire (ME 37, IB 57), and Denny Weaver (ME 16, FR 4). For your convenience, we have enclosed an order fQr this publication. Order your CQPyQf The Saga of Section Six today!
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On June 16, 1994 Richard Spencer, President of AFS Intercultural Programs and the Archivist travelled to historic "Red RQof', the hQme Qf the AFS founder A. Piatt Andrew on Eastern Point in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Richard
Spencer met with Andrew Gray and the members of Piatt Andrew's family, Bill Foley, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Wolcott Jr., and the trustees of Beauport Museum. In the afternQon Mr. Spencer and the Archivist toured Beauport, the Colonial hQuse Qf Henry Davis Sleeper, the chief fundraiser fQr the AFS in WWI and neighbor of Andrew's. This unique house - the lifelong creation of Sleeper - is a popular museum operated by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA). Mr. Spencer's visit to Red Roof came following an earlier trip to Musee de Blerancourt, Blerancourt, France, where he viewed AFS' cQllectiQn Qf both wars with the assistance of Alan Albright, AFS volunteer and member of AFS Archives Advisory Committee. Mr. Spencer met with Philippe Grunchec, CuratQr Musee de BlerancQurt at AFS headquarters in New York.
Intercultura SPAIN, AFS Bolivia, Intercultura ITALY, AFS Portugal, Musee de Blerancourt, Wilderstein Preservation, and University of WiscQnsin Milwaukee presented selections from the permanent collection Qf AFS Archives and Museum in bQth exhibitions and publications. Intercultura ITALY published phQtographs of AFS history in its journal Intercultura. "Speciale Storia Dell' AFS"
listed a timeline of important events in AFS history: 1914-1994;feature articles on William Congdon (ME 20, CM 90), William Weaver (ME 37), and "La Campagna d'ltalia" - the AFS presence in Italy during 1943- 1945. In recognition of the recent "Return to Italy" trip, Intercultura ITALY also mounted an exhibition of AFS in Italy 1943-1945at their Naples office. Using the photographic and art records of World War II AFS volunteer drivers, Wilderstein Preservation commemorated Memorial Day 1994. Wilderstein is the mansion built by Thomas Suckleyin 1852. His grandson, Henry MontgomerySuckley joined the AFS in February 1915 and served as a Sous-chef with Section 3 in Alsace. In the fall of 1916 Suckley was sent to the Balkans as Commandant Adjoint of Section 10. He was killed at Koritza (Albania) in March 1917. After Henry's death the house belonged to his sister Margaret (Daisy) Suckley, who donated it to Wilderstein Preservation in 1983. Miss Suckley was a cousin of Stephen Galatti's wife, Grace Sands Montgomery. The Suckley family collections preserved at Wilderstein include an extensive collection of Henry Suckley's uniforms and memorabilia. AFS Portugal surveyed AFS history from World War I through current programs in photographs. University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee focused on AFS' affiliation with the Musee de Blerancourt presenting "The AFS Story" video, photographs of the musee and materials from AFS programs. Intercultura SPAIN, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, mounted an exhibition of photographs, "AnAFS Photo History" slide presentation, and printed
materials including posters and brochures on AFS history from World War I thru current programs. Intercultura Spain's returnees were featured in photographs and newspaper clippings. Similar materials were used by our AFS Bolivia office for their General Assembly conference. For the Musee de Blerancourt's exhibit, "June 1944: the Normandy Landings and American Humanitarian Aid," materials were sent from our archives documenting AFS service with the French Armies 1940 - 1945. Among the materials sent were a scrapbook, AFS in France 1940, photographs, flyers, pamphlets, and letters from Stephen Galatti, Charles de Gaulle, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and other notables. The musee's "Ie petit Journal des grandes Expositions," reviewed in brief the American Field Service in World War II with accompanying 1940 photograph of two AFS ambulance drivers at the Cite Universitaire in Paris. In late summer, Norman Shethar (CM 53) presented selections from Carl Zeigler's (CM 88) photographs and William Congdon's (ME 20, CM 90) drawings of AFS at Bergen-Belsen, at a gathering in his home in Rhode Island. Here at AFS headquarters, AFS Archives and Museum produced six "modest" exhibits on varying sections of AFS history. The exhibits include: 1. AFS Founders and Leaders: the early years 2. All Roads Lead to Rome: AFS in Italy, 1943-
45 3. AFS Japan Association: 1950s - present 4.30 Years of AFS Retumee Artwork 5. AFS Honors 6. Two World Wars as Seen by AFS Drivers
The following text is the introduction to CATALOGOF AFS ARCHIVESAND MUSEUM EXHIBITS - JUNE 1994. The spirit of the American Field Service Is often referred to as something recognizable on sight and needing no definition. The protean manifestations of this spirit make this questionable. In the First War, over 2,000 Americans volunteered to drive ambulances with the French. They operated the ambulance and truck services, both badly needed, and came to know and to respect and to be fond of the French. When the war was over they founded the AFS Fellowships for French Universities, Ine., so that more Americans might have the opportunity of learning at first hand about France. And when France was threatened with another war, these same men reorganized AFS so that it could again go to her assistance with an ambulance corps. During the Second War, AFS served in many places with the troops of many countries: in France, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Ubya, Tunisia, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, India, and Burma alongside men from France, Great Britain, Greece, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Poland, Italy, India, and Nepal. Again they formed friendships. Together in 1946 the two groups of volunteers created the framework of the second AFS scholarship program. This spirit, most simply, is that of people doing things for others, the only thought of personal gain being that of a better world for all. Because of the numerous lasting friendships AFSers formed during the two wars with men of the various nationalities with whom they were in daily contact, AFS believes direct understanding between individuals to be one of the most potent mediums for making good international relations effective.
Foreword, George Rock The History of the American Field Service: 1920- 1955 Through these years AFS was fortunate in the quality of its leadership. Two men, A Piatt Andrew and Stephen Galatti, possessed to a remarkable degree those qualities which enabled them to attain success in the difficult times of world conflicts and the succeeding years of
rehabilitation and reconciliation. The AFS programs have always had a strong underpinning of volunteer organizations throughout the world, when the exchangeswere mutually between the United States and another country. It was this broad-based support that made the programs significant in the years of reconciliation and attracted the support of governments anxious to strengthen peace between nations. The participants in the AFS have been on the whole of unusually high quality. One notices among the names of those in the war-time years such writers as Julian Green, Ted Weeks, Malcolm Cowley, Amos Wilder, such artists as Waldo Peirce, Victor White, Pierre Bourdelle, Clifford Saber, William Congdon, George Bunker, as well as playwrights,actors, and musicians. Among the French Fellows there have been distinguished international lawyers, educators, economists, and public servants. In the lists of those who are alumni of the high school program, now that the program is approaching its fiftieth year, one finds the names of world diplomats and business leaders as well as distinguished figures in the world of the arts. The modest exhibits here catalogued can serve only to a limited degree to illustrate the AFS history and provide only a limited sampling of its diversity. Represented are the war-time ambulance services, the artistic talents of the drivers and the participating students, the early leaders of the organization, some characteristics of the Japanese program, and the Italian campaign in World War TI. Many of the works on view are brought to our viewers through donations from the private collections of our AFS drivers and student participants. We are grateful to
them for gIvmg of their personal collections representing the richness and diversity of the AFS experience.... For photos of AFS New York headquarters display see photo enclosure p. 4.
UPDATE: Bergen-Belsen Memorial Album Production of a Bergen-Belsen memorial album with AFS Germany continues. National Director of AFS Interkulturelle Begegnungen e.v. (AFS Germany) Dr. H. Beate Schopp-Schilling will present the album to the Director of the memorial site in a special ceremony with prospective attendance by German politicians, AFS Germany volunteers, and other relevant authorities/ officials in Spring 1995. The album will include bilingual text featuring the photographs and personal account of Carl Zeigler (CM 88); speech given by Norman Shethar (CM 53) at the AFS Germany volunteer conference 1993; drawings by William Congdon (ME 20, CM 90); and excerpts from George Rock's "History of the American Field Service 1920-1955".
Below are the names of drivers notice of whose death has reached us, some only recently. World War I John E. Boit, SSU 2 William Bristol, Jr., TMU 184 Richard W. Thorington, SSU 27 World War II Roger W. Bardwell, CM 90
Maurice W. Binford, CM 41 Herbert E. Conway, CM 86 Grafton Fay, ME 8, ME 16 James B. Francis, m 32 David C. Gordon, m 57 Chauncey B. Ives, ME 1, m- T Georges W. Knowlton, IV, CM 43 & 92 James Tyson Lee, CM 81 William Perry, ME 5, CM 93, m 48-T, CM-T
Below is the list of AFS Volunteer Drivers whose mail has been returned for lack of good address, etc. If you know the whereabouts of any of these drivers, please let World War I Cecil V. Donovan, SSU 639 World War II Robert T. Allis, CM 56 Patrick Brannan, ME 32, FR 8, m 60-T John Gulick, ME 37 Edward F. Haeger, CM 88 Arnold Hartpence, ME 14 Edwin F. Hicks, CM 86, m 59-T Kenneth G. Keatings, ME 4 Elias A Nasser, FR 40 Elton Parks, Jr., m 60, 1st AAS William Simpson, ME 4, CM 76, FR 3-T-D Raymond Temkovitz, CM 94, m 59-T Chester D. Walters, CM 90, m 6Q-T
AFS World War I and World War II Volunteer Drivers MaHina: List Chana:es
Gordon W. Phelps SSU 14
Rev. John Hendrickson CM 75
Dr. Davis Spencer IB 1
A. Grima Johnson FR 40, ME 16, FFC
Edmund Spencer CM 53, IB 55
Robert Martin,
Richard C. Anderson CM 62
James M. Anderson, Jr. IB 58
William H. Browning, IT ME 37
Cyril J. Burke CM 94, IB 6O-T
Dr. Bayard D. Clarkson CM 90
m IB 12
Paul Stott IB 9
Donald McCreary CM93, IB 59
Hugh W. Swofford CM 88
Phillips McGraw CM 92
William S. Townsend, IT CM 74 Apartado Postal #2-310 Puerto
Raymond Mitchell ME 39 Robert E. Tscherfmger CM 91
DeWitt C. Morrill IB 7 James B. Vaughan IB 1
James C. Munro CM 71 David C. Viall CM 79 Clarence J. Reynolds, IT CM 47
Walter Hackett CM 41, IB 55
Jaime Salinas FR 4 Ray Hauserman IB 1
David S. Hendrick,
m ME
Mason Smith ME 37 4
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On June 6, 1944, Lewis M. Allen (ME 32, FFC, CM 97), Dean Fuller (CM 41, FR 3-T), and Warren G. Fugitt (ME 32, FR 1) received the Commemorative Medal of the 50th anniversary of the landings in Normandy and Provence and of the Liberation of France from Col. Roger Cestac, President of the Federation of French War Veterans in New York. The Federation issued the medal as a Tribute to the Veterans of World War n. The ceremony took place on the 50th anniversary of the D-Day, 6 June 1994, at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. Note to AFS French Veterans: The Commemorative Medal is available from the Federation of French War Veterans (see address below). There is a twenty dollar donation. Federation of French War Veterans, Inc. 141 E. 44th Street, Suite 604 New York, NY 10017 (212) 697-0866
H you wish to have a Field Service tie but have not gotten around to ordering, we still have some available. Please fileout the enclosed order form, send your check ($25) and specify four-in-hand or bow. They are handsome, navy blue with diagonal stripes of red, white, blue, and gold and bearing the AFS eagle emblem. The silk cloth was made in the U.K
AFS Archives & Museum extends warm wishes for the holiday season!
Director AFS Archives & Museum William Orrick Archivist Eleanora Golobic Archives Assistant Donna Thompson
The Janus AFS Archives & Museum Third Floor 220 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10017 USA
Behind this gate David Ford parked his ambulance in April 1944, St. Elia near Cassino, 27 September 1994
AFS group looking at the maps depicting the Anzio beachhead operations at the American War Cemetery, Nettuno, 29 September 1994. Left to right, William Cantrall (hidden), Donald Bragg (partial view), Arthur Whitehouse, Thomas Ellinwood (pointing), Frederick Wackernagel, Robert Kennedy, James Munro, and Ruth Shearman
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Photo Enclosure
p.2
L. to R. Robert Kennedy, Chick
Squire, and Walter Brethauer at Alexander Randall's grave at the American War Cemetery, Nettuno, 29 September 1994
AFS drivers singing "Auld Lang Syne" at the ceremony at Colle Val d'Elsa, 1 October 1994. L. to R. Alfred Parsell, Barry Tome, David Ford, James Munro, Walter Brethauer, John Ellinwood, Donald Bragg, Robert Kennedy, Ken Proctor, Rowland McKinley, and Alexander Stumpf
Bust of Stephen Galatti and a memorial plaque for the founders of the AFS unveiled at Colle Val d'Elsa, 1 October 1994
John Ellinwood planting an olive tree in the garden of the AFS office at Colle Val d'Elsa, 1 October 1994. In the background Ken Proctor and Rowland McKinley.
1. to R. An unidentified volunteer, William Shearman, Ruth
Shearman at the Intercultura Naples dinner, 26 September 1994
Livingston Biddle, Jr. at the "Return To Italy 1994" dinner, Sardi's, New York, 23 September 1994
AFS Honors and Decorations display, AFS New York Headquarters, June 1994
30 Years of AFS Returnee Artwork display, AFS New York Headquarters, June 1994. Lower right: Jara Moserova, "Empathy"