In April 2025, the French people continued to show honor and respect for our WW II P-38 pilots who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Their dedication and heartfelt emotions leaves us with a deep appreciation of our mutual friendship with them. Memorial ceremonies were hosted by the Municipality of Travaillan.  As in previous years, there were two ceremonies.  The first was held at the Plan de Dieu monument and was a tribute honoring 5 pilots who fell for freedom in 1944. (Lts Crandall, Duggleby, Semple, Simpson, and Tracy). The second ceremony was held at the Travaillan cemetery in honor of Lts. Crandall and Duggleby.

We are proud that a new Association member, Capt Alison (Allie) Chapman gave the tributes for our Association  at both ceremonies.  Allie is on active duty and stationed in the UK.  Her granddad flew F-84s for the 49th back in the early 1950s. Allie also participated in laying wreaths at the ceremonies along with the Caritat Air Base Vice Commander.

Nico Courtine, an Association member, has single-handedly organized and arranged  these memorial services for more than 20 years.  The Association felt strongly that Nico deserves noteworthy recognition, so we worked closely with the US Department of State.  Totally unexpected by Nico, the US Consulate General presented him a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his exceptional dedication and tireless efforts to organize these many memorial services over the years.