The Janus - December 1995

THE JANUS Tom Hale reports on

50th Anniversary Drivers Reunion Dear Fellow Field Service Volunteers: It was a truly memorable reunion that we held in Williamsburg in late October. The weather was perfect, and we had a turnout of over 280 people including exdrivers, their wives, and a number of their offspring as

~... ~ ~.".,' Rod Weeks playing highland bagpips in front of restored 1942 Dodge ambulance, October 25, 1995.

well. It was a very friendly occasion and an emotional one as welL for suddenly we were seeing faces and hearing voices, some that we had not seen or heard for over fifty years. There were handshakes and shameless embraces, and the most commonly heard phrase was, "Do you remember. ..?" At registration there were huge photo posters of the several company insignias, numerous handouts. and each person was given a name tag with his unit and Coy number. Nearby was an entire suite given over to a display of Archives' materials--and what a display it was, with books (you've no idea how many authors we spawned'), photo albums, letters and souvenirs of every description form every theater of the war.

Wednesday morning and afternoon and again on Thursday afternoon Ward Chamberlin and Eleanora Golobic. AFS Archivist, showed several videos that he had gathered together of actual film footage of the African, Italian, and Burma campaigns. The films of Cassino and the monastery looming above us in the rain and fog really hit those of us who were there. Then on Thursday morning Richard Spencer of AFS International and Jennifer Froistad of AFS USA together with International Board of Trustees members gave an excellent presentation of the size and scope of the Intercultural Exchange Program today -- some-

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thing of which I have to confess I, at least, had no conception. We all should be very proud of how the program has expanded into a world-wide network of student exchanges aimed at furthering international undei-standing. I wish you might have heard it; it was eye-opening.

Wednesday evening we had three company dinners for 567, 485, and the India/Burma group. Those who served with the Free French interspersed themselves among their friends in these three groups.

The high point of the evening and perhaps the high point of the whole reunion came in the midst of the cocktail party preceding these dinners when we were called

It was a simply spectacular affair ...

ment, Meat Purveyors to their Majesties since 1065. This shipment packed expressly for H.M. Forces, August 1936."

Instead of bully we had to put up with prime rib but I heard very few complaints! Our own Rev. John Harmon started us off with an invocation, Art Howe read a list of those who did not return and we all stood for a moment of silence. There were toasts to the President, to the Queen of England and the President of France, and before I proposed a toast to the Queen I was able to read a message from Her Majesty from Buckingham Palace which I had received only that morning.

We are honored to have as speakers the Military Attaches of both Britain [Brigadier Baly] and New Zealand [Air Commander Mantann] as well as remarks by Art Howe and Bill Cantrall, who reported on the situation regarding V.A. benefits for those of us who were declared ineligible. In short, it appears somewhat more hopeful than in the past. Richard Spencer again spoke briefly on the importance of the AFS Intercultural Programs, and the final closing remarks were by Bishop Pengilly Harwood of Scotland who had served in the 8th Army in the desert and in Italy during the war. He had come all the way from Scotland to be with us on this occasion, as had Walter Coates, representing the East Yorkshire Regiment Branch of the 8th Army Veterans' Association, who presented us with an inscribed 8th Army plaque. As a grand finale, ten ladies -- wives of Field Service drivers or AFS International staff distributed the bronze AFS medals and ribbons which you have now received.

It was a simply spectacular affair and all thanks are due to the committee that helped put this together--especially Art Howe, Ward Chamberlin, Wally Brethauer, Dan Hastings, Bill Orrick, Eleanora Golobic of AFS Archives.

Sincerely, Tom Hale, Chairman

Tom Hale (cont'd) upstairs to stand outside the front door of the Cascade Restaurant. Coming down the avenue leading to the restaurant was a completely restored 1942 Dodge ambulance, with all the Field Service colors, insignia, numbers and other reminders of the past. On the front bumper was hastily written, "D-day Dodgers."

The ambulance was preceded by a bagpiper. I can tell you that Kleenex was in short supply! This was all the result of six months' effort

by Colin Gemmell (CM 92) " . " . . an d h¡IS sons. Th e h u lk 0fth e 567 Coy ChIcken Inslgma vehicle had been found in Portland, Oregon, and they towed the wreck all the way to Connecticut where they installed a new engine, drive train, tires, wind shield, and virtually everything to make it runable, which it was. When it drew up in front and stopped and the driver rested his arm on the windowsill and looked at us over the 567 chicken on the door, it was a very moving moment. There were cheers, sighs, and innumerable photographs. The car remained with us until Friday morning when the Gemmells retrieved it to take it back to Connecticut for further restoration. They had obtained two extra doors for the driver's side and passenger's side and painted them up with the 567 and 485 insignias for everyone to sign with a magic marker pen. I believe eventually these doors will go to the AFS Archlv~s.

Tom's peroration:

L. to R. John Day (ME 16), William Stump (ME 32, FR 8), and William Woodin (IB 29) signing the ambulance doors.

Thursday evening was the big banquet and it was beautifully laid on and engineered by Dan Hastings of AFS Travel, who did so very much to make the entire occasion a success. I shall never forget looking out over a sea of29 tables, each one of which held 10 people, with flowers and balloons. Unfortunately, we couldn't get enough bully beef for everyone but on each table there was one can of the very stuff, with a label which read in part, "Britain's Best Bully Beef - By appoint-

...My Field Service experiences, sublimated for most of the succeeding 50 years, unconsciously set a course for my life or perhaps I should say a foundation for my personal philosophy and my political beliefs, for I am an unreconstructed liberal at home and a firm believer in the underlying equality and goodness of every person on this all-too-small a planet.

My Field Service friends, many of whom I see around me today, are far closer to me than were my college classmates and closer even than the many friends I have made in the intervening years. Thus although I have never been involved in the Intercultural Programs I firmly believe in that to which they are dedicated to accomplish and wish them well.

The AFS means something different to each of us, but remarkably we are united today as we were 50 years ago in our belief that the underlying concept of the Field Service is one of a dedication not only to healing and peace but to the furtherance of international understanding and an awareness of the differences and similarities of our world's cultures.

Earlier I had said there were to be three toasts, but I would like to add a fourth -- to one who, more than anyone

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else, has made this occasion the wonderful success it has been.

Dan Hastings of AFS Travel called me way back last spring and asked ifhe could help. "Help" isn't the word for what he has done and contributed. Others, too, indeed have also helped above and beyond anything I might have asked.

appreciation presented him with an electronic weather device for his boat, a book, and a bouquet of flowers to Kelsey Hale for her able assistance.

AFS International President Richard Spencer, Dan Hastings, Bill Orrick, and Eleanora Golobic were made honorary members of the Field Service and presented with the Field Service medal.]

And now may I beg your further patience for one brief moment while I read that wonderful excerpt from Shakespeare's Henry V - his speech to his troops before the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. When Churchill, in 1943, reviewed the 8th Army in Tripoli after the fmal victory in Africa, he slightly altered it for the occasion, and even now as always the St. Crispin's Day lineage binds us all together.

Henry V

(Act IV, Scene III)

This story shall the good man teach his son: And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers: For he, to-day that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother: be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition: And gentlemen in England, now a-bed, Shall think themselves accurs'd, they were not here, And hold their manhoods cheap, while any speaks, That fought with us upon St. Crispin's day.

Thank you, friends.

Thomas Hale (CM 47, CM 97) 567 Coy Chairman

Tom Hale (CM 47, CM 97) listening to Arthur Howe's (ME 2) tribute at the Banquet, October 26, 1995.

"The 567 Coy dinner was a poignant, spritely, delightful and, It was an at moments, outrageous occasion, occasion we shall enriched by the presence of notforget.

English, Scottish and N .Z. representatives, along with many wives and children of Vets ....Preceded by a Gemmell family friend playing the bagpipes, the restored World War II ambulance had arrived under its own power at our preceding cocktail hour.

It was a marvelous contribution to our Reunion .... It was an occasion we shall not forgeL." Art Howe (ME 2) 567 Coy

Art's peroration: L. to R. Richard Spencer, President, AFS Intercultural Programs; Eleanora Golobic, AFS Archivist; Dan Hastings, General Manager, AFS Travel; and William Orrick, Director, AFS Archives being presented with the AFS medal, October 26, 1995 N.B.[Tom was too modest to include the tribute which Art Howe and Ward Chamberlin paid to him after he read to us the quotation from Henry V. They spoke warmly of Tom's work as chairman of the Reunion Committee, and as a token of

" ....The AFS was born in war and is dedicated to peace, surely an unusual organization.

To its glory AFS has performed two "Missions Impossible", one in war and one in peace, distinctively breaking new ground for voluntary, humanitarian service ....One great reason for AFS accomplishments, namely Stephen Galatti. After years of involvement I'm sure of one thing: no one, but no one, other than Steve Galatti could have pulled off those two missions.

His was the vision and the determination, and AFS remains in many respects a product of his light and his shadow of innovative genius."

Art Howe (ME 2) 567 Coy

I em co~~anded by The Queen to convey her warm thanks to you and the veterans of the &~erican Field service for your kind message of greetings, sent on the occasion of your reunion at Williamsburg, Virginia on 24th October, 1995.

In t~:s special year, when we mark the fiftieth annive=sa=y o~ the end of the Second World War, Her Majesty was pleasec to receive this message and sends her best wishes to you all for a memorable occasion.

Facsimile of medal given to Tom Hale by the British Military Attache, Brigadier R.F. Baly.

"Most of us who served in the French Units, 1944/45, had previously been with the British in the Middle East, North Africa and/or Italy, with a fairly evenly divided representation respectively from 485 Coy and 567 Coy, but with a perceptible tilt toward 485. Ergo, a hard-core, ferociously loyal Gaelic contingent found itself happily accepting AFS confraternity but stubWard Chamberlin (ME 37, CM 104, IB 59-T) speaking at the AFS medal presentation, October 26, 1995. bornly resisting complete homogenization, gather"The 485 Company dinner was terrific, and in so many ways typical ing within the 485 DinAFS: unruly, unpredictable, and fun. The highlight was the singing ner, but clumping joyof the AFS songs from Italy and the Desert, with most of the old ously together at a comer words. We missed many old pals, but the big group we had was in table in the splendid Casgreat spirits and had lost none of its youthful vitality." cades premises.

Ward Chamberlin (ME 37, CM 104, IB 59-T) An irreducible hard485 Coy core within the hard-core, survivors of French Unit I, brazenly established what it regarded as a strongpoint at a strategically located, easily defensible table for ten. Therefrom, the self-segregated group (initially B. Mason Bowen, Quentin Hope, Peter Moore, Richard Shepard and Warren Fugitt, joined later by William T. Carrington Hannah) regarded the OTHERS in the great hall with sincere -- if somewhat subdued -- solidarity, shared rations all around, and heartily participated in the singing led by Charlie Johnson, French Unit VI (the Reverend Charles E. Johnson, Jr., that is).

A happy gathering indeed, with a rollicking group astonishingly ambulant and articulate despite the intervening half-century. And, with mnemonic synapses still intact, recounting with minimal elaboration tales of a long-ago War. Vivent les Volontaires! And please pass the wine."

Warren Fugitt (ME 32, FR 1) Rev. Charles Johnson (CM 45, FR 6) singing WWII 485 Coy repertoire at the 567 Coy dinner, October 25,1995.

"It was a privilege to attend the reunion and to meet so many people who played a vital role in the history of the American Field Service. It made me realize what an enormous debt of gratitude we owe to the Drivers and how fortunate we are today that they had the vision to start the student exchange programs in 1947. It was one of the most moving and memorable experiences of my thirty years with AFS." Richard Spencer, President AFS Intercultural Programs Richard Spencer, President AFS Intercultural Programs at the Reunion Banquet

The 1942 Dodge ambulance October 25, 1995

(side view, note the 567 Coy insignia),

"For the first time since 1972 all seven male members of our family met in reunion. My cousin, Brian, joined in the celebration. And what a celebration it was! The 50 year reunion of the AFS, my father's outfit in WWII ....

We had all come from different parts of the country with one goal, to reclaim this ambulance as a tribute to all AFS drivers, regardless of their theater of operation. Was it worth it?

You bet!

We regret not having sufficient time to talk at length with each of the drivers at this reunion. They are a great group of guys. Bless them all."

Hugh Gemmell Portland, Oregon (son of Colin Gemmell CM 92) NOTE: Hugh Gemmell's account of re-building the ambulance will appear in the forthcoming JANUS.

Hugh Gemmell, Colin Gemmell (CM 92, IB 60- T), and Rob Gemmell at the 567 Coy dinner

December 1995

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Jennifer Froistad, AFS USA President answering questions from the" AFS Today" audience, October 26, 1995

"Over the years, I have been privileged to work with several of the ambulance drivers whose vision and will created the AFS programs of today -Ward Chamberlin, Ed Masback, Art Howe, Fred Balderston, Norm Eddy, Enos Curtin and our beloved Apple. Being at the reunion of WWII ambulance drivers, reminded me of how blessed we all are to have such a rich heritage and such courageous and generous fathers.

Thousands upon thousands of lives have been forever changed for the better because they have had the opportunity to love and be loved as a member of another family in another country of another culture. The value AFS has added to the world in understanding and respect is truly immeasurable. And it is all thanks to the vision and spirit and generosity of the ambulance drivers. Your gift to us challenges us to give to others.

Thank you."

Jennifer Froistad President, AFS USA

I "I have to say that the event was the most enjoyable AFS event I've ever attended. I've never met a group of people who were more interesting, vibrant, gracious and clearly enjoying themselves and the company of friends. Watching some of them greet one another after a lapse of 50 years is an amazing memory I'll never forget. All our hard work paid off as everything came off quite well. I do have one regret, however, about which absolutely nothing could have been done, which was that Apple was not there. (Somehow the drinks and cigarettes would have been much more fun if he had been with us.)"

Dan Hastings AFS Travel

William Stump (ME 32, FR 6) and Richard W. Nelson (eM 60) at the Reunion

"I can only express my grateful thanks again for a first-class reunion. It was a perfect time of great fellowship and certainly re-kindled many memories of so long ago. The good feelings we all have about the AMERICAN FIELD SERVICE are still with us and will always be with us. Also, I felt very honored to be at the reunion and it was particularly moving to me when we (the drivers) were toasted for what we did so many years ago. To be with so many good friends again (and to talk and sing some of those many great "songs" we all knew) will long be remembered."

Richard W Nelson (CM 60) 485 Coy

"Thank you so much for inviting me to attend. The reunion in Williamsburg was a truly fascinating and inspiring experience. I learned more about AFS during the days in Williamsburg than I have in a long time. I know that this should not be a surprise to me, but I must admit it struck me how nice these people in AFS are. May be it is because we share so many of the same interests or beliefs.

-- I don't know. Anyway the reunion was something to remember forever. I hope to keep in touch with some of the drivers in the years to come."

Georg Broch National Director, AFS Norway

Marianne Meyer, AFS International Trustee and Georg Broch, National Director, AFS Norway at the Reunion Banquet

"The Drivers Reunion in Williamsburg; a very special occasion; a memorable, moving and inspiring experience with the people whose legacy - the AFS student programs - changed my life too. It was a privilege to attend and meet so many of you. A heartfelt Thank You to all of you."

Marianne Meyer AFS International Trustee

1 L. to R. William "Bugs" Baer (ME 32, CM 76), Charles Cole (CM 61), John Baylor (CM 6). 2nd row L. to R. Arthur Howe (ME 2), and Joseph Desloge (ME 4, FFC, CM 94, IB 59-T)

"We enjoyed the reunion immensely.

I especially enjoyed the videos "Letter from Lybia" and "The AFS Story " (WWI to present).

Little Mariah brought tears thinking of Papa. The talk by Richard Spencer and the banquets (with songs) also were unforgettable. I've enshrined my tin of "Bully."

I was very impressed with the wonderful organization you built. I didn't really realize how far the organization had come!"

Joseph Desloge, Jr. (ME 4, FFC, CM 94, IB 59-T) 485 Coy

THAT TEARS THE SCREEN APART! See the American Field Service Drive for Their Lives!

See AFS Administering Aid to Battlefield Casualty!

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THE AFS ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM FILM PRESENTATION AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY DRIVERS REUNION "LETIER FROM LIBYA" (AFS. 1942·43) NARRATED BY STUART BENSON

"DESERT VICTORY" "AFS WITH THE BRITISH EIGHTH ARMY IN ITALY" (194+45)

"CASSINO" "AFS IN INDIA· BURMA " (NARRATED BYJOHN PATRICK. 1944)

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THERE WILL BE TWO SHOWS ON WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 25, 1995 AT 10 AM·12 PM AND 2PM-4 PM

THEREWILL BE ONE SHOW ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1995 AT 2PM·4PM

India Burma group at the Banquet - L. to R. Don Bragg (ME 2, IB 5), Robert Waterbury (IB 5), Shirl Hendryx (IB 5), DeWitt Morrill (IB 7), and Dan Spallone (IB 3, eM 91-T)

"To our surprise, the 50 (77) or so Drivers and their wives and equivalents found ourselves still gathered in our dining room for some time after the Africa-Italy groups had retreated to their charpoys for the night.

Perhaps a smaller group encouraged easier conversation? In any event, the proceedings were simplicity itself. Dick Morrill (lB 2) was tagged as the moderator. He related his recent meeting in London with the officers of the 19th Indian "Dagger" Division and the profound impact on him of the appreciation expressed by all the men present for the work ofthe AFS drivers. It was very movmg.

Shirley Hendryx (We know his real name is Lefty) told about the adaption of his AFS experience in writing the script for the TV Series "Combat," and other reminiscences about India and Burma. The Group then began an ad hoc series of commentaries by whoever had something, usually humorous, to say., Towards the end there was a brief moment of silence in memory of our comrades who were no longer among us.

Morrill has received two letters which say it all: ' ...A great occassion. At least I felt that way!' [Shirl] 'Jane and I can't stop talking about the greatest party ever. We loved every minute of it.' [Cliff Bissler] After more than 50 years it seemed as though the clock had stopped for a 10-second time-out, and there we were as close and as involved as we had ever been."

Dick Morrill IB 7

After more than 50 years ... we were as close and as involved as we had ever been.

12htJ!osjitJm the (iJ(eunitJn

Top: Dr. Lewis Harned (CM 41) showing his AFS medal to Bishop Pengilly Harwood of Scotland; Brigadier R.F. Baly and Walther Brethauer (ME 19, CM 94, IB 59-T) at the Reunion Banquet Middle: Karin Eisele, Emily Booker, Martha Brethauer, Jennifer Froistad, and Kelsey Hale present medals to AFS drivers; plaque in memory of Lt. Charles Perkins displayed on door of newly restored Dodge ambulance Bottom: Barbara and Arthur Whitehouse Barry Tome (CM 45) at the Reunion

(CM 86) with

Dear AFS Driver, By this time you shoulld have received our special medal commemorating your service in World War II and also the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.

If you have not received the special medal, please contact us.

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AFS Archives and Museum Third Floor, 220 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 949-4242

World War II Songs 'W'l' Kcml'mhl:r World War II Tributes 10 AI ~ The American Indian (194.\) AFS 50th Anniversar: Rc:unlOn rrll~ram

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All from the staff of AFS Archives and Museum

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AFS Archives display at the 50th Anniversary Williamsburg, October 24-26, 1995

Drivers Reunion,

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