Subject: Great memories
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
bubbagfs@fairpoint.net 

My name is Gerry Sanborn of 97 Maple St. Monmouth, Maine 04259. E-mail is bubbagfs@fairpoint.net I only just became aware of this web site, it's wonderful ! I was stationed at Ingrandes QM Depot from Dec 54 thru May 57 assigned to 574 Ord Fld Maint Co .We repaired all vehicles & small arms for the area. I would love to hear from any vets. How did you obtain the rosters? Later the 574 Ord Fld Maint Co was absorbed by the 7866 Det AU. 
Thanks, Gerry Sanborn

Subject: I'm sorry, thanks for the memories.
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
RICHAENN3@aol.com
You have done a good service for us all, do I miss the town, or do I miss my youth? It was a great time to be young. R

Subject: maison forte vet
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Woodnate@aol.com
joyeax noel
I read your 'meet the author' on the home page for Saumur. I had the same bewildering feeling about approaching Maison Forte, namely, 'this can't be so!!' I wish I was more curious about what was going on around me at the time. My duty hours started at midnight in the IBM processing room. I never knew where I fit into the scheme of things, except to know that we ordered sig corp equip from the states. Didn't know where they came from, who compiled them, or where the material went. 
I love the intro music. all the best.
------------
From: Patrick JEGOU 
Patrick JEGOU <jegoupatrick@wanadoo.fr>
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 4:37 PM
Subject: thank you for this flash back trip in my childhood .

Dear ED I am a 56 year old french citizen who lived in Saumur betwen 1956 and 1958 .

At this time my father was in the French army based at the calvary academy for three years , between a long period in Indochina.( Viet Nam ) and before leaving for Algeria for another troubled period.
I would like you trust in what I am telling you. Via the net I was looking for pictures of US military police Chevy car and US army trucks REO , KAISER I saw very often crossing Saumur street. At this time I was very impressed by these huge trucks rolling with their lights on . Fifty years later I am still interested in. I have found very interesting sites dedicated to either surplus army sale or Military Preservation truck association who intend ceremonies and various celebrations. Have you been told of NORMANDY 44.?

That's why I have just discovered your net site and Ii would like to express all my congratulations for this. I share with you , I think , the same nostalgia for Saumur city.
I was young , except my father was at home what I did appreciate . We were living ( with other army families ) in a house located inside the fortifications of the castle. You can imagine the tremendous playing area we enjoyed as kids . I keep in memory the sunshine and this particularly atmosphere due to weather conditions.

Some American boys were in the same catholic school ( Institution Saint Louis )than me and by 5pm I took the opportunity to benefit of the shuttle bus joining catholic school for girls located very close to the castle .This shuttle bus was a French built Renault painted in olive drab color with us stencils .

I also remember the sound of French emergency truck who rushed to Loire river border to save intrepid swimmer trapped by vicious stream who provoked so many dead during summer .
Forest fire were very frequent during July August , do you remember that ? I think both armies were requested to participate to fire fighting task. Can you confirm this point?
Souvenirs! souvenirs !

Later, much later after studies and military drafted period spent as sergeant in paratrooper regiment I have been working for 37 years with Airports of Paris authorities in airlines ground handling department .
I started in Le Bourget airport in 1969 , then Charles de Gaulle and finally Orly airport . I have had the opportunity to work in very closed cooperation with crew members of:
Overseas national airlines , Saturn , Trans international , Capitol , World airways , Panam, TWA, and later with American airlines, Delta , United, Northwest .
I traveled in USA ,in several occasions : California, Florida , Virginia, New York . 

I live actually in Paris suburb , between Villacoublay airfield and Orly airport .Next week end i will join Normandy were ma niece is living not so far from Omaha Beach and the deeply impressing Colleville army cemetery dedicated to GIs who gave their life for our freedom .I plan to visit again Sainte Maire Eglise in June . We have to learn so many from History .

I hope you will take time to read this short message , and thank you again for creating a site dedicated to the Saumur city . 
I would like to express my best regards to you and your family .
Patrick J‚gou .

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
From: Walt Hrebeniuk <whreb@optonline.net>
Greetings and remembrance of Veterans day to each and every one who served.
May I add my comments to this message board. I was not in Saumur but this is the closest I can find on the web for the Depot at Ingrandes.
I arrived there in January of 1967 just when the base was closing because the French asked us to leave. I'm reading that there were many good memories held by my predecessors. I wish I could say the same. I found the people at Ingrandes and Chatellerault to be rude and unfriendly. I pulled detail to help dismantle Poitier and the situation was the same. Stunning town and countryside but rude people. Took part in the official closing ceremonies at Orleans. Again nice town but rude & unfriendly.
Was stationed with 27th Finance Section as travel clerk and went on to SHAPE HQ in Casteau and eventually finished my tour in Brussels. The difference between the Belgians and the French is like night and day.
The only reason I would return to France would be to urinate on it. Hated every minute of the three months I spent there.
Just for the record the day we left there was ONE Frenchman at the gate to wave good bye and say "thank you" for what the veterans that came before me sacrificed for their lousy nation

Subject: Caserne Laribosiere
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
John Kirsch <JKIRSCH3@new.rr.com>
Hello
I was stationed at Caserne Lariboisiere, at Fontainebleau/Avon France from 1960 to 1962. I have not been able to contact anyone or any site regarding this Caserne. I was with the 507th Signal Co. which later changed to "B" Co. 29th Sig. Batt.
I would love to get in touch with someone who was there.
John Kirsch

Subject: music
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
gerryh@wearcon.com
Hi,
Thanks for responding to my email about your site. And a very BIG thank you
for sending me the music to Seven Spanish Angels. That was great. I have
never heard this song before visiting your site. God Bless
Gerry L Humphrey

Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2006 16:12:42 -0500
To: gerryh@wearcon.com
From: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Re: visit
It's Seven Spanish Angels
At 02:50 PM 10/10/2006 -0500, you wrote:

Subject: visit
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi,
I was visiting the 3rd army div web site today and picked up your website.
You have a beautiful web site. The pics were great to view. It looks like a
pretty place to live. I also enjoyed the music. By the what is the name of
song that plays on your site. I love it. Thank you so much for building the
site. You did a wonderful job. Will visit you again to see more.
Gerry L Humphrey
www.pointlomalight@yahoo.com

Subject: Fwd: Souvenirs...souvenirs.
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 

Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2006 01:14:05 +0200
From: Michel Normand <michel-normand2@wanadoo.fr>
Subject: Souvenirs...souvenirs.
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Suite … un article de la presse locale qui a communiqu‚ l'adresse de votre site, je viens de le consulter.

J'ai pris beaucoup de plaisir … lire les commentaires et … regarder les photographies qui me rappellent mon adolescence.
Je suis n‚ … Saumur en 1934 et je me souviens trŠs bien de la p‚riode o— les am‚ricains ‚taient dans le camp de Varrains. J'ai rencontr‚ des militaires am‚ricains … maintes reprises. De plus, j'avais postul‚ pour entrer au camp comme personnel civil. Mon admission ‚tant prononc‚e, mais je n'ai pas donn‚ suite puisqu'en mˆme temps je venais d'apprendre mon succŠs au concours d'entr‚e … l'‚cole des t‚l‚communications de Paris.
Amateur de jazz et musicien (trompette) je prenais toujours plaisir … parler jazz avec les militaires du camp.
Comme pendant mon activit‚ professionnelle o— j'ai beaucoup voyag‚ pour des missions France T‚l‚com, UIT (agence sp‚cialis‚e de l'ONU), je continue sur cette lanc‚e. Cela fait deux fois que je vais aux USA o— j'ai des amis en Caroline du Nord.
Merci et mes compliments pour votre site qui … fait rejaillir en moi des souvenirs.
Salutations distingu‚es.
Michel Normand
Michel Normand <michel-normand2@wanadoo.fr>

Following an article of the local press which communicated the address of your site, I come to consult it. I took much pleasure to read the comments and to look at the photographs which point out my adolescence to me. I was born in Saumur in 1934 and I remember the period very well when American was in the camp of Varrains. I met American soldiers on several occasions. Moreover, I had postulated to enter to the camp like civil personnel. My admission being pronounced, but I did not take action pursuant since at the same time I had just learned my success with the entrance examination at the school from telecommunications from Paris. Amateur of jazz and musician (trumpet) I always took pleasure to speak jazz with the soldiers about the camp. As during my occupation where I traveled much for France Telecom missions, UIT (arranges specialized in UNO), I continue on this impetus. That made twice that I go to the USA where I have friends in North Carolina. Thank you and my compliments for your site which with fact of flashing back in my memories. Best greetings. Norman Michel

--------------
Subject: Appreciation
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
M L Woodlock <wlalen@isot.com>

I have thoroughly enjoyed your web page. I was at Braconne General Depot from April 1958 til December 1959.
I can find nothing concerning Braconne, so I suppose this caused me to enjoy your page even more. Paris of 1999 was surely different than 1959. Thanks,
Lalen Woodlock, Texas

Subject: Fw: BRANSON
From: lowell cobbs 
To: Dorman Davidson 
Sent: Thursday, August 31, 2006 12:56 PM
Subject: BRANSON

HI, How is the world treating you? Good I hope. I don't think that I'll be able to
attend the Branson bash. I don't know if I told you, but my wife has alzheimer's.
that makes me chief cook and bottle washer, because of the extra duties, my
get and go has gone. I just don't have the energy to get ready for a trip. How
ironic, my last CO, Lt Col. Fitzmorri's wife has alzheimer's also. He served a tour
of duty at the new depot in Saumur. That would be in the late fifties or early
sixties. I sure enjoy your stories, keep them coming. have some folks i send
them on to. well you take care and I still have hops of meeting up with you
some day.
Best wishes,
SGM COBBS
lncobbs@earthlink.net
Lowell N. Cobbs
North Vernon, IN

Subject: Saumur
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
"Theodore L. Arend" <Ted@grossmanco.com>
Great Web site. I was stationed at Saumur from 11/61 to 6/63. Initially I
was at the depot out by Montreuil-Bellay. They moved us to the main depot
early in 63.
I spent the last six months in Nancy, France.
Many happy memories from Saumur.
Thanks for the happy memories.
Ted Arend

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
HELLO ED,
THANKS FOR YOUR GRACIOUS WELCOME TO THE SAUMUR WEB SITE. I APOLOGIZE FOR
TAKING FIVE MONTHS TO REPLY. WE LIVED THREE YEARS IN CHACE AND HAVE BITER/SWEET MEMORIES OF THAT
TIME. THE FRENCH PEOPLE WERE GREAT TO US AND THE FOOD WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD. THE BITTER
PART, IS THAT WE LOST TWO SONS AND I PUT THE BLAME ON MY SAUMUR ASSIGNMENT. YOU HAVE PRODUCED
AN OUTSTANDING WEB SITE, CONGRATULATIONS AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK VIEWING YOUR SITE
BRINGS BACK A FLOOD
OF MEMORIES.
BEST WISHES,
LOWELL N. COBBS
SGM USA RETIRED
Lowell N. Cobbs
North Vernon, IN

Subject: Fwd: quelques commentaires sur votre site!
Cher Monsieur - Je suis Saumurois depuis 1955, Fontevriste depuis 1945 et n‚ … Epieds, prŠs de M‚ron en 1935..j'aime bien faire part de quelques souvenirs. Je suis notaire honoraire, et en 1955 j'‚tais stagiaire … l'Etude de Me lenfantin, notaire au 23 Place de la Bilange , face au caf‚ de la Bourse, o— nous nous rencontrions avec de nombreux amis, fran‡ais et militaires am‚ricains, au nombre desquels 3, qui ‚taient interpretes au Camp Am‚ricains 1/ diego LLerena 2/ Vin de Voguel 3/ Jean -Bernard Van Poperinghe avec lequel je suis rest‚ en relations et qui habite maintenant la ville de Tours ( je lui adresse du reste les coordonn‚es de votre site, qui est remarquable). Je me souviens, … cet ‚gard, avoir plusieurs fois utilis‚ les grandes et belles voitures de la MP, en compagnie de mes amis interpretes, et assister ainsi, plus sp‚cialement … Varrains … quelques soir‚es..au nombres desquelles certaines bien arros‚es! Nous, les jeunes civils avions d'excellents rapports avec vous, et si vous vous souvenez, il y avait un dancing au Caf‚ de la Bourse, rendez vous des jeunes saumurois, des Militaires am‚ricains et des ElŠves officiers de l'Ecole de cavalerie, ces derniers semblaient un peu moins complaisants que nous … votre endroit..enfin je crois, aussi les MP am‚ricaine et fran‡aise coordonnaient elles leurs efforts pour faire regner l'ordre...En fait je pense qu'ils ‚taient un peu disons " jaloux" de vos aisances financiŠres, ‚videmment appr‚ci‚es par les jeunes filles saumuroises! Personnellement, ayant disons " mes entr‚es " comme dit ci-dessus dans vos diff‚rents Mess, et jeune c‚libataire, je n'avais que des avantages et nos relations ‚taient trŠs agr‚ables! En 1956, je suis parti, appel‚ comme Militaire en Alg‚rie, et pendant mon absence de nombreux changements ‚taient intervenus...je me souviens cependant de l'importance ‚conomique du Signal D‚pot, dans la vie saumuroise et du s‚isme qui a suivi votre d‚part, le reclas-sement a ‚t‚ trŠs difficile pour les employ‚s du Camp, con-sid‚r‚s aussi, il faut le dire, comme des privil‚gi‚s par rapport au reste de la population locale..Si vous aviez besoin de cerraines pr‚cisions, autant que faire se peut, je suis … votre disposition, et vous souhaite une belle journ‚e de retrouvailles en Septembre prochain - Je vous adresse mes meilleurs sentiments saumurois. Andr‚ MOMBRUN 11 Rue de la Petite Douve 49400 SAUMUR Tel 02 41 67 85 09 
<translation>
Dear Sir,
I have lived in Saumur since 1955. I was born in Epieds near Meron in 1935.
I would like to tell you some of the Souvenirs I had of the Americans while they were in 
Saumur. I am a lawyer and in 1955 I took law classes at the place De La Bilange
across the street from the Cafe La Bourse. Many times after our classes we would go to
the La Bourse cafe and meet many G.I., and had quite a few good drinks (you know what
I mean). I was invited many times to Varrians sometimes in the car of the M.P. Us 
young civil French had excellent reports with the American soldiers. There was dancing
at the La Bourse cafe, young officers from the French Calvary school and American 
G.I. were flirting for the Saumur girls. Sometimes fighting occurred but the M.P. and the
French police restored order. Us French were a little jealous of your finical pay compared
to ours. In 1956 I left to do my military duty in Alergia. During my absence a 
number of changes happened. I noticed the economics importance of the Signal depot 
in the life of the Saumur people job rise. They were better paid then the local population.
I wish you a great reunion in September. My best Saumurios sentiments. 

Andre Mombrun
Andre MOMBRUN 11 Street of the Small Ditch 49400 SAUMUR Such 02 41 67 85 09

Subject: from guy.hatat, guy.hatat@free.fr
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Par l'interm‚diaire du Courrier de l'Ouest j'ai connu une page de l'histoire de notre r‚gion et bien sur j'ai plong‚ sur votre site.Merci pour votre travail,un petit dommage que les commentaires des photos ne soient pas en fran‡ais.Un admirateur des bords de Loire (La M‚nitr‚).
--------Translation---------
Through the article in the newspaper, Courrier de l'Ouest, I now know a page of the history from our area and am immersing myself into your site.
Merci for your work. It is unfortunate that the comments of the photographs are not in French.
An admirer of the edges of the Loire (M‚nitr‚).

Subject: From M. Laure SERVOISE
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Bonjour,
F‚licitation pour votre site sur internet, super et trŠs int‚ressant....en plus les infos que vous notez aussi sur le journal vont peut ˆtre enfin r‚pondre … des questions que je me pose depuis des ann‚es et auxquelles ma MŠre me r‚pondait toujours vaguement, il ne faut pas oublier que nous sommes d'une g‚n‚ration ou beaucoup de choses et d'‚vŠnements ‚taient cach‚s aux enfants....dont je suis, en effet ma MŠre a connu en 1958 unAm‚ricain venu … Saumur, malheureusement je n'ai pas trouv‚ son nom sur les listes que vous avez publi‚es.... Elle m'a toujours dit que ce Monsieur l'avait beaucoup aid‚ … cette ‚poque, elle venait de divorcer, petit travail et moi … sa charge, et je vois en effet sur l'articcle du journal que certain parrainait un enfant d‚favoris‚.....Le fait le plus extraordinaire est que cet Am‚ricain est reparti et ma MŠre a toujours continu‚ … correspondre avec lui....et correspond encore et moi de mon c“t‚ je lui ‚cris aussi assez souvent sans trop le connaitre..cet " Am‚ricain " comme on l'appelle dans la famille...une histoire je crois assez curieuse, sachant que cela fait 50 ans que la correspondance se fait , son Grand Ami comme l'appelle ma MŠre est rest‚ c‚libataire...et vit encore en Am‚rique, enfin j'aimerais prendre contact avec vous ou Mr Messner pour avoir plus d'explications sur cette p‚riode qui pourtant devait faire du bruit dans Saumur et qui en effet est pass‚ sous silence car mˆme moi Saumuroise, jamais nous parlions trop des Am‚ricains, bien qu'ayant un voisin civil qui a travaill‚ … Varrains.....donc … bient“t pour plus informations, je pense envoyer copies des journaux … notre Ami Am‚ricain...et surtout en parler … ma MŠre !!!!!!
Amicalement M. Laure SERVOISE mamie1@wanadoo.fr 
<Translation>
Hello, Congratulation for your site on Internet, super and very interesting. The info that you also note on the newspaper can be finally answer questions that I have asked for many years and which my Mother answered always vaguely. One should not indeed forget that we are of a generation when many things and events were hidden with the children... of which I am. My Mother knew in 1958 un American who came to Saumur. Unfortunately I did not find his name on the lists which you published. She always said to me that this man had helped her much at that time. She had just divorced, little work and me to care for. I indeed see in the articles newspaper that some sponsored a underprivileged child. What makes this so extraordinary is that this American returned again and my Mother always continued to correspond with him, and still corresponds and me on my side. I also rather often write to him without too the "American" acquaintance as one calls it in the family. A history I believe rather curious, knowing that 50 years that the correspondence is done, his/her Large Friend like finally I would like to contact you or Mr. Messner for more explanations over this period which however was to make rumors in Saumur and which indeed overlooked because even me as a Saumur-native never spoke too much about the Americans, although having a civil neighbor which worked in Varrains. So, with more information soon , I think of sending copies of the newspapers to our American Friend and especially to speak to my Mother!!!!!! 
In a friendly way 
M. Laure SERVOISE 
mamie1@wanadoo.fr

Subject: RE: More SSD
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
"Elise D." <ellisse_usa@hotmail.com>
Hello,
I published the 4 articles I wrote about Varrains and I would like to send them to you, so I need your address (I can't sand it by internet).
Thanks again for your help.
Sincerely,
Elise Deleve

Subject: RE: SSD Let's try it this way
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hello,
First of all, I would like to thanks you so much for your help.
Then, I would ask you if I can use the information you gave me as a testimony on the newspapers. I will probably make a "portrait" of you and your website, so I need to use some of your quotes and your name.
You wrote that you usually went off base whenever you could. Where were you going? In Saumur or just around the SSD in Varrains?
I would like to know why did you create that website? When did you create it? Are you still keeping in touch with the military who were in the SDD? How was it hard (or not) to find pictures for the website?
Did you came back to Varrains? When? Why?
I will probably have other questions within the few days, you know, journalist! But don't worry I have to be done before Wednesday.
Thanks
Sincerely,
Elise Deleve

Subject: Re: signal depot of Saumur
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hello,
I couldn't open the document you sent to me.
Actually, I'm going to ask you some questions on that mail:
In Varrains (le chateau des IFS), because I'm only working on Varrains, how was there, the relationships with the French? I heard that the kids from Varrains' school were coming to visit the camp on Thanksgiving for example?
Did you know how was built the camp? What kind of material (it came from the US)?
The food, the life on the camp?
Thanks a lot
Elise Deleve

Subject: signal depot of Saumur
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi,
I'm the French journalist who kept in touch with you two weeks ago. Actually I'm working on the place where Americans lived, where they slept, had fun and so on.
I'm trying to know how was the place made (where was the bowling, the restaurant, the cinema...). Like if I was drawing a map of the Signal Depot.
Thanks a lot for helping me if you can.
Sincerely,
Elise Deleve

Subject: Fwd: From Richard and Ginette Miller
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Bonjour Elise
My name is Richard Miller (Dick by my friends) and did 18 months of my military duty at the Saumur Signal Depot in Varrains. I was there from 1959 to late 1960. I was a midwest boy and had never been out of the country so France was a new experience for me. When I arrived in France the country side looked so much like the Midwest except in place of the corn fields there were grape vines. 
My job at the depot was in shipping and receiving so I was able to meet a lot of the French people. Sometimes we would trade cigarettes for a good bottle of the local wine. 
I worked with about twenty French people and got to know them pretty well. One of them was Jules 
Bourdon who lives in St Cyr en Bourg who I got to see in 2004 at the French reunion. He still speaks very good English and we spoke about the old times. We always had to wear a jacket and tie downtown so we were easily recognized by the locals. Also we sometimes drank too much wine and made a scene which wasn't showing our best side. 
Now the best part is that I met my wife who was working at the PX and at first her father had told her not to go out with any military French or Americans. I finally persuades her for a date to dinner downtown Saumur and we didn't get a long to well and didn't see each other for a couple weeks but dated again and soon we started going together for good. Her father didn't want me to come to the house but finally on one holiday he agreed to meet me. His name was Arthur Tiesset and he was a small but great guy. He did get a chance to come to the states before he died. Sorry to say Ginette's mother died very young. We got married here in the states as Ginette had a chance to go to college in Boston but instead we ended up getting married. 
We try to get back to Saumur at least every other year but haven't been back since 2004. Were thinking about this year but at this time doesn't look like it with the price of flights and the euro. 
Ginette has one sister and two brothers who live in the area, and a whole lot of cousins
who treat us like royalty when we arrive. We usually spend about three weeks in France and most of the time is in the Saumur area. Have been to many cave's and seen a lot of the best county side around Saumur and met a lot of great friends. My French is still not very good but give me a couple glasses of wine and I am a quick learner. 
If you have any questions please feel free to e mail me at 
rkggmiller@aol.com
Sincerely,
Richard and Ginette Miller 
27572 Agrado
Mission Viejo Ca. 92692

Subject: report on Saumur signal depot
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hello, 
i'm a French journalist (in the city of Saumur) and I'm pleased to make a
report about the signal Depot. I'm looking for information about how was
the life there (with French people and so on).
I'll be glad to get in touch with you or anyone who can help me to learn
about that history.
Sincerely,
Elise Deleve
You can contact me at
redac.saumur@courrier-ouest.com
or
ellisse_usa@hotmail.com
The newspaper phone number is 0033 2 41 40 13 30 

Subject: ingrandes france
To: Egroelle@wi.rr.com 

marc216 <marc216@insightbb.com>
Hello Ed. Very nice site. My grandpa was stationed at the quartermaster depot in ingrades France in the early 50's. I was wondering if you could direct me to where I can find more pictures and information on Ingrandes from the past and present especially the quartermaster depot. Would you happen to know what is located there now?
thanks for any info.
Marc Houghton

Subject: Re: Photos of my Dad and of the chateau de salvert
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 
Kathie Hall <kathiephall@yahoo.com>
Ed,
I won't be sending anymore pictures right away, as I only brought a few from my Mom's. Thank you for the information on the slides. I will check on them next time I am at my Mom's. I know there is a gadget that will a slide to be scanned. I may look into seeing about that. We need to preserve them for our family. I will send what I can when I can. Thank you for your web site. I have heard from Fred Johnson and Dorman Davidson. Neither can picture my Dad and weren't sure if they knew him. I also heard from David Zeaser, the son of Sgt. Zeaser. Our families were friends and he was in school over there with my oldest brother. He had a sister my age and we have some photos of us together. Things just so of snow ball don't they? I am quite sure it has been amazing to watch the contacts your web site has produced. Thank you again and I will stay in touch.
Kathie Hall 
Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com> wrote:
Kathie,
Will you be sending any more?
I have some experience with converting slides to photos. After 50 years 
they undergo some chemical changes. That may only be with certain brands. 
If your slides have taken on a red hue it means that they probably cannot 
be converted. The red cannot be removed with Photo Shop. Also, over time 
the edge of subjects in the pictures tend to degrade and take on a 
fuzziness. Look at the slide carefully before getting them converted.
Some people have sent me their slides and had some good and some bad luck 
with that.
If you want you can send them to me and I'll see what can be done.
Ed

Subject: Re: Sgt Palmer
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 

Mr. Groelle,
Thank you so much for responding. I am going to visit my mother tomorrow and she has lots of pictures from that time. I do not know how to scan and attach a photo to an email but she has a friend that will probably know how. I will try to send you some while I am there. I was just a little girl and don't remember much of that time. I have two older brothers who will be very interested in your site, they remember so much more. My mother will be able to relate to all the photos on your site. Her life, living at the chateau was somewhat primitive and she has lots of memories of hard work there with three children. They made friends with the people who owned the chateau and we have lots of pictures with them at the chateau. I found the web site for the Chateau de Salvert and we are going to send them an email with a picture of us at the chateau. The same family's name is still listed as a contact. It would be something if they remembered us. My father was a wonderful man. He retired from the Army in 1974 and they moved back to Alabama (where they were from). He worked for the post office 10 years and retired after that. They traveled in their motor home and he enjoyed having a big garden every year. He would have attended a reunion if he had known about them. My family has watched home slide shows of our time in France for years. We don't have him there to tell the stories of all the pictures anymore, but we usually watch them every year. My father died suddenly after having surgery. He had a military funeral and was buried in his dress blues. He became a CW3. I will share your info with my Mom and try our best to send some photos to you and for your site. I know it must be such a joy for all you men to be able to contact each other and talk about old times! Maybe I'll have a streak of good luck and be able to take my Mom for a visit to Saumur soon, while her health is still good. That would be a wonderful trip. I'll let you know if I'm able to find out how to send the photos. Thank you for the contacts you gave me. I will be in touch.
Kathie Hall

Kathie,

Thank you for visiting my web site.
Yes, I remember your father although I have no pictures of him. I wish I did but back then it was not so easy to take pictures. He came to Saumur after I had been there for over a year. I didn't work with him but I remember he was very well liked by the GIs.
Here is a list of some of the guys who were there at the same time and are still around and active on the web site. If you contact them they may know more about your father than I. 
ALAN O. V. HOTTEL jude59@earthlink.net 
FREDRICK E. JOHNSON mofredj@aol.com 
WILLIAM F. BROCKA wdb59@aol.com 
SIDNEY C. RAIRGH rairigh@ismi.net 
Do you happen to have a photo of your father from that time? I remember the name but cannot put a face on that.
Best regards,
Ed Groelle

Subject: les Ricains en France (1950 1966)
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
"martine.dernoncourt" <martine.dernoncourt@wanadoo.fr>

Dear Sir,
sending a mail from La Rochelle, France, where the US Forces were stationned.
I am writing a book about the American presence in La Rochelle, France - 1950 1964 - please notice the US left LR before our General kicked out the Ricains.
If you know someone who was stationed in my home city, please tell them I am looking about photos.
Thank you and … bientot.
Martine Dernoncourt, La Rochelle, France.

Subject: Saumur
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Just a correction Ronald J. Possick Email has changed to Wingpilot1@comcast.net .
Was on the site last night for almost 2 hrs. Best site I have ever seen. Can1t believe it has been over 40 years since I left there with the 510th Signal. Scary
Ron

Subject: RE: saumur, france
To: 'Ed Groelle' <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 
Ed. My address is 33 Lakeside Drive, Hancock, N.Y. 13783 Phone # is Business 607-736-9926 Home 607-637-5463. Where do I send a donation for your efforts with the web page? Thanks
Bob Wrighter Sr 

-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Groelle
Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2006 10:24 PM
To: Bob Wrighter
Subject: Re: Saumur, France
Bob,
If you would like to be listed on the Veterans List send me your address, etc.
Ed Groelle

At 06:49 PM 3/21/2006 -0500, you wrote:
Dear Ed. 
Your web site for Saumur is wonderful. I was stationed there from 1961-1963. Made many friends with the French people as I played on the depot rugby team. I also drove the shuttle bus between the depots. I did many jobs but never the one I was trained for. All my pictures were lost or they were never shipped home because I have none to show for the years that I spent in Saumur. Once again great job on the web site. 
Bob Wrighter Sr

Subject: saumur, france
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Dear Ed. 
Your web site for Saumur is wonderful. I was stationed there from 1961-1963. Made many friends with the French people as I played on the depot rugby team. I also drove the shuttle bus between the depots. I did many jobs but never the one I was trained for. All my pictures were lost or they were never shipped home because I have none to show for the years that I spent in Saumur. Once again “great job on the web site”. 
Bob Wrighter Sr
Subject: Re: Email address change
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com

Ed, I have never been in contact with Jim, I did talk with his wife when I was 
locating folks for Jim Gallagher and much to my surprise found he was living in
the city (Oak Ridge) where I was working. I live about 25-30 mins from where
he is located. I believe he was from Pennsylvania, and I have wondered how
he ended up in Oak Ridge. I never knew him while at Saumur and I don't 
remember you either. I had lots of fun looking up folks, calling all over the nation 
and talking with folks who had nothing to do with Saumur.
Some people were really nice and some very rude. 
Thanks for what you have done with this excellent web site.
Leon Lowery 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Ed Groelle 
To: Leon Lowery 
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2006 11:22 PM
Subject: Re: Email address change
Leon,
Thanks for the upgrade. I made the changes.
Are you in contact with Jim? I noticed you are both in Tenn.
He was my closest buddy at Saumur.
Just wondering how he was doing.
I'll be looking for those pix.
Thanks.
Ed Groelle

Subject: Fw: Braconne, France
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Ed, 
I needed to add something to the email that we mailed to you last night. The reason I am having so much difficulty finding the information I need is that I was told that my records, along with thousands of others, were burned in 1973. Therefore, any information that I might obtain would be helpful in my case. Thanks again.
Floyd Holman
P.S. The email address is listed under my wife's name.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Ann Holman 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 11:27 PM
Subject: Braconne, France
Dear Ed,
I am hoping that through this email I will find some answers that I have been searching for. My name is Floyd L. Holman. I served in the US Army and was stationed in Braconne, France in 1957 - 1958. In September, 1957 Detachment "B" USA Ord Depot, of which I was a member of, was deployed to Suscinio, France to CO 15th Trans Bn for the purpose of participating in NODEX Exercise #17, for a period of approx. 30 days. The M/SGT's name was Reynold C. Siira. Others in this detachment: SP2 Gary D. Bonds, SP2 Durrell L. Dixon, SP3 Angel Perez-Perez, SP3 Charles R. Rhodes, PFC William E. Hart, PFC Kenneth I Stebbins, PFC Wray T. Stanbery, PVT-2 Floyd L. Holman, PVT-2 John A. Yukna, to name a few. 

I have been directed to find the name of the Company, Regiment, and Battalion that I served in while in Braconne. The information I have located has been very little probably because there just wasn't much written about Braconne Army Base. I believe I was a part of the 595th Transportation Company (Heavy) Ord. Depot and the 106th Transportation Battalion. I am uncertain of any of this information, and have not come up with the name of the Regiment. I wonder if anyone would be able to help me by providing any of the information needed and listed above? While I was in Braconne, I came down with rheumatic fever and was in and out of the Dispensary for several weeks. I did not document any of the dates or the exact name of the dispensary I used at the time because I was young and thought I would live forever, I suppose. The name of the dispensary could have been 11th General Dispensary at Camp de la Braconne, but I'm not certain. I do remember the doctors there saying that this illness would affect me in later years, however. Well, to make a long story short, it has become a very real problem for me now. In 2000 I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve with an artificial one. My cardiologist had told me that I indeed had rheumatic fever that greatly affected my heart condition. If I had been wise, I would have kept my records and noted all the information that I might one day need. However, that did not happen, and now I desperately need this information in order to proceed with a much needed disability claim. Would you or anyone that has contact with you by email or that you might even know be able to help me with this? I would deeply appreciate whatever help I could get at this time. My deadline of May 23, 2006 is right around the corner, and I've been working on this for several years. I have worked hard all my life (I will be 72 April 28) as a brick mason. This occupation is a very strenuous one, and it has become very difficult for me to continue in this line of work. 

Just tonight I located your website, and am amazed at the amount of work you have put into it. I have not read all the remarks, but am anxious to read them. Perhaps someone can help me. If so, please email me at servinghim@duracom.net. My name is Floyd Holman. I live at 1111 Egypt Rd., Ada, OK 74820-0605. My phone number is (580)332-1688. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Floyd Holman

Subject: Re: Saumur
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 
I have more pictures than you could ever use. I will send some and the copies of SSO. It won't be right away. But I will do it.
Leigh

At 07:17 PM 3/15/2006, you wrote:
Leigh,
That would be great. I'm always looking for additional material.
If you have pictures of Joe's time there they would also be welcome.
Ed Groelle

At 04:42 PM 3/15/2006 -0500, you wrote:
I have been scrapbooking my dad's Army years and time in Saumur. His name is Joseph L. Risley. He was in Saumur from December 1952 until January 1954.
I have found all of his copies of "Saumur Sounds Off". If you would like copies of these for your web site, just let me know.
I have enjoyed looking at the web site. It has given me a lot of insight as to where dad lived for 14 months.
Have a great week!
Leigh Michel

Subject: Fwd: Tom Miles
To: Ed Groelle 
Ed,
Thank you so much for doing up a page for Tom. He was a dear friend for over 25 years. He passed away three years ago from emphysema. He used to tell me stories about his days in France and sounded like they were very pleasant memories. Deciding to make his military photos available to everyone was one of the best things I've done in awhile. I've already heard from half a dozen men who served in Poitiers and other stations in France who have enjoyed the memories. That has already more than made up for the short time it took to scan and load all those photos. It's a shame Tom's family (cousins, nieces & nephews) didn't have more interest in these.
wonderful pictures.
Very best regards,
Duchess Martin 

Subject: Re: Tom Miles
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 
thank you for your reply, I don't remember Tom Miles in Saumur, but there were quite a number of GI in Saumur , plus the other ones coming from Chinon, Orleans, Poitiers, special on the weekend, and paid day. Maybe my first husband remember some of them, he was station in Saumur from1961 to1964, he was transfer to saran near Orleans, we got marry in Olivet the 5th of may 1965 and left for New York end of august 1966. I will forward your web page, I am sure he will be happy. Gerald Steeno is my second husband he is from green bay. merci, jacqueline 
----- Original Message ----- 

From: Ed Groelle 
To: Gerald Steeno 
Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2006 4:51 PM
Subject: Tom Miles
Tom Miles pix are now on the Saumur website.
Ed Groelle

At 02:02 PM 2/28/2006 -0600, you wrote:
hello my name is Jacqueline, and I am from Saumur.2 days ago I find in the American Legions a reference about Saumur, in search of section of the magazine I enter the address and voila, I was back home in a flash, as I when thru I fell like going back in time, it is beautiful what you did, c'est magnifique. I live in Wisconsin north of you in Crivitz. What a small world. merci Jacqueline 
Jerry and Jackie Steeno 
j.steeno@centurytel.net

Hi Dick,
I hope you are doing well. I got your mail yesterday and the first picture I saw was the USS Darby. I didn't have a picture of it but that is the ship I came home on. I was lucky and flew across to Orly Field. I am enjoying all of the pictures and I will try and see them all today or tomorrow. I take it the lady saw your name in the guest book and sent you the pictures? It was pretty amazing to see that I had done a lot of the things that Tom Miles has done. I went to school at Ft. Gordon for teletype repair just like he did, and I was at most of the places he took pictures of. I went TDY a lot because I was in the Signal Field Maintenance out of Saumur. I spent quite a bit of time at Poitier working on their teletype equipment. They had a tech rep in charge, a civilian from Texas, named Rodriguiz. He was married to a French lady and they both were very nice people. I guess they are both probably gone by now, but maybe not, he wasn't that much older than me. What a trip down memory lane. I guess I could go on and on but emails are supposed to be short, so they say!
I do appreciate you taking the time and sending them to me.
Thanks,
Rich
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Re: "SAUMUR DEPOT"
To: EGROELLE@wi.rr.com, Rkggmiller@aol.com 
thank you for putting me in contact with Dick and Ginette Miller ,we have exchange some e-mail, they told me Ed Groelle live in Kenosha, Wisconsin I know were it is I drove thru on my way to Chicago a couple time does he have a personal e-mail that I can send him a bonjour or maybe I could call him if he wishes it. My phone number is:715-854-2203 I am at home in the evening everyday. 
Thank you, Jacqueline

----- Original Message ----- 
From: ALJ445@aol.com 
To: celliott@iland.net ; ctr94212@centurytel.net ; reuer@sbcglobal.net 
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2006 2:15 PM
Subject: Re: "SAUMUR DEPOT"
I don't remember if I told you, but on the SSD web-site we have a Veterans List with the names of over 400 GIs that were stationed at Saumur between 1952-1967, you may find several guys that were there at the same time as you.
Please sign our Guest book, so we can add your name to that listing
Regards,
Arnold Lauer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2006 15:04:06 -0500
From: Duchess <duchess@compuserve.com>
Subject: Re: Saumur photos promised

To: "INTERNET:Rkggmiller@aol.com" 
You asked if you could answer any questions for me. I have one. I was talking with someone else who served at Poitiers and they said: "... the 313th also had detachments at St Nazaire which was the best for my kind of people (lol) ..."
What did he mean by that? I know various social groups managed transfers all into the same units over time. I'm assuming he meant something of that nature.

This same person said Tom looked to be a nice decent person of high moral and religious background. Tom had good morals, but he wasn't religious and certainly had stories that would cause most folks' hair to stand on end. He had a grand sense of humor and his music background gave him a flair for the dramatic when he told his tales. His kitchen table was the usual stop for all of us after a night out at the disco in the 70's and I found myself still drinking coffee there at noon all too often the next day. He
was a great travel companion. If only I could have gotten him to give up his cigarettes. Even once he was on oxygen, he still had to turn it off and have a smoke on a regular basis.

Thanks for your kind comments about my album. It just reassured me that the effort it took to get the photos scanned and uploaded was worth it. Now my friend will have a nice little lasting tribute.
Best,
Duchess

Subject: Fwd: Saumur photos promised
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Re: Saumur photos promised
Sender: Duchess <duchess@compuserve.com>
To: "INTERNET:Rkggmiller@aol.com" 
Richard,
Yes, unfortunately Tom passed away from emphysema about 3 yrs ago. His family left his photos in the possession of his housemate. The nieces and cousins didn't even take the family photos (tho' after I contacted them about them, they are making arrangements to pick them up).

When Tom's housemate passed away a couple months ago, I asked for Tom's photo albums. We had been friends for over 25 years and I knew he had a number of great pictures of various events I had attended in his home. Tom told me many stories about his time in the service and the pictures brought back memories of those stories. I hope to find more of the people pictured in them and share them with them now that they're available online.

Please feel free to share his pictures on the Saumur website and give Tom (Thomas D. Miles), the credit. I know he'd enjoy seeing them there.

I just looked over the Saumur site. It has some wonderful memories and photos there. Thank you for sharing it with me. I hope one day to get to France, but I'm sure it will have to be quite an extended visit to get to all the places I want to see. I'm sure it could take a lifetime to enjoy them all properly.
Duchess Martin

Subject: Re: (no subject)
To: Rkggmiller@aol.com
Hello Richard,
At the end of January 1953 a winter storm blew in from the North Sea and flooded Holland. The weather front reach central France and dumped about four inches in Saumur. The garden outside our apartment had snow covered palmettos ---- an unusual sight. As a result of the flooded lowlands the Dutch rebuilt their dikes and flood gates ---- a project that took many years. Maybe we need to get the Dutch to help out protecting New Orleans. 
Regards,
Charlie Lee 

Subject: Christmas Card
To: DAVID LINN <wwsrcg@msn.com> 
Hi Guys,
I did send a note to John T. and included a couple of pictures. He answered and assured me that I was not the fellow he was thinking of and Mary is not the teacher. During the time we were in Saumur there was only one French "teacher" at the school. and that was Jean Pontadit. He taught French and in fact was our best man at our wedding. All the other teachers were American. There were a couple of French aids, Secretaries etc. but no teachers. Perhaps before us or after. 
Anyway Dave, I only made 1st Sgt, not Sgt Major. But thanks for the promotion. 
Love ya All, Enjoy
Jim

Fearlessfossil, Jim Long

I have no idea who she was!! Tom
----- Original Message ----- 
From: John Truett 
To: Thomas Miller 
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 5:14 PM
Subject: Christmas Card
I know the teacher was French, because she told me so and I accused her of lying about it, because she spoke English so well. She was a good friend of Diane Bennett, Pat Bennett's wife, at the time.
John

From: Thomas Miller 
To: John Truett ; DAVID LINN 
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 4:56 PM
Subject: Re: Christmas Card
Dave, John says the teacher was French. Maybe he just thought she was French, because she was a teacher? I will forward this to John. He might contact Jim Long, I don't know. I will look in my pictures from Colorado Springs & see if I can find a good one of Jim. Maybe that will help!! 
Tom

From: DAVID LINN 
To: Thomas Miller 
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 4:45 PM
Subject: Re: Christmas Card
Hi Tom: You are correct. Jim Long is who John is referring to. And he did work in the Motor Pool. He went on to become a Sergeant Major before he retired. He is a friend of mine, as we were in Saumur at the same time.
Does John want to contact Jim? His email address is:
jalong@prodigy.net 
All the Best to you,
Dave Linn

From: Thomas Miller 
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; 
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 2:02 PM
Subject: Fw: Christmas Card
Who can help with this ?? 
Tom

From: John Truett 
To: Thomas Miller 
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 9:36 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Card
That name doesn't sound right. The teacher was French, but spoke English without any accent. I'm not sure which section this guy worked in. 
John

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Thomas Miller 
To: John Truett 
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 9:08 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Card
I'm sure that would be Jim Long. He married a Colonel's daughter, I believe. She was a school teacher. They were at the reunion in Colorado Springs. He worked in motor pool I think. I didn't remember him from Saumur. An extremely likable guy, though. Tom

From: John Truett 
To: Thomas Miller 
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 8:54 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Card
Do you remember the guy's name that was engaged to the school teacher on base at Saumur? I can see him as plain as day, but can't remember his name.
John

From: Thomas Miller 
To: John Truett 
Sent: Saturday, December 10, 2005 8:44 AM
Subject: Re: Christmas Card
Fine picture, John!! We wish you guys a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALSO!! 
Tom & Monique
We are sending our Christmas Cards via e-mail this year, since hospital bills have taken all our stamp money.
John & Dianna

Subject: Saumur Signal Depot
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Ed, 
I am the son of George W. Umlor and I have been looking at the Depot Web site. I am very impressed with it and how easy it is to view all the pictures you have on the site. My mother has a some pics of the depot that we can contribute.

But here's my question. I would like to know what you used to create the site. I am a volunteer at Mease Hospital in Safety Harbor, Fl. I am on the board of Directors and am responsible for our web site. It is currently informational only. Our previous webmaster passed away about 8 months ago, and I inherited it. I have MS Homepage but your site seems to be done with something else. I am curious as to how you did it . Our site is www.measevols.org but it is just a start.

For the events that we do we take a lot of pictures and I would like to make them available to our 900 volunteers online. Your site seems to do that better than most sites and it is pretty fast. If you can send me your phone number I would like to call you and talk about it. My number is 727-785-7240 and I am around most of the time except on Thursday afternoon when I drive a Care Lift Van at the Hospital. let me know your phone # as I can call at no cost..

Having said all that I just want you to know that your work is greatly appreciated. I hadn't looked at the site since 2001 and you really did improve it. The HD pics of Saumur are beautiful. I am thinking of taking my wife to Saumur for a visit. When I lived the in 1953 we lived at the Chateau De Salvert in Neuille. The elementary school was downstairs as well as the Officers Club. My Dad passed away two days after 9/11 but he would have loved your site. I hope you keep it up for many years. In all the pics you have on your site I didn't see one pic of anyone we knew when we were over there. Maybe I need to send in some pics??? Thanks again for some great memory joggers . 
Mike Umlor

PS I also enjoyed your articles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: SAUMUR REUNION
Monique just returned from France. She said her Mother told her that NO G.I.s showed up for the reunion this year.
We definitely HOPE to go next year. How many of you plan to attend?
I wonder how many of the French civilians that I worked with, are still around, and attend the reunions? I ran into one, a few years ago, in the Super Market, in Saumur. I recognized him right away, but he didn't remember me! I talked to him, just a little, but STILL have a communication problem!! I couldn't recall his name, but sure recognized the face! He told me his first name is Willie, but don't know his last name. Bill, do you know him? He also worked in sheet metal shop. He said he remembered McKinney. He was VERY surprised that I remembered him, after so many years! I think this was in '90! Mac & I went through Army sheet metal school together, went together on same boat to France, and returned to States on same boat.
The day I left Saumur, I gave an SFC some money, (I believe it was around $15) to buy two cases of BUD at the commissary, for the Frenchmen in the machine & sheet metal shops. Wonder if he did? Can't remember his name!! HECK! I can't remember A LOT of things from back then!!
ANYWHO! Looking forward to the reunion in Saumur, next year!! 
Tom & Monique Miller

P.S. And we will plan on spending a week there. We have family that we will spend a few nights with, but will also spend a few nights in a hotel!! 

Subject: Re: A request
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 
Dear Mr. Groelle.
Thank you for the suggestion. I contacted Mr. Bill Messner and I received a sincere reply from him. He however is not very familiar with but a few people from Japan. Mr. Feyereisen was of course one of them. 

I am grateful indeed for your reply. I am in communication with Mr. Feyereiensen's son, Mr. Jim, now. I hope I will be able to speak to Mr. Paul Feyereiensen himself, which would help a lot.

Let's keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Radomir Compel

--- Ed Groelle
I would suggest you contact Bill Messner who lives in Saumur. He is a retired military who was stationed at Saumur and in the Far East.
If anyone would know if there were GI's transferred from Japan he would.
bmess30957@aol.com
  Ed Groelle

  At 12:10 PM 8/12/2005 +0900, you wrote:
Dear Mr. Groelle.

Thank you very much for the address.

I think there were some more people transferred to your unit from Japan. The names like James J Gallagher or David G Townsend sound very familiar to me. But I will have to look in the microfilms first to confirm that. If you know about some others who were transferred from Japan, could you give me
their names? Several other people in here, including some professors, might be interested in interviewing them. They are like gold to us, they help us a lot
in trying to reconstruct history.

Looking forwards to your mail.
Sincerely yours.
Radomir

To: Egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hello! Congratulations for your site. I was chief cook at the NCO club of Varrains in 1960 as LWR ...my chief was Rodenberry. I had two brother in law mp Elliot and Larry Starkey and many girl friend. I am looking for sp4 Patrick Bennett is he alive ??? where is he ...if you have any information let me know many thank's .....
Philippe Galland in Orleans.............

Subject: Re: A request
To: Ed Groelle 
Dear Mr. Groelle.
Thank you very much for the address. 
I think there were some more people transferred to your unit from Japan. The names like James J Gallagher or David G Townsend sound very familiar to me. But I will have to look in the microfilms first to confirm that. If you know about some others who were transferred from Japan, could you give me their names? Several other people in here, including some professors, might be interested in interviewing them. They are like gold to us, they help us a lot in trying to reconstruct history.
Looking forwards to your mail.
Sincerely yours.
Radomir

Subject: A request
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Dear Mr. Groelle.
Thank you for maintaining a wonderful commemoration web site on the US Army 7794th Saumur Signal Depot. 

Let me introduce myself first. I am a doctoral student in history, primarily the wartime and postwar period. I specialize in politics and economics. To say truth I focus more on Far East and Japan than on European affairs. I found your site by chance. When browsing the internet. 

Now to the main point. I was looking for anything about Col. Paul A. Feyereisen when I found your site. In 1949 and 1950 Col. Feyereisen was assigned to SCAP, Far East Command, APO 500. He dealt mainly with economic and financial matters, but he is of the few key persons I would like to talk to if still alive. I got the telephone number from your veterans site, but it was not working. 

For us, the young generation, it is very difficult to reconstruct history. Especially because the documents left are insufficient, or not the ones most important. I would like to request some help from you. Mr. Gallagher. If you are in touch with Mr. Feyereisen, could you give me a correct telephone? I am writing a letter to him but I still would prefer a telephone conversation. He may have moved from the address and telephone number indicated on the veterans' list.

I highly appreciate your cooperation, and I am looking forwards to your reply.

Yours sincerely,
Radomir Compel 

Subject: Saumur
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi Ed,
I was stationed at Saumur around 1963-64. Prior to Saumur I was at Bussac. After Saumur, I was at the 60th Station Hospital in Chinon. Three permanent duty stations (and assorted TDYs) in three years.

At Saumur, I was in the dispensary with Len Schlain, the physician. Fred smith was the other dentist with me. I would love to be added to your vets list. 

My sincere compliments on a great web page.
Don
Donald A Nitkin, DDS, MS
18262 Manorwood West
#2908
Clinton Township, MI 48038
barkerrd@comcast.net
(586) 412-8736
(586) 419-6165 - cell

Subject: Saumur
Next time any of you visit Saumur, drop in & say HI to Christophe Villanneau at "Christophoto" on Rue du Portail du Louis, same street as Post Office. He is Monique's nephew, and a very nice person!! Also a VERY good photographer!! 

Subject: From Richard and Ginette
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi Folks 
It was great seeing you guys again, and I want to thank you for helping in the driving and making the reunion a success. So far I have had nothing but e mails telling the good time that they had. Most said that everyone there was like people they had known all there life. In a way I guess we have. The group seemed to get along very well together. I guess we are looking at Nashville next year, we have never been there so it will be a new experience for us. You know that you are welcome anytime you come out this way. We can buzz down and see Jim and Mary Long, they are only about 60 miles from us. Don Walker is about 8 hours north of us. Keep in contact and again we had a great time. 
Dick and Ginette Miller

Subject: Web site
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Just stumbled upon letters from folks who were in France 'bout my time. Interested in your web site. Haven't found it. How do I locate it?
I was stationed in Poitiers (1957-1960 in communications and my daughter was born in France, and has a French birth certificate.
Paul B.
Orlando, Florida

Subject: (no subject)
SOUND OFF
AUGUST 23, 1952
OFFICERS TRIUMPH
BY PFC. CHARLIE C. LEE
The Saumur Signal depot officers came from behind to defeat the Post’s Sgts. at the local field last Saturday, 10 to 9. The officers pushed across three runs in their half of the sixth to provide the winning score.
Sgt/ Poland’s grand slam home run and Capt. Zutt’s two run homer were the hitting features of the game. There was a comedy of errors and some poor base running thrown in also. However, it was timely hitting by the officers that finally meant victory of them. 
After holding the Sgts. hitless to open the game, the officers went to work getting and early lead. After Lt. Satey easily retired, W/O Hurt rapped a sharp single to left field. Capt Zutt hit a double play ball to short, but Sgt Arsenault threw wild to second and W/O Hurt moved to third and Capt Zutt to second.
Lt. Ross followed with an easy grounder to third, but Sgt Cox, thinking bases were loaded stepped on third forcing no one and W/0 Hurt raced home with the game’s first tally. Lt. Cunningham popped to second for the second out.
While Lt. Dalton took a ball that got away from the catcher and the runners advanced a base. Then he grounded to second but was safe when Sgt. De Maere dropped the ball at first. Capt Zutt scored and Lt. Ross moved to third on the play. W/0 Simpson lined a single to center scoring Lt. Ross and sending Lt.
Dalton to third. W/0 Luellman ended the scoring with a pop fly to second. The Sgts. scored in their half of the second without the aid of a hit. Lt. Cuningham could blame only himself for the run and he walked Sgt. Poland, then dropped an easy pop fly that moved Sgt. Poland to third and Sgt Arsenault stopped at first. On a well timed double steal, Sgt. Poland slid home with their first run. Mr.Luollman cut down another run with a fine running catch in right field. 
The officers second inning saw more action than this reporter thought they had in them. Mr. Kosling was safe on Sgt Cox’s error and Lt. Satey sent him to second with a short single to left. Mr Hurt singled sharply to short center to load the bases. Capt. Zutt hit a low liner to left and Sgt. Shropshire came in and blocked the ball, rolled over and finally made the catch while laying on his stomach. The runners tagged and Mr. Kosling scored from third, but a fine relay by Sgt. Cox cut Lt. Satey down the plate, with Mr. Hurt taking third on the play. 
There was a bitter argument on the catch but it was finally decided a fair catch and the officers led , 4 to 1. Play was resumed and Lt. Ross singled to left. The Sgt’s showed some life in the third with some costly errors Helping out. Lt. Ross booted Sgt DeMaores easy ground ball but Sgt. Callahan forced him at second a bounder to short. After Shropshiro popped to short, Sgt cox singled to center. Sgt. Thornell hit a grounder to Lt. Dalton and he kicked it away to load the sacks. Sgt. Ploand then caught a fat pitch and lined it between center and right for a grand slam home run to tie the score, 5 all.
The pitcher’s settled down and there was no scoring until the last half of the 4th. After tow outs and a runner on first, Capt Zutt sliced a line drive down the right field line. The foul line was unprotected and Capt Zutt ran it out for a home run. That broke the tie and officers lead again, 7 to 5. The Sgts. weren't to be held down. They took full advantage of the officer’s errors. Sgt Poland reached first on Lt. Ross’s boot. Sgt Dagan was called on strikes. Arsonault went to second and Sgt. Poland reached third on
Lt. Ross;s over throw at first. Sgt Blodsoo hit a slow roller to second and Sgt. Arsonault was trapped off second. On the run down Sgt. Poland started home and Lt. Ross threw to the plate and he was safe when Mr. Hurt dropped the ball for an error. Sgt Arsonault pulled up at third and Sgt. Blodsoo reached 
first on a fielder’s choice. WhileSgt. Demaoro was batting, Sgt Blodsoo broke for second and on the throw Sgt Arsonault came racing home and beat the throw to tie the score at 7 all .Sgt Demacro then scored Sgt blodsoo from second with a sharp single to center and the rally ended when Sgt. Cullahan popped up to short and Sgt DeMaero was out for leaving the base too soon. 
The lead was short lived however, as the officers fought back the hard way. Mr. Kosling opened the 6th with a single to center. Lt. Satey hit a short low fly to center and Sgt Blodsoo made a running catch and doubled Mr. Kosling at first. With two outs Mr. Hurt lined to Sgt. Poland who couldn't hold on and he beat it out for an infield single. Then Capt Zutt doubled to left center to send Mr. Hurt to third. Lt Ross singled to left. Scoring Mr. Hurt and Capt. Zutt with the tying and leading runs. Lt. Ross went to second on the throw to the plate. That throw was a costly error. Lt. Ross scored a moment later when Lt. Cunningham bounced a grounder through the shortstop’s legs for an error. Lt Dalton beat out an infield hit but the rally ended when Mr. Simpson grounded to short leaving two men on base. 
Sgt. Shrospehire opened the top of the seventh with a triple to right center and walked home when Sgt. Cox followed with a single to center to cut the officer’s lead 10 to 9. Then Lt Cunningham settled down and retired the next three batters in order to choke off the uprising. And so the officers won their
game of the season. 
Bench warmer Sgt. Gorring was interviewed after the game and his only Excuse was (First, I wasn't playing, second neither was Mr. Page.

Subject: Saumur Sound Off
Charlie Lee sent me the Saumur Sound Off From August 1952 to 1953. I am going to try and write a column from it every day when possible . 
23 August 1952
Officers triumph 
COMMANDER OF TROOP'S LETTER 
CAPT. W.H. ZUTT
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for the presentation of
this publication to the personnel of the Saumur Signal Depot.
I wish the Messenger Staff good luck in the continuance of
this work.
It appears that a week does not go by without improvements in our area. Last week there was the opening of the PX, this week we have improved our theater, there have been many other improvements of a continuing nature. 
Our R&U people have developed into a fine operating section. When it comes time for each on of us to leave this Depot, I'm sure many of us will go away with the thoughts of the splendid cooperation and ingenuity that were expressed during "growing pains" of this depot. It has come time for each of us to survey and evaluate our individual contributions to our command. Contributions in labor are not the only means through which we add to the 
development of the Depot. Wearing of proper uniform, military courtesy, observance of customs of the service, devotion to duty, and the giving and taking of orders are but
a few of the individual responsibilities which must, and shall be carried out in our daily routines.
I am sure that each member of this command realizes that it takes a team and not a few individuals to organize and efficiently operate our organization. Discipline and training are an inherent part of the military, therefore, we will not, at any time, sacrifice the basic requirements of our assignments in the service.
It behooves each of us to take stock of our own individual attitude, to establish within ourselves, a clear conscience or a clouded conscience regarding our contribution to the overall status of the command
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Good afternoon ,
My name is Julia Hair . With my brothers ( Howard and Charles ) we are looking for anyone who could tell us a bit more about our father ( Major Roger .H. Hair ) who was in Saumur from 1961 to 1964 ( we are not so sure about the last year ). We had a house in Dampierre .Thanks .
email : julia.hair@t-online.de
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Subject: Saumur
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Great Site. I was stationed in Chinon in 1963 and 1964 83rd Engr bn A co I remember the word came down that I was directed to represent the US on Bastille Day 1963 at the French Cav. Camp in Saumur (it was not high on the BN's list of things to do). So off I went w/ my jeep driver in Dress Blues. I remember that I sat next to the French Commander (a General) and that the band played the American and French National Anthems A formal Dinner was then provided at the Mess complete w/ a baked Fish surrounded by Mashed potatoes --- quite a spread. What a thrill for a 1st Lt. 
John Orphanos
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Subject: Re: French GI Stories 1954 - 1957
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 
Ed, 
Thank you for your response. I truly enjoyed the story you forward. I just found a copy (I didn't realize I had one) of The Basec Mission Vol3, No 44 dated December 22, 1955. My family is on the front page. (I am the one holding th doll on the left.) I said my dad was an Sp5, I was mistaken, he was an Sp2. He was attached to HQ CO 7964 AU as a Staff Chaplain's Assistant. There is a short article written by Pvt Tom Kovalinsky about Saumur.

"Popular songs edged out hillbilly music in a popularity poll held at Saumur. As soon as the holiday season is over and the Christmas carols stop ringing. The regular program of canned music will feature popular music, according to Sgt. Richard T. Allen, co-operator of the noonday feature program. Weekly forums and previews of special services events will be added to the broadcast."
Tamara

Subject: Poitiers 1954 - 1957
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Dear Ed,
I stumbled across your page while researching information on AYA Camp. My dad was stationed in Poitiers in the early 50's and that was my most favorite time of life. His name was Kenneth R. Martin. The best I can remember he was a Chaplin's Assistant. However, I did not see his name on the list. Did you know of him?

My older brother and I attended the school on base. I am 55 years old now. In the summer of 1957 I attended AYA Camp and was Miss AYA 1957 and was the Camp Director for a day. I was trying to put together some stories for my grandchildren and trying to do some research when I came across your page.

If you can remember anything about the housing, the AYA Camp and the Post to help me out, I sure would appreciate it. I remember riding my bike around the French countryside. Wondering through the woods, swimming naked (then putting our cloths back on so we wouldn't get caught by our moms) learning to speak the language with no problem, terrorizing the shop keepers and doing all those things with tons of kids "alone" and not being afraid of being carried off by anyone. 

My dad was reassigned to Walter Reed, then to Fort Bliss with the Ajax missile at White Sands. His unit was then sent to Korea. Shortly after returning from Korea, my mom died in child birth so he took an early as it was his eighth child. I guess he decided Army life would be too much of a hardship as a single parent with eight kids.

I was in culture shock. I had so much trouble adapting to civilian life. However, my second marriage is to a retired army first shirt and I am back on track.

Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.
Take care and God bless!
Love, Tamara

Subject: EX US ARMY MEDIC FROM CHINON, FRANCE
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
HI!
MY NAME IS RON RHINEHART. I SERVED AT THE 60TH. STATION HOSPITAL IN CHINON FROM 1957 - 1959. I VISITED SAUMUR AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS QUITE OFTEN. I WAS A PHYSICAL THERAPY SPECIALIST BUT WORKED IN THE MEDICAL SUPPLY OFFICE. YOU DEVELOPED AT GREAT WEB SITE! THANX...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Subject: Saumur Project
To: Ed Groelle 
Sorry for the late reply. Typed up a longish email last night praising your video and what it meant to me. I’ll make this one a little shorter. Anyway just I was attaching three photos my computer locked up ­ big
time. To late to start over.
At the Chateau you show some real nice steps with a lady going down and a big church in the  background and made a comment about a restaurant. So because of all the renovation work made me wonder if that is the same path that I show in the photos. For composition I flipped the ‘Path’
photo so things are backwards left to right. That’s me in the ‘river’ photo.

You have no idea how much I enjoyed the auto tour and the dialog between you and Bill. I am not kidding my eyes were glued to the TV. Then traveling on those narrow streets whew. Then I had to think back to when I drove those streets like they were freeways.

I could go on & on. your video is very special to me. I am looking forward to making it a video/DVD project. I will email you frame grabs and ask ‘where is this? For example after you guys left the ‘Operations’ (?) area your next stop was at an area where you said you had an office. I have no idea where that area is. Idea being that I will put a chapter mark there and link to the menu.

For video I have using Pinnacle products sense 1991. Started with V1.03 and am using V9.08 now. When I bought V7 I bought the deluxe model that came with a fire wire and analog breakout board. Makes it nice when I capture from VHS. I can send a copy of S7 if you want to experiment. I suggest S7 because it’s a faster editor then S9 and not nearly as ‘sensitive’ Down side of S7 is you can’t burn directly to DVD. Lot’s of S9 people use Nero to burn anyway.

My special thanks to whoever did the video taping from the back seat. Darn good job.

Thanks for sending a new tape. Going to buy a new production VHS machine for this project I want this to be as good as possible.

Again my sincere Thanks

Dave Melvin

Subject: Your site
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Is very inspiring...I'm wondering if there is another site with information that I'm seeking..
My Grandfather, Yulek Anton was in the US Army 134th infantry regiment, 35th infantry div., out of Westchester Co. New York, he was KIA on Oct.1, 1944, & is buried in Lorraine American Cemetery : St. Avold, Moselle, France..
I never knew my grandfather, his son is still alive, so I would love to hear about where he might have been & fought the war. Any replies or sites would be greatly appreciated.. Thank you in advance for any replies.. ( I would like so much to have a picture, etc.)...
Sincerely, Bernadette 

Subject: Re: Saumur photos 3
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 
Hello Ed.
Glad my photo’s are of use to you.
I ‘think’ I arrived in Saumur maybe October 1957. Have to dig out old orders to find out for sure.
Tell the truth that part of my Saumur experience is pretty much a fog then & now. I wasn’t even 19 yet. Dumb kid fresh off a Washington State farm.
I left late October 1959. Got home just before my 21st birthday. Old for my age and a lot wiser to the ways of the world. I guess I might say that I ‘grew up’ in Saumur. I didn’t realize what an impact that experience had on the rest of my life.

Another thing I never thought about (while I was there) was all my French friends both kids my age and adult French people I worked with had to endure German occupation and real war it’s self.

I became good friends with some of the French workers and near I as can recall none of them ever mentioned at work or socially what had to be a very trying time.

Again glad my Photos are useful.
Sincerely
Dave M.

Ed Groelle wrote:
Dave,
Those are some great pictures because they are so typical of when I was there in 56-57.
I'll work on them and let you know when they are on the web.
When were you there?
Ed Groelle

Subject: Braconne
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
I was stationed at the 11th General Dispensary at Camp de la Braconne from 1961 to 1963 My wife and I are going to visit Angouleme in a few weeks and would like to see the site of the post. However, after more than 40 years, I find that I can't remember where to look exactly. We would appreciate any information that you can give us about the place.
Frank W.

Subject: POITIERS, FRANCE
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
HI,
I WAS STATIONED AT POITIERS INSTALLATION OR CASERNE ABOVILLE, FROM FEB. 1954 UNTIL JAN. 1955. WHILE THERE, I WORKED IN QUARTERMASTER SUPPLY WITH BOTH MILITARY AND CIVILIANS. LATER I WAS MOVED INTO UNIT SUPPLY WHERE I REMAINED UNTIL COMING HOME IN JAN. 1955. 

I WAS IN THE MEDICS AND WAS A CLERK TYPIST DURING MY TIME IN FRANCE. THERE WAS A LOCAL GIRL NAMED BEATRIX ( DON'T KNOW HER LAST NAME) WHO WORKED WITH ME IN QUARTERMASTER SUPPLY. IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO ME TO KNOW IF SHE IS LIVING. SHE WAS A FRIEND TO ME DURING THAT TIME AND WOULD GO DOWN TOWN WITH ME IF I NEEDED SOMETHING, AS I SPOKE VERY LITTLE FRENCH. I WAS MARRIED AT THE TIME, SO WE ONLY HAD A FRIENDSHIP. I SUSPECTED HER TO BE 4 OR 5 YEARS OLDER THAN I AND SHE WOULD ALWAYS LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I WAS HEARING FROM HOME. MY WIFE WAS 7 MONTHS PREGNANT WHEN I WAS SENT OVER THERE. I USED TO GIVE BEATRIX SOME CIGARETTES TO TAKE HOME TO HER FATHER, SINCE THE FRENCH CIGARETTES WERE ALWAYS SO STRONG. I AM 72 YRS OLD NOW AND SHE WAS A BRUNETTE WITH BROWN EYES. OUR DESKS WERE PUSHED FLUSH TOGETHER AND WE SAT DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM ONE ANOTHER. SHE SPOKE ENGLISH PRETTY WELL, AND I HAVE ALWAYS WONDERED WHAT BECAME OF HER.
DAVID B.

Hi! Was kinda surprised to hear from you. We returned from France about 8:00 PM yesterday. Listened to your message, but been kinda busy since. Bill Messner told me he had been in contact with you. Monique & I plan on coming to the reunion. Thanks for inviting us. I have been corresponding on here with Jim Pluth, from Ely, Minn. He was assigned to the electrical shop at Saumur. He has been corresponding with a Brooks. I can't think of his first name, but he was a corporal and, I believe, had been in an airborne unit prior to coming to Saumur. Do you have any idea how many people to expect?? I believe I have an 800 number here somewhere for Paul Thomas, from Gauley Bridge, W Va. He was assigned to electric shop, I believe. I'll be checking on here to find what sights we might want to visit on our way out there. We are both retired, so have plenty of time, if not plenty of money!! I gave my e-mail address as well as phone number, to Bill. Thought I'd have e-mail from him when I got home, so I didn't bother to get his address. Will he be coming to the reunion? Looking forward to hearing from you. Tom Miller

Ed

That would be fine.
From what I have seen on your site is that I was one of the early people at SSD. 
I know that I have more pictures around here some where. As I find them I will pass them along. 
I found your site very interesting. There sure were a lot of changes after I was there.

Doug

Subject: Ingrandes QM Depot
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Just surfin' the web and came across your site. What a surprise ! My twin brother and I were both stationed at the Ingrandes Quartermaster Depot a few miles from Chatellerault from March 1954 - August 1956. At that time, we lived in tar-paper shacks with wooden pallet floors. I can remember the 50 gallon barrels of water next to the pot belly stoves inside the huts that would freeze during the winter months. Fortunately, the cold weather wouldn't last very long. Across the street (dirt ) were the Polish Guard barracks and their small canteen. Most evenings, we would get a group of guys and go there for bottles of Tuborg beer and their hot kielbasa sandwiches. The BEST! I worked in the company supply room, also served as the projectionist at the Post's movie theater and then played on the Post traveling baseball team for several months before being discharged. I can remember playing a game at the army base at Saumur (summer of 1956). 

In reading some of the other responses from former servicemen, a French girl by the name of Monette is mentioned quite a few times. I do remember a tall good-looking brunette who worked on our base that lived in Chatellerault with her parents. In fact, I took her picture with my camera while a bunch of us fellows were in town one Sunday afternoon. We must have been at a swimming area at the river in Chatellerault because she was the first girl that I ever saw in a "bikini". We must remember that the l950's in France was quite a bit different than the conservative mores of the good old USA. She looked terrific, but I can't remember her name. She would have been about 19-20 yrs. old in 1956. If I can find the photo somewhere tucked in a box
in the basement, her name might be written on the back of it. If the name is Monette, I'll put it on the web. Old memories relived for an aging soldier (now 70). Keep up your good work....and thanks again for the memories. Dick.

Subject: Saumur France
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
I realize all of the entries I have seen on your site of from WWII or later. My email is to find out if anyone has corresponded with you regarding Saumur College, France during World War I? My maternal grandfather, Hobart Arthur Green, a Sergeant in the Army, mustered out of Kewanee, Illinois, now deceased, sent pictures home from Saumur college - many of WWI airplanes. Any info you can share would be most appreciated!
Elizabeth Greaves
illini@mindsring.com

Hi Ed,
Just surfed the site and enjoyed recent additions.
When I came across the photo of Madelaine I got kind of teary and sad -- she is really beautiful.
Anyway, you are doing a great job!
Peace,
Myron W.

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Just discovered this web page. We arrived in Saumur about August,1959. My father's assignment was that of Commander of Troops. My younger sisters attended school on base and I spent each school week at Poitiers. We lived for a time in St.Cyr en Beaux (spelling??) and then in family housing. We only stayed for a year, and then on to Verdun.
Will leave this as a short e-mail-for now. Was very pleased to find this page .
Sincerely,
Ray

Thanks for the reply Dick, I would like to hear more about your reunion in the future. I suspect that things may have been a bit different in Saumur than in Orleans. Orleans was big time Communist area and we were hated there. We used to say if we could draw our weapons we'd go to town and get every Frog we could, but like you say, "That's what makes the world go round" We do feel a bit guilty in our despising them so, considering what staunch allies they are to the US. 
George 

Hi there Richard: I saw your entry in the Guest Book. We are trying to locate a California guy, Reginald Odom. He wouldn't be one of those 14-20 would he? That is a fine web site isn't it? While none of us share his love for the French! 
Sincerely, George V C. 7784 Orleans Signal Service Co.56-57] 

Dear Mr. Miller,
I regret to inform you that my father Mike Gordon passed away on Sept 19th. He had been in poor health for the last few years and although this caught us by surprise, it was not unexpected.

He had many wonderful memories of his time in the army as it was a real growing up time for him. He kept many pictures and other memorabilia.

Thanks for contacting him and best wishes as you try to get the group together.

Please direct any response to my email address - pgordon925@aol.com
Sincerely,
Paul Gordon

Dear Ed:
Again, Many Thanks for your effort in keeping up this wonderful web site.
As you can see from Dick Miller's photos, I have just returned from our beautiful Saumur. It is better now than I had ever imagined. I would recommend that anyone that can afford it should go. It's really a trip! And Bill and Josette Messner are just such great people and hosts that it is worth the trip to fellowship with them. We had a lot of laughs about all the people and stories about those people!

I will try to send you my photos from the Saumur area soon. I didn't take as many photos as Dick did, but there are some good ones.
Dave Linn

Hi Ed,
Your Saumur package arrived yesterday.
It is awesome to see people and places fifty years later. Saumur looks like it is determined to be a first rate tourist attraction and with good reason.
I have many fond memories that are awakening.

I did not remember how far it was to maintenance from the barracks -- nor did I remember how large was the base. The images brought back a lot of
memories.

Thank you,
Myron W

Hi Ed,

A lot of my memories are dormant -- these discussions and photos bring back a flood of memories
I remember our company parties with beer and vin rose in the caves alongside moldy crates holding rusted equipment -- I remember Major Karsh and helping to set up a crated radar set in the parking lot on Armed Forces Day. I think that was the only radar set I saw in three years.
Reading the Thanksgiving Roster -- many names are familiar and some bring back memories.

I put a check in the mail yesterday -- looking forward to the DVD.
Thanks for the photos.
Myron

Hi Ed,
Thanks for the quick reply.
I prefer the DVD format if it contains the video done by your daughter of 'car ride' through the countryside as described on the web site -- that would be great!

I don't remember the guy who played Earl Garner music but, just for the record (pun), I played classical music -- Beethoven, Shubert, etc -- on a wood box I built in the hobby shop -- dropped in a stateside phono motor and wound #16 solid wire around the drive spindle to compensate for the 50 cycle. I sold the motor for $5 to the First Sergeant when I shipped stateside.

We were all very young -- thrown into a culture in turmoil recovering from the shock of war. Really two wars -- I was very aware of the affect on the country of having lost two generations of soldiers.

Probably no one could have been prepared for the culture shock. It has taken me years to recover some of my memories. I deeply appreciate the work that you have done and the opportunity that it represents.

Myron W

Hi Ed Groelle,
I was stationed at SSD -- 1955 to 1957 -- We were in the same Radar repair group. My name is Myron W. I took a lot of pictures with my Retina IIIc that I bought in the Chinon PX I do remember you and I may have taken the picture of you that is on the web site.
I can "see" that image in the viewfinder of my Retina I am retired now. I was absolutely amazed when my name came up on the Thanksgiving Menu. It is an incredible gift -- I was trying to remember one or two names when suddenly there was the entire roster. Thank you.
I have a few photos taken in Saumur
I want to buy the VHS tape described on the web site.
What is on the DVD and the CD's?
Tell me the total -- where to send the money
I will chip in a donation
Good work!!
Myron W

Dear Ed,
Stumbled on your website quite by accident while trying to find information about where my father was stationed in France. I really appreciate what you've done.

My father was stationed in La Rochelle in the mid 1950's, probably 1954-1957. We lived in or near Chatelleon. I'm returning there for the first time in all these years in just a couple of weeks. My father passed away six years ago and so I have no one to ask any longer about trying to retrace our family's footsteps from so many years ago. I would welcome any suggestions you might have. My current plan is to just revisit the cities and see what happens. I was so small when we were in the area that it makes it tough. Our years in Frankfurt are much clearer in the early sixties, since I was a bit older.

Thanks again for your wonderful website. I wish my father had known of it.

Karen Eberle
Daughter of Herman Eberle

Subject: Re: Patch
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
I printed this website off last week because it had a lot of useful information...as does yours. The pictures are fantastic. 
When we lived at Fort Riley, we lived on Custer Hill. My sister, I and our friends would ride our bikes to the new pool they had just built. When the guys would come by in their jeeps they'd usually whistle and honk at us. So we would yell back 'LIFER!'.....until one day it dawned on us our dad's were 'Lifer's' also. 
I found my dad's name on your 1956 Roster: Charles N Smith; he was with the 192nd Medical Detatchment and later went to Vietnam with the 93rd Evac Hospital. Your website is really cool. I envy you this weekend. Before he died, my dad gave me the slide projector and all of our family slides: 
including the ones from France and Vietnam. I have many wonderful and beautiful pictures of Saumur and even some of the parades I saw on your website.

Mom, dad, my younger sister and I lived in an apartment in Saumur. I remember getting my head stuck between the balcony bars when I lost my plastic turtle over the side and was too short to look over the railing.

Dad also gave me the address where we lived and someday, I plan on visiting France and looking up our old apartment. I'm sure it's been renovated by now. The pictures I have show a once gorgeous place with dingy, torn wallpaper and torn plastic curtains. Thanks for the wonderful site.

I am looking for a 93rd Evac Hospital patch. Do you know where I can find something like that? I've called Army surplus stores and researched on the internet with no luck.

Thanks...Kay

Subject: GREAT WEB SITE
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 

SPENT 3 YEARS IN VERDUN (MAGINOT) FROM ’55-59.UNFORTUNATELY NOT AWARE OF ANY SITE HAVING TO DO WITH MAGINOT CASERNE….IT SEEM LIKE WE WERE THE LOST DIVISION…CAN’T FIND A SOUL FROM ANYONE WHO SERVED THERE.

ENJOYED THE STORIES AND COMMENTARIES

Subject: Saumur Jun 55 thru Nov 57
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
I was stationed at Saumur Signal Depot from Jun 55 thru Nov 57. Worked at Depot Property and was in 2nd Platoon with Joe, Eddie, Leo, Elmer Kipe, George Whitehead, Dale Adair, George Martin, and others. I am working in Germany for the US Air Force as a civil service employee. You have a great web-site. My wife's mother and father are still living in Saumur and we visit them a few times a year.
Brought back a lot of good memories.
Thanks,
Bob Keffer
Koenigsbergerstr 9
65191 Wiesbaden, Germany

Subject: Re: Monette
To: Ed Groelle 
Hi Ed!
When Monette worked at the Saumur Depot, she only remembers that she worked in an office that was a big room with a huge table. Her parents. Emelie and Raymond Marchegay, owned a bar in Saumur but she said it was not close to the Camp but near the bridge, she believed. However, many GIs frequented it. Her parents sold the bar and later moved to Chatellerault. Monette joined them later where she went work at the Depot at Ingrandes, where I met her. She was a brunette, but sometimes a redhead. She will try to find a picture that was taken of us at Ingrandes. We moved to Galveston 13 months ago from Dallas and a lot of old stuff is still packed. I will see if I can scan it and e-mail it to you as an attachment if you like.

I really hope to go back in July 2004. We usually stay with friends who live in Les Egaux (a small hamlet near La Rochelle and Chatelleon). 

I really love France and am not bothered by all the recent adverse publicity. Many of us raised a lot of hell back then in France (myself included). You have her e-mail address, if you wish to correspond with her directly. I wish Ingrandes would have a reunion in Chatellerault! 

I have to hand it to you, you have really done a splendid job, Ed.
Charles

Hello Charles,
It sounds like your wife, Monette was at Saumur Signal Depot the same time as me. Where did she work at the depot? I may have seen her or even worked within her area. I was also wondering if you plan on returning to France in 2004.
Ed Groelle

Subject: Ingrandes General Depot 59-62
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi Ed:
I was wondering if any GIs visit your website who were stationed at Ingrandes General Depot during the years 1959-62 (the years I was stationed at Ingrandes. If so they can contact me at baughcharles@sbcglobal.net. I am PFC Charles Baugh and served in Detachment A. Also, (you might find this of interest), I married a French girl named Monette Marchegay who was working on the Depot at the time. Monette, prior to working at Ingrandes, lived in Saumur from 1956-57 and worked at the Saumur Depot. If anyone remembers her, they are free to contact her at her email address: rmbaugh@sbcglobal.net.

You have a great web site, Ed. Monette and I have returned to France a number of times and I love the country dearly.
Thanks
Charles

Subject: possible info re Vassincourt and Jeanne D'Arc Caserne
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Sir,
I e-mailed you sometime ago re the time I spent at Vassincourt, Jeanne D'Arc Caserne and Toul in 1956. I don't mean to bother you again, but I'm just wondering if you knew anyone in those areas during that particular time slot, especially in the 574th TC (Red Ball) at Jeane D'Arc Caserne outside of Toul.

In any case, it's stunning to see that those particulars times and places actually did exist and were not all some figment of my imagination or dreams. Yours is a beautiful and warm website.

All best to you and yours,
Walter (Jay) Griffin

Subject: Thanks for the memories.
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi Ed,
I just stumbled across your site after searching for info about Saumur four or five different times. Finally I hit the jackpot. I hope you are very proud of yourself. You have an excellent site. I was astounded to read your "Meet The Author" page. It fit me to a tee except I flew over and landed at Orly Field. Other than that the same thing happened to me. I was there from 1969 to 1961. What a quick way to grow up.

I haven't been back to Saumur and never heard of the reunions until I stumbled across your site. Now you have me thinking about it. I enjoyed your pictures and especially the news about Bill Messner as I was there the same time that he was.

Once more, thank you. 

I am going to find out how to order your video, now.
Richard Brooks 

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: Fwd: Saumur Signal Depot 
Hello Ed,
My name is Dawn Cassady. My father was stationed at Saumur. He is on your 1957 roster list. I know he served in the army during 1955-58. I don't know the exact dates he was at Saumur, however. Joel Griffey died July 22, 2002, at the age of 62, from lung cancer. I was going through old photos and thought you might like to add the photos I found.

I'm not sure they are all from Saumur. The Graduating Class photo, I believe, was take at Camp Gordon in GA. 

He did know about your web site before he died. I am a computer repair tech, own my own business that I run from my home. I had built him a computer for Christmas because he was curious about this Internet thing. He did a search for the 7794th and found your site. he and my mother spent quite a bit of time looking at it, so it seems appropriate that you should have these pictures.

He was a quiet man, didn't tell us a lot about his younger life. To be honest, most of what I know from his service years I have learned since he died. I do remember him talking about an accident he was in over there, ended up in the Loire River and was left for dead. He had scars all over the top of his head from the glass breaking. I remember years later, glass from that same accident worked its way out of his face. I think he told me once he was a cook at the base, but I really have a hard time imagining that, the only thing I ever remember him cooking was burnt pork chops when my mother had to go to the hospital when I was a young child!! I hope you and the others enjoy these pictures. If there is anything you can tell me about them, I would appreciate it. Thanks for taking the time to build your site, I know how much work that can be.

Sincerely,
Dawn Cassady

To: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Re: pictures 
Hi Ed,
My address and Telephone in France.

Ronald TAYLOR
6, Place Paul Valery
F40130 CAPBRETON FRANCE
Tel : (33 0) 558724128

I visit Saumur about once a month, I have many friends there, most dating back to 1962.
Ron

From: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
To: "Ronald" <rtaylor@wanadoo.fr>
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 9:33 PM
Subject: pictures
Ron
Thanks for the pictures. I'll post them to the site soon. I added your name to the veterans list. If you want can you send your address and I'll add that as well. Maybe one of your old buddies will find you and chat a bit.
Ed

To: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Saumur 
Hi Ed,
Excuse the long delay in my reply to your mail. I had a hard time trying to dig up some pictures from 1956 but a did find a few, which I am attaching. I worked in the caves, and later in 1957 moved out to the new depot just outside of Montreuil Bellay where I worked in cold storage, I left Saumur in December 1958 and returned to the States, I later reenlisted and came back to France (Saumur and then Verdun) in 1962. I moved back to France in 1968 and have been here since. I am presently retired and live in the Southwest of France Near Bayonne (Paye Basque)

From: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
To: <rtaylor@wanadoo.fr>
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 11:43 PM
Subject: Saumur
Hi Ron,
I'm Ed Groelle the author of the Saumur Signal Depot website. I noticed that you were at SSD the same time as I. I've been trying to put a face to your name which sounds familiar to me. Where did you work at SSD?
Regards

To: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Email address for Fernand Metivier 
 
I am Fernand Metivier, a French officer living in Paris, France. I am most interested in military history and especially in that period when many GI's like you were stationed in France. When I was a kid I lived near another US Base at Ingrandes - Saint Ustres; close to Chatellerault. I remember very well the GIs and their big cars, but unfortunately until now I have not been able to find a website on this base like yours I appreciate the job you have done. Thank you for giving the opportunity to see these pictures and this page of history. 

Hi Ed! 
What a GREAT DISPLAY that is! I love it! Thank you so much, Ed. 
This should get some responses from our friends. I hope so, because I am not as interested in making money as much as I am in the story being read and considered by as many people as possible. My message is clear enough. I think we did a lot of harm to French-American relations. 
This has also been a re-introduction of Chicago's Jim Heffern with me. We have had several phone calls together since he found me on your website. Jim is a good one to maybe host a reunion in Chicago. I definitely will attend that one if it happens. 
Jim's E mail address is heffernj@ix.netcom.com if you want to contact him. In closing I add a thousand more thank you's for your help on the book promotion. 
Lou Sisk 

This afternoon we had coffee with Bill and Josette Messner in our apartment. We live very close to the castle and we have a wonderful view on the city from our balcony. Needless to say that we talked a lot about the people who shared experiences at the Signal Depot and we viewed pictures on the internet (compliments of Mr. Groelle), from the various reunions in Saumur and in the States. We are here until the beginning of May and we will return to Michigan. We will come back to France next year or perhaps in October. We intend to meet with the Branson group in September because we had a great time.
Happy New Year to all! 
Sid and Huguette Rairigh 

You have so much to show! I went back [more then once] & found my old camp is now a wrecking yard. BAR LE DUC is about the same. The people seem to have more money to spend & a little nicer to a stranger. I was a merchant seaman for some of that crazy war, when I was 42 I was a trooper again with the army national guard. Now retired & getting a few $ [S.S, & N.G.] BOY would I like to have the patch we wore!!! 18-20 years old in France now 62 welcome any e mail " I want to thank you ' 
Sincerely Yours , 
Robin & Sharron Monji 

Thanks so much for such a beautiful website. 
Harold B.
Verdun 1961 - 1964 

I happened across your note on the web looking for information on the demise of the 553rd Engineers. I was in the 553rd at Maison Fort just south of Orleans when it was broken up. De Gaulle wanted us out of France that year (believe it was 1967). The 553rd was split up into the 78th Engineering Company and the 68th Engineering Company. Company C became the 78th Engineering Company and we wound up as a gypsy unit that was attached to various infantry units in Germany. I don't know what happened to the 68th. With the exception of the 68th & 78th the cadre (read that as E-6 and above supposedly returned to the States to pick up new recruits, train them, and reconstitute the 553rd in Viet Nam. I don't know if that ever happened. I also don't know what happened to those below E-6. The 78th wound up in New Ulm, Germany and we did construction at Ingolstadt and K-town (the 98th General Hospital expansion). 
In the summer of 1968 we repositioned equipment in K-town and the whole unit returned to Fort Riley, Kansas along with the 23rd Infantry Division as part of Operation Reforger. 
Regards, Al J. Boca Raton, Florida 

Dear Ed, Thank you so very much for the tape and CDs. What a great endeavor you have performed. Keeping memories alive is almost a fulltime job. You have managed to recreate our youth and exuberance. What great times......caves, wine, women, and nickel beer. We had it all. (or so it seemed). 
Again, thanks for the gift and for the work to create the site and maintain it. 
Happy Holidays 
Mike G.

In a message dated 12/10/2002 6:23:44 PM Eastern Standard Time, wwsrcg@juno.com writes: 
Hi Arnold: 
Yes, I received your email through Classmates today. I went to Ed's Website this afternoon and it just blew me away. What a treat to see all those photos. I viewed quite a few of your photos, and recognized alot of guys. I was in Saumur from Feb 61 to Aug 63, so you and I probably just met. To be honest, I don't remember you. However, I most surely will always remember you as the person who took the trouble to contact me and tell me about the Saumur website! 
I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I don't know about you, but I had some of the best times of my life in Saumur, so it has always been a special place for me. However, I have not been able to ever get back there. I still hope I can make it, though. You are very fortunate to have been able to go back to see the place. 
Tonight I am going to try to view all of the photos on the Website, as I didn't have much time to really get into it today. I am really looking forward to it. 
Does the Website carry info about any reunions in either France or the US? I'll check on that. 
Thanks again, Dave L.  

Dear Ed:
I was referred to your site by Al Lauer, whom I do not remember. But I was stationed in Saumur from Feb 61 to Aug 63 at the HQ Co (the Chateau barracks) I just want to tell you how very much I appreciate all the work you have done to create this site. I was so happy to see it that I cried!
I have always wondered what has happened - to everything- Saumur, the people, etc, etc.
You have done a fine job of giving us a lot of photos and info. I hope that I can somehow get back to Saumur. Don't know how or when, but it has always been my dream. Glad many guys have made the trip back - the lucky devils!.
Thank You again from the bottom of my heart.

I did sign your guest book and put in some comments.  

Hi Ed!
I hope you are feeling good these days. I re-read your note of Jan 7 and found that your story is a very interesting one. Maybe you should do something for posterity while your memory still works. I know your experiences have been many and why not do a personal memoir.

The book, THE DARK IS ALL GONE, is in the hands of a Baltimore publishing firm Publish America. Your name has been submitted to a list they asked me to give them for a promo piece that they will do when it is ready for printing, about six months from now.

I have almost finished a second book about my early years growing up in Pittsburgh during the 1930's and 40's. Tentative title is NO BLUES FOR LOU. It is my answer to those who blamed their parents for the lousy life they have had. I don't remember being unhappy (no blues). We were having too much fun to even consider that our parents had financial problems.

I found it is very good therapy to be writing while rehabbing from by pass surgery (March) and Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm Repair (August) Yep, I smoked for 50 years and paid the price this year. Luckily, I quit smoking a year before the problems started, or I might not have made it .

How can we help to keep you from losing that web site that you set up so well? Are you accepting monetary relief? I am one of only a few vets who can point to a web site as theirs . Recently a pal of mine Jim Heffern from Chicago found me on that site. In the book, Jim was the football player who showed up in Special Services, did the radio station and organized the Polish Guards to play volleyball in a tournament. We have had some renewed interest and I want you to know you are to blame! I thank you for that!
Let me hear from you as to how we can help keep that site working. OK?

Lou S.

Bonjour mon ami. About all the French I remember. Was stationed in Verdun, and got your site from Vets stationed in that area. I have been back to Europe twice since 1962, and enjoyed each very much. My, how things have changed. I have some photos of Verdun and the Meuse I treasure, in fact some are on the Web as I sent them to Jerzboy445.... Will try to get that url. I live in Texas now and like to visit the Western Parks like Grand Canyon and Big Bend.... I have photos and stories of hiking adventures on my page http://www.geocities.com/prestoni2001

I enjoy classical music as well, the Dallas and Fort Worth symphonies provide rich experiences..... Was in Paris in 1990 last, and it has changed since then. The pyrsmid  entrance to the Lourve was done then, and I M Pei, the architect, is a Texan, and built a splendid concert hall in Dallas, perfect accoustics, and makes for wonderful concert experiences...

Have never gotten to the Loire, hope to go back soon, and visit. Saumur looks enchanting. You must live abroad, with the server wi.rr.com?
All the best,

Preston F.

Ed! 
Mike Gordon E-mailed me the information about your web site last week and what a welcome surprise it turned out to be. You did one fine job putting it together. It was like taking a trip back in time. You look good and I see that somehow or other you got to keep you're hair. Mine shipped out to sea via the drain a loooong time ago. (Thank God for hats.) I went through every photo that was on the site and I enjoyed them all. I would have gotten to you sooner but I had to have my neck arteries rotor rooted last Thursday. What a pain in the ass that was. ( Not literally of coarse, they didn't go in from that end, thankfully.) I was laid up for a few days but am getting back in circulation again. 
The pictures of the Saumur of today are a far cry from when we were there. The newer shots have a lot of trees in them, in our time there were next to none. Our Saumur was a bit more stark. The town looks as if it underwent a bit of prosperity and looks good. The shots of the camp were good to see. There are differences but there'd be no mistaking the place. The worst thing they did was to shut down the beer hall. Unforgivable, but, what the hell, I quit the beer a long time ago anyway. 
I have a copy of the roster that was given to us at Thanksgiving, 1955 and I am going to mail a copy to you on Thursday 11/7/02, that's tomorrow over here on the East coast. If this is the wrong address let me know and I'll send a copy to your new address. I have a photo of the one and only "Pop Miller" all decked out in his going to town clothes, beret and all. He was a one of a kinder. I have a shot of Donald G. (Fly) Kelly, Zoppi, Hanson. Holloway, Hakes and others. There's one of Stuart Fink coming out of the water in his underwear from the stream that ran in back of the cave area and one of van Kirk sleeping a load off on his wedding night. (He was on a fourteen day restriction and wasn't allowed to have a honeymoon.) 
I heard from Bill H. and now that I'm feeling better, I'll drop him some electrons via the Internet. As soon as I hook up my scanner, I'll e-mail the photos that I have. I was sorry to hear that Bob Sherwin is no longer showing up for roll call. He was a nice guy. I'll be in touch, T. R.  

Ed, Boy what a pleasant surprise. Mike Gordon has not gone to the big depot in the sky. See his status has been changed on the roster. Have dropped him an E-mail. Hope to get a reply soon. Again, have you to thank for this connection. You should know him. He was a contemporary. Other than his remarks in the quest book have you heard anything else? Did you make it to the reunion in France? Have not seen any news of it on the Serum site. How about the one in Boston? Maybe next year, Mary and I will make one should any be offered and I think it will be attended by contemporary troops. How is everything going with your wife? Hope she is on the road to recovery. How about you? Are you holding up? Hope so. Regards, Bill  

Ed- My name is Ron P. and was with the 510th Signal that was sent there in October of 61. I left in Oct 63. Jus happened to come across his site and was amazed. I do surf through on occasion as time permits. I also dug up some old slides I had of Saumur. I may have about 50 or so slides more of the town sides streets and a cafe or two. Also pix of a parade. If you are interested in them please let me know and how the best way to get them to you. Thanks for a great site Ron  

Hello again, Ed - After getting your e-mail I decided to try the two music CDs again today. They both worked fine. I don't know what went wrong with one yesterday. Last night I started after dinner by playing one of the CDs, which began with a French song Andrée did not recognize. She wondered "Why I had gone to the library to get a CD" in the middle of the week. She seemed more focused on her dinner. So I said "Well, let's watch a tape on television" and turned on the video. When the video came on with the words Saumur I said "Happy memories, choue-choue." When she realized what was on, and it was the video from you, she started crying. Very happy crying. 

We watched all the video. Andrée was just amazed at how much things had changed since she was in Saumur, more than 40 years ago. She was fascinated by what happened to the Depot, where she worked at the PX. When the scenes of Saumur and the surrounding countryside came up, and the scenes of downtown Saumur came up at the end, she was amazed. Her brother, who went to Saumur for a brief visit about 15 years ago, had told her much of what she knew was gone, but I don't think she realized how much. Andrée just came down while I was writing this. Here are some of her reactions and memories. The only thing she was sorry about was that the need to drive so fast prevented her from reading the signs. One thing that really surprised her, actually, was the number of cars, street signs and what looked like freeways going to and from the Depot. When she lived there, bicycles and scooters were the only ways of traveling. She was surprised to know they moved the PX to the Chateau. 

She worked at the PX, which was a wood barracks they built with everything else when the GIs first moved in. It was practically at the main entrance, and was only a small room. She was hired while the Depot was being built, and the PX and barber shop were the last buildings to be put in. She remembers the GIs were complaining about no PX being there. She does not know what year the PX went in, and wonders - Do you know? The barracks were too hot in the summer, too cold in the winter, and had dirt floors, all as primitive as it could be. The PX had only one pot-bellied stove. While the French and Americans were disputing over who would pay for the wood, everybody froze for about three weeks until they had to close the PX because all the French workers were back home sick. So they finally built a better PX - but that took about a year. 

Andrée did not realize the Depot was so big. She was not allowed to walk around much. The barber shop next door to the PX was the only building other than the PX she went to - the barber was a single good looking French man. (Good thing he did not catch her before I did.) The French workers were searched when they went and out, by the Polish guards who understood neither French nor English. (She did break out laughing when you referred to the "Polish guards" during the ride.) As she told me, the searches "pissed her off" more than once. The most thorough searches were on the way out - how much did they think they were going to steal? Besides, there was an inventory every week or so, and the people who worked at the PX had to pay for everything reported missing. 

Andrée recognized the post office, Cafe La Bourse, the theatre, the Caravelle, Place St. Pierre, and the train station, and of course the bridge and Château de Saumur, but very little else. She was surprised at the extent of the renovations going on at the Chateau de Saumur. She spent many evenings dancing at the Caravelle. Her sister lived next door. Many drunks, including GIs, from the Caravelle, used her sister's front door to "relieve" themselves. 

Andrée says she will give you some more of her memories at some other time. She hopes the two of you can stay in touch. She - and I, for that matter - greatly enjoyed watching the video. We're very glad we ordered it. It was well worth the $25. Andrée plans to show it to her mother and her sister, and maybe to her brother though he was very young when World War II ended and I'm sure had little if any contact with the Depot. I'm curious what their reactions will be. 
Thanks again, John - and this time, Andrée too.  

Dear Janet & Arnold. Just to let you know the Reunion went very well. To bad you could not make it and glad that Janet is doing fine. We had dinner Friday evening with Josette, Roy, Ginette and Dick and he filled be in on all the get-togethers that you have had also their visit to New Jersey. To bad Garcia and his wife could not make it. There were about 10 Americans here of course that includes there wives. 

We had a wonderful sunny day and the ceremony at the old depot went well. Then a cocktail at the new place in M/B I am sure you remember that place its where you met the Mayor of M/B with Laurent and you were given a couple bottles of good wine to take back. Well that’s it for now. Best to all the family back there until next time. Au Revoir et Bientot Josette & Bill.  

I, too, was stationed at SSD form 5/54 to 5/56. I just learned of your web site tonight and have thoroughly enjoyed viewing it. Ed Dublin, who is from N. Y. via SSD but now lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast found my name and telephone number on the site and called me and shared the address and other information, etc. I know you have spent many hours and much energy but you can be pleased and proud to have published such an impressive site and all who know about can enjoy and reflect back on the old SSD. I will try to make a reunion one day and meet you and others. I was at SSD and served with Joe Estridge. Again, thanks for all you have done, are doing... and no doubt will continue to do for all who served our Country at SSD. I would enjoy going back to Saumur even thought so much has changed over the past 45 to 50 years. Every day is gift from our Creator and learning of your web site is just an added gift for me today. Just another Vet. G. H. E  

Hi Ed, Just received the notice about the up-coming reunion in yesterdays mail from my Brother-in-law. Went back to your web site and just took some time to think back to the time we spent there. In a way I wish we were a little older so we could more appreciate the opportunities we had while there as guests of France. As I think back we did a lot but didn't take enough time to really know the people and their way of life. We were a little luckier than most because we had the opportunity to live off the French economy and meet some very nice people. Enough of that! Are you planning to attend the reunion? I am sure we are going to try and make it. Marilyn is not here at the moment but she will certainly be interested. Will let you know more after we have discussed it. Please note our new e-mail address.  

Ed, It has been quite awhile since I last contacted you. Hope you are well and doing OK. Here, we are now entering the hot muggy doldrums of a Florida summer. Also have concluded this years vacation. Spent 6 weeks on the west coast. while there. Visited Dick Miller and Ginnette. Really enjoyed it. It was my most extensive stay in that part of the world. San Francisco to the Mexican border and east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains was the area covered. Upon my return from LaLa land, I found quite a few of your e-mail messages waiting me. Well, after an hour of reading Groelleisms, I felt I had never left and was well grounded again and all west coast attitudes were forgotten. So I am back home again. Cannot understand why there are so many reunions. Three this year. Not only that, but who in their right mind, unless they are from Wisconsin, would want to visit Boston in Nov? Not this warm weather kid. It would be nice to know who plans to attend each gathering and the dates of their tours in Saumur. Knowing who would be there just could inspire the kid to buy a coat and mucklucks and brave the New England winter. Is there some way a sign-up sheet for each gathering could be carried by your web site. Well I have got to go. Hope you will consider coordinating the attendees lists. Regards, Bill H.  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Chinon Website 
Ed , I have long admired your beautiful SSD website, and signed in your Guest book a couple times. I waited a long time for someone to start one about Chinon where we spent 4 years 1955-1959 . A month or so ago I could no longer stand it, I made a feeble attempt to mimic yours , even "stole" your ComZ patch. Our address is: http://randall143.tripod.com/ We invite you to come on over, look around and leave a nice long message in our guest book complete with your Saumur Signal Depot address for all to look at . We never to expect to have anywhere near as nice a site as yours, but it keeps improving. Larry R.  

Hi Ed! I finally have checked all of the items received in the gift package that you sent to me. Everything is wonderful. I played the CDs in the car. They are delightful and full of nostalgia from the past. My wife, Carol, and I watched the video over the weekend. I could not recognize most of the buildings at the depot and the caves area was changed quite a bit since I left there. This is obvious from the pictures I sent to you. As I expected, the town has made some remarkable changes since I left. I have a couple of questions for you. Do you have any idea how far it was from downtown to the Depot in approximate mileage. Also I want to know how far it was from the Depot to the caves? In the car it seemed like Bill was driving a hundred miles to get there. I enjoyed the conversation between you and Bill in the car. Please tell your daughter I can appreciate how difficult her job was. She kept the camera rolling no matter what the driver was doing. As a career motion picture cameraman I know this required patience on her part . Most of the time the person holding the camera loses control and turns it off and on many times and the listener is eventually lost. Drop me the answers to the questions ASAP Thanks again, Lou S. PS I hope you received the rest of my manuscript. Hi Ed, I saw what you did on the web site during the past few days. It looks good to me and I hope it brings some memories back to light for some of our Saumur pals. You know we never referred to the area as a village called Varrains. To us it was Saumur Signal Depot. I discovered when I started to write this book that the long term memory came back in details you would not believe. I think everyone should do this, for just the joy of using that long term memory. I kept some notes and the Saumur Sounds Off s helped me remember a lot of the details. I wish I had saved all of those SS Off's. Along with that piece of declassified material I sent you there were many other documents in the National Archives that I perused to help me verify the information I had. You did not comment on the book, so should I presume that you haven't read it yet? I will be glad to send the other half to you, but I need to know a name and address of the person you want to read it, because my editor and I are keeping records of this kind. We like to read comments from those who have read it be they pro or con. I have the manuscript protected by copyright, so I have no fear of any kind. Lou S.

From: "Ed Groelle" 
To: "Lou S." 
Lou I have finished with your material and mailed it back to you this morning. It is posted on the Saumur site now and it fills an era of SSD not covered before. I found it fascinating. It's particularly interesting to see how Varrains has changed and what a tiny village it was compared to now. I have a couple of requests:
I'd like to read the rest of your book. Please send it if it as convenient. I'd also like your permission to send it to a fellow ex-Saumur GI. 
Ed Groelle  

Hello Ed its been a long time since I have written to you. I want to say thanks for the CD and the cassette. We hope that all is well with you and family and that you had a very nice Xmas. And to wish all you and family very good health and happiness for the year 2002. We do hope to see all of you again soon. Always Josette & Bill

Ed, I know it's sad that I don't remember much. I do remember Andree. She used to pick me up and drive me to the caves in her little Renault. I didn't know she had a crush on me. I guess I had a crush on Janeane or Janine, and I often wonder where and how she is. I did go to San Sebastian, Spain with Sherwin. and also to Alecon, France for a Christmas dinner. It was one of those deals where a French family took in a couple of GIs. It was a great experience with lovely people. I e-mailed Bob S about that and he remembered more about that place than I did. He remembered the host was pregnant at the time, I didn't, and mentioned that the child was 50 years old now. He was a good guy. As far as not remembering things, Bill H. said, " I was older and came from a very structured life. I had responsibilities at home and was looking forward to getting back to the states". He may be right or just being nice to an old man who is slipping. The way the place has changed I don't think it's possible to walk back in my old footsteps. I sent an e-mail to Bill Messner in Saumur last night after I viewed your tape. It was nice of him to transport you and others around the area and show you the changes in the area. He appears to be a very interesting man. Long message, sorry. Have a good holiday. Bob  

Hey Guys, Just heard from Bob Sherwin's wife. Bob has passed away. Happened Sunday morning. I talked with him on Friday. All seemed OK. What a really unpleasant surprise. Bill H.  

Ed, Have received word from Bob's wife the doctors did not like what they found and closed back up. Sounds real bad. Do not know what his options are, but am sure they are very limited. Sorry to pass on such grim news, but thought you would want to know. Regards, Bill  

Ed, Have been corresponding with Bob Sherwin and he just informed me he is to have an operation to remove at least one-half of his stomach. ( Cancer) His operation is scheduled for the 15 of this month. Perhaps, you can send out an all points bulletin and have the guys wish him well. He really seems low and frightened. Glad to hear the new (old) music again on your site. Stay in touch. Regards, Bill H.  

Ed, What a great trip. I could not have been more pleased. Saumur has grown up. It is now a vibrant little city. No longer a sleepy, dull, gray, little provincial village. The accommodations at the Loire hotel were just fine, and the staff friendly and helpful. Heck, there were more than just a few good restaurants in within short walking distance. It was, however, sad to see the old base in such poor condition. It, like some other things, is really showing its age. Would not have found it or the Maintenance area without Bill Messner. I really appreciate the time he spent with Mary and me. Spent 5 days there and could have spent more. In total, roamed around France for 17 days. Enjoyed every moment. France is truly alive. We were so pleased to see the progress. Took some photos. Will provide them to you if they add something to the site. Also will search my old pictures to find the location of the post movie theater. I believe you and Messner have it wrong. Will get back with you later. Till then regards, Bill  

Thanks for a lot of work you done on this site, brought back memories and the pictures were great, also the address book was great, got a couple of address that I had lost contact with ,thanks again. Dale [Tex] El Paso, Texas  

White House, 04/30/2001 Sir, To answer your question, yes I met my husband when he was stationed in Saumur, and yes I would like to send a picture do you need one from then or now. Then I have but not a recent one for now. Will see what I can do. The dates are 1961 to May 1963, 510th company out of Tobyhanna, PA. and the 221st at the same time. Colonel E. M . Schaudt was in charge of the Signal Depot at the time. I was there before the 60. Thank you for inquiring about the dates. I have a small list of names, but I can't find the people anymore, lost touch with them over the years. 

Best Regards Josette C  

Ed, Glad you received the package. Sure, post the paper, poem and pass any way you see fit. There is no reason not to believe you will continue to provide what is of maximum benefit to the site and its visitors. My pass was signed by Capt. B. Finch. He was the C.O.T.. Pollack, on the other hand was a full bird and the Depot Commander. One would not could not replace the other. Finch was from the Big Red One. What an infantry officer was doing commanding a bunch of killer Signal Corp guys is beyond me. But he did issue us M1's which is an infantry weapon. He took away our carbines. Remember spending the weekend to decosmoline my rifle. What a messy job. I think Finch wanted to march us to Poland or Hungry. Made us killers. Know what you mean about chasing bugs. Spent a lot of time doing the same. But being in the right place at the right time only works if one is prepared to perform when the crunch comes. Yes, the destruction of Yugoslavia was and is a sad thing but, with the fall of Tito is was and is to be expected. Not all cheeseheads! You are the exception. One time in Forty years does not qualify you as a Florida visitor. As for Lasarella, he could get under your skin, but not mine. Have no feeling one way or the other. I was merely trying to point out you had cropped the shot too closely and omitted Bobinsky and Ruddy. Nick should also be in the shot. Bill  

Ed, The rearrangement of the photos now tell the story. Thank you. Mailed another batch (18 or so) yesterday along with some other mementos. Also remembered a few more names. Picture 41 of Maj. Karsh at the cave entrance should identify the troops as follows: L-R: Harry Ness, Joey Capanella, Sp2 Laird the other unknown. The new batch should be posted in the numbered order in front of those already posted. Also rereviewed your most recent shots of Saumur. Did this with my wife to limit our shock when we revisit in June. It has really changed. Looks quite modern. No longer the sleepy little town on of our days. I used to say, "I could come back in fifty years and the only change would be the faces on the bicycles". Think I was wrong. Also appreciated your input on unconditional love. It is something we all must give. Bill  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Ed, Back again. Took many tries to send the 1st installment. You mentioned Ransom (Randy) Van Dyke. I was quite fond of him. Dark glasses, Beret, and Zootsuit attitude. Were you in the room when Crawford (also black) acquired a full set of drums from Special Services and set them up in the room? Well, we fellow roomies put the kabash on that in a hurry. It was all part of his scheme to get out of the Army. He did everything but wear a dress, ALA Klinger of Mash. He did get out early. Will tell you about it if you are not familiar with his story. Our tours of duty did overlap. Mine was from April 1955 until July 1956. Why don't I remember? It is driving me buggy. Also came very close to signing up for the DEW line. But, got married and returned to school for my BS. Spent 36 years at Martin Marietta and traveled throughout the States and even spent 61/2yrs working for the German airforce in Germany. You have seen pictures of my family. I have been retired 81/2 yrs. Had a very difficult time the first two years. No sense of urgency or excitement. Just mundane existence. But I got over it. Really enjoy my life now. Do you remember Pop Miller? Will fill you in on him if you do not. Will write more when I send the additional pictures and an addition of the Saumur newspaper. Bill  

Ed, Found additional B&W pictures of different troops of Saumur. Also Rediscovered an old copy of "Saumur Sounds Off" newspaper that contains Mike Millers rendition of Casey at the bat. As it is fragile will copy and send it to you in a day or so along with the new photos. Also have an old liberty pass you may be interested in. Just to make sure, I intend to make one last swipe through every thing to preclude sending additional "STUFF" in drips and drabs. Ed, again, I wish to thank you for the splendid job you have done. I am even getting to like the music. Heard it the other day on the radio and it reminded me of you and Saumur. Which room were you in, still cannot place you? What have you done since Saumur? Regards, Bill  

Ed: Nice job on the web site. You have rekindled some memories. Lot of new stuff that is interesting. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the memories. Bob S.  

Hi ED. No problem about giving my address to any old members of the Depot. We are very happy to be able to show them around and enjoy there company we just spent a Sunday with Stuart Finck and his wife and son and had a wonderful day except for the rain. I just saw the Web Site you sure have done a good job. Don't forget to let us know when you will be coming here and I will get you the Train schedule you asked for. That’s it for now. Bill  

Dear Ed, We had a great visit to Saumur. It was much too short, but it was all the time we could afford. We took you up on your suggestion to contact Bill Messner, and he agreed to meet us at the Saumur AutoRoute exit and show us around. Thank God he did because I doubt if I could have found the Maintenance and Storage areas on my own. There certainly have been a lot of changes since I left in May, 1956. Bill and Josette are wonderful people and could not have treated us any better. We will always remember fondly the time we spent with them. Thanks for encouraging me to get in touch with Bill. Best regards, Stuart F.  

Hi Uncle Ed, I just looked over your site again, looks wonderful. What a fond memory you have left for so many of those who have served or were familiar with Saumur during the years. You have touched many peoples hearts with fond memories of the past and tied it with the ribbon of the future and present. A true labor of love. I have two suggestions if I may share:
When I viewed the stars and stripes section, I could make out the written words of the articles but they weren't very bold and clear a little blurry with reading. Photos reprints of the articles were good. The other thing would be it would nice to place your mouse over the thumbprints of all the contributed photos and get like an identification of the photo before bringing it up to full size. That way a person could surf over them and pick out the ones that interested them or find a certain photo location later when they returned. I really enjoyed looking at your site again! I liked both the photos you put in of yourself for the author part. Nice photos of you!! I am sure you will add even more after your return trip to France soon. All my love Sandy L  

Ed, I just went through my picture boxes and came up with a treasure. I have many 35mil slides in color of Saumur Depot, downtown and all around plus many other places in Europe. Maybe then I'll be able to remember who I traveled with. I have to borrow a slide projector from someone to look at them. My projector broke many years ago and this media isn't used to much these days. When I get to see these shots maybe more lights will go on in my head. If you have any ideas how to get these on your site let me know. I took your advice and looked at the picture of some of the veterans. I do remember you now but if I met Bob Sherwin on the street I would probably walk right by him. To add to your site I remember some guys in the unit like Frank Roberge, I think that's the right spelling. He was the only guy that I knew that spoke French and was accepted by the Saumur community. I also remember Roy Stapleton. Don't see them on the veterans list. There was another civilian whose name slips me who would sell French francs at a good price. He worked for Royston. I think in those days the exchange from this guy was 400 for a buck. Stay well. Bob

She is the one who drove me to work in that little car. We must have been a sight. I went back to my job at New York Telephone and when AT&T was divested in 1984 I switched over to AT&T. I had a few jobs in AT&T. Operations Manager for the west side of NYC, many assignments in Sales where I spent most of life, and Directing the Early Identification Assessment Center in NYC. I was transferred to Headquarters in Basking Ridge in 1984 and retired in 1989. Crazy but after 41 years with the "Bell System" I walked out the door and never looked back and never missed the place for one minute. I did 5 years selling real estate with Coldwell Banker and in 1995 got married and moved, with my new wife, to Sunset Beach, N.C. We live in a golf resort, Sea Trail Plantation, which has three golf courses which we use quite often. I was the president of the Property Owners Association three years ago and I recently became the chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee. I'm involved with the Red Cross Disaster Relief Team and Manage a shelter during hurricanes. Five of them since we live here. I'm also involved with the Lauback Reading Group and tutor a young man once a week to help his reading and writing skills. The above are volunteer organizations which I enjoy and also feel it's time to give back to the community. I have three children from my first marriage. A daughter in NJ and two sons in California. Three years ago I had no grandchildren and figured that was it. I now have FOUR and they're the greatest. In fact Friday I'm flying up to NJ to see my two little girls, 3 and 1, for a few days. Thanks for the message. Stay well. Enjoy your wife and family because life is good but short. 

Bob 

At 10:33 AM 3/14/01 -0500, 

you wrote: Just a quick message to jog your memory of Andree  Pallard. 

I know you knew her because I remember you always teasing her about her coat. She was the technical librarian who sat right behind us at MD. She wore a very heavy fur coat in the winter which made her look like a grizzly bear. She was a large woman by French standards. I'm certain her picture is on my site. She also drove a Citroen 2CV which made it look like she was wearing the car. Nice lady though. I got to know her fairly well because she was became best friend of Annick. Andree lived in a very nice apartment on the island. Went on a trip one time with Annick to visit Andree's parents in a long ago forgotten small French village. Very interesting that. I also bought a new Lambretta scooter over there. Drove it to work and knew just about every road and village in a 30 mile radius. Drove it to Paris one weekend. Why I never got killed on that thing I'll never know. Late nights on wet cobblestones, just the thought today makes me shudder. I still have a big (250cc) Honda scooter today. Don't drive it more than a couple hundred miles a year but it makes me feel 22 again when I do. What have you been doing in your life? I stuck with the technical vocation. 30 years with IBM and then 10 years with a local hospital. PCs, network administration, etc. Retired last May. Never have gotten used to retirement. Still hate it but am now too lazy to find another job, even a part time one. Married 38 years, 2 children, no grandchildren. Keep in touch
 Ed  

Hi Ed, 
I guess I'm getting old. I recently received a letter from Bill H. in which he talks about the old days in Saumur and how he's been looking for me all these years. He mentioned your web site in his letter otherwise I wouldn't know it existed and never would have looked for it. Now an e-mail from you who is pretty much saying the same things, I'm drawing a total blank and it really annoys me. I do remember Richard Royston and his lovely little daughter Heather. When I heard the name Heather I liked it so that is why I remember her. I don't remember the stove scenario but it sure is possible. I do remember guard duty and the so called honor guard. I'll always remember being called away from guard duty to hurriedly get dressed in honor guard clothes when we were getting a visit from Mr. Cockarue, Chief of sewers for the town. Then running back inside to change back for guard duty to watch him leave the base. Looking at your web site and seeing Janine, that's the way I spell it, from the snack bar brings back tender memories. I wonder how she is. You asked about my vacation buddy and I wish I could answer that. I'm pretty sure I took a trip with Bob Sherwin and I'm starting to think that Bill H. may have been the other guy. I haven't contacted Bill yet so maybe that will clear up that problem. Both of you have fantastic memories which makes me feel lousy. You make reference to Andree Pallard. Is she the gal that used to pick me up at the base and drive me to the caves? Maybe that's before your time. I know that use to annoy the guys who took the bus in the morning. I hope your rumor is incorrect. I don't remember Annick but I'm sorry that didn't go well for you two. It's a shame that the base is pretty much gone but I guess nothing lasts forever. I wonder if the grape farmers are still shooting guns into the clouds hoping to make it rain. I wonder if they're still crushing grapes along the road making the ground purple and leaving that beautiful smell of great wine. I wonder if they still hang the meats outside the butcher shops in town so the flies can find a place to sit and eat. I wonder if the restaurants still have the same toilet facilities, the concrete slab with the hole in the middle. Enough of that. Thanks for the web site and thanks for bringing back some memories. I have no problem with you adding my e-mail to your veterans list. Stay well, Bob At 09:35 PM 3/12/01 -0500, you wrote: Hi Bob Thanks for signing my guest book. You are the second person from Maintenance Division that has contacted me this week. This is unusual because since I started this website about 3 years ago there have been very few from the old MD. I have often wondered what has become of you. For some reason I still remember you very clearly from the Maintenance Division. I took over your job after you left, whatever it was. Doing a lot of scheduling and shuffling papers as I recall. Do you remember the name of the guy you chummed with there? I remember you two went on vacation together and had some stories to tell after returning. Also remember standing around the stove in the morning, smoking, drinking coffee and trying to get warm in the winter and sweating in the summer. Do you ever wonder what happened to Roy Royston and Andree Pallard? I had heard a rumor that she died some time ago after marrying. I saw Royston in D.C. on the street about 15 years later but did not speak to him for some unknown reason. I don't think you ever knew Annick Pontonnier. She worked for me at the MD and I think it was after you left. Was engaged to her but it didn't pan out in the end. I still correspond and visit with Dick and Marilyn Wahl. If you have no objections I will add your e-mail to the veterans list. Regards Ed Groelle  

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 

Merci beaucoup d'avoir réalisé ce merveilleux site sur ma ville natale. Je suis très fier d'être Saumurois et je suis ravi que vous partagiez cet amour pour cette belle ville. De plus, j'ai vécu les 7 premières années de ma vie à Varrains, dans la Grand'rue, que vous avez photographié. J'habitais en effet au fond de la ruelle en face du Château des ifs et du camp américain. Mon père y a travaillé pendant plusieurs années, jusqu'en 1966. Il y était peintre en bâtiment.Merci encore. Je vous laisse mon e-mail, si toutefois vous vouliez établir un contact. Je n'ai pas osé vous ecrire en anglais, celui-ci laissant à désirer. A bientôt! LIONEL R.  

Subject: Re: Saumur 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Thanks for the quick turnaround. I worked at the depot. Repaired and tested electronic equipment. Lived in the same barracks as the Polish Guard. They had the top floor. Some of the guys I hung around with were Bob Bobinski, Mike Gordan, Rick Kaceras, Don Wilson, Ray Johns, John Koons, Byron Forney and Harry Ness was our squad leader, but that position was subject to change. Also remember a two stripped Spec. La May as section leader at the depot. I visited Saumur in 1967 with my young family. Plan to go back in June of this year. Your site has really lit a fire to see it again. Till now, it was just a side trip. Remember Msgt. Sucheck and Capt. Finch (Article Auty). I do not know when or how Mike Gordon passed away. Got the info from the Vets list. Yes, please enter my name on the Vets list: Bill H., 3711 Hasting Lane, Clermont Florida, 34711. 
You have my Email address. When is that list to be updated? 
Regards, Bill H.  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
First of all, thank you for the site. I was stationed at SSD from April 55 to July 56. During that time, the Gym was opened up. As a result of finding your great site, I shall now rummage through the attic for old photos. I know I have quite a few from that time period. I also believe I have an old post newspaper. Kept it for a poem written by one of the troops, (Mike) Myron Gordon, Entitled Pop Miller at the Bat. It may take some time but I'll work hard to send you what ever I can find. Will use your address on the Vets list. I intend to stay in touch. 
Bill H.  
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At 04:54 PM 2/9/01 +0000, you wrote: I hope you do not mind me contacting you in this way, I have come across your web site relating to the American presence in Saumur during the war and would be interested to know if you have any recollections of a small chateau in Vernoil le Fourier about 10m North of Saumur. The chateau was used by German officers during the war so presumably attracted attention at some point. The reason for my interest is that I have bought the property and am naturally particularly interested in it's history. Thanking you in advance. Jan R. p.s. Perhaps you could post my request on your site if you think there is a possibility that someone else might have some information -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Hi Ed! I am answering your E-mail to Ginette for her. The picture you referred to is indeed me in Dec-2000. It is a long way from what I looked like during my service time in Saumur during 1953-1954. By all means use this photo. I am glad to have heard from you and thank you for your kind attention. 
Greetings, Volker (Bob) G
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To: "Ed Groelle" egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: Re: Merci
Well Ed, you can find a joined file coming out from the book of Marcel DRUART who sells used cars in Rue Beaurepaire à Saumur. The address is Mr. Marcel DRUART
Central Automobiles, Rue Beaurepaire, 49400 SAUMUR You can tell him that you have heard about me. I am in the book too, with one of the very first music band in Saumur during the sixties (it was in 1964).
Bye, Yves 

From: Ed Groelle 
To: savariaud 
Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2001 5:19 PM 
Subject: Merci, Please do that. Always interested in info on Saumur. Where can I find this book?
 Ed Groelle

At 11:09 AM 1/11/01 +0100, you wrote:
I wish you a great year !
I just noticed that my friend Jean Paul Carton translated your site. Another friend of mine Marcel DRUART wrote a book called SAUMUR 60-70 and a little part (half a page) of this book concerns what he calls "Les RICAINS".
I can scan this page and send it to you if you want. Yves SAVARIAUD  

Ed, 
I recall many things about my tour of duty with The 7794th in Saumur and would like to share them with you and other 7794th Vets. This is just a starter to see if I have made an E-mail connection with you. So please let me know and I will send more .
Thanks so much for being a focal point for The 7794th Veterans.
Best regards,
Charles H. L.

I am Fernand Metivier, a French officer living in Paris, France. I am most interested in  military history and especially in that period when many GI's like you were stationed in  France. When I was a kid I lived near another US Base at Ingrandes - Saint Ustres; close  to Chatellerault. I remember very well the GIs and their big cars, but unfortunately until  now I have not been able to find a website on this base like yours I appreciate the job you  have done. Thank you for giving the opportunity to see these pictures and this page of history.

Let me most sincerely apologize for not writing to you sooner and thanking you for the videotape, etc.. I did watch it at I don't think I would recognize much of anything except for the derelict buildings at the post. I went home before Montreuil-Bellay was opened. I was there only once during construction, that I remember. 
Maybe you will remember that an addition was put onto the enlisted men's club and you could reserve it for parties. That's what we did for our parties. I'm sure you notice the great number of champagne bottles. One of the guys in our room ran the class six store as an after hours job. Whenever there was a sale on good (usually Moet & Chandon) champagne, we bought up the entire inventory, usually at a dollar a bottle. The officers and and NCO's never got a shot at it. We would then moved it out at night and store them in the ceiling of our barracks room. It was then brought out at the next rotation party. There was rarely less than one bottle per attendee. Usually a lot more. For the bottles we consumed in the barracks the biggest problem was getting rid of the empties. One year we did it by buying some candles putting them in each bottle and then sticking the bottles in to each window of the room for Christmas and then throwing them out with no questions asked after the season. 
I remember at my own party six months later getting hit between the eyes with the cork from a newly opened a bottle. Boy, did that smart. The guy's in our room could be said to have had a great dislike for the Army at best. The first issue of the newsletters that I put out only went to the guys in that room because I didn't think this reunion thing would ever be any larger than just those guys. As a result its title was the Greek letters for FTA. I'll leave your imagination to the interpretation of that. We had formed a chapter of that fraternity. As far as I know the only places that had chapters were Fort Monmouth, Aberdeen proving ground in Maryland, and Saumur. It was written up in either Time magazine or Newsweek at the time. Saumur didn't make the magazine but the other two did. They did more foul things that we did. At any rate, enough reminiscing. I printed off the list you have of members and reconciled it to my records. I am almost done in I find I owe you a couple of names. As soon as I am finished I'll send the information to you. I have not included DAC's in my records just military personnel and in some cases surviving spouses. Take care, and thanks again for the videotape, music and although I don't understand how use it, the WebSite. 
Jim G.  

Thank you Ed. 
I worked for a Sgt. Johns in the company supply room from about June 1960 to August 1962. I was a PFC and left as a SP4. I also managed the arms room. The bulk of my service time was at Saumur. I would like to locate a Sgt Fields, who was stationed there also. He and I made a trip to Ireland together to visit with my Grandfather and do some fishing. He was married to a nice Oriental lady. 
Fred M. O. Hello Ed
I went back to visit your wonderful internet web site this morning. The nostalgia is unbelievable to me. I see something each time that I did not see before. You are to be commended and thanked for the creation and upkeep on this site. 

I have finished the manuscript and a small slice of it can be found on the Net at http-www.authorlink.com. Then go to Emerging Writers down on the left column /click, then to Biography/Memoir /click, then to Louis D Sisk, to title
"The Dark Is All Gone"/click You'll find the first five pages of the work as submitted. If that leads to wanting more, let me know. I can send you the rest of it by electronic mail or by hard copy if you want 

I have had several friends and two of my doctors read it and they all think it is very good. My editor friend has been very happy to work on it and thinks it should get published for the content. To the extent that I take the French point of view throughout the book may lead to some controversy here in the US. Americans seem to enjoy hitting on the French. I was never sure I could get a 50,000 word book from a two year tour of duty at the Saumur Signal Depot, but did you ever expect 20 thousand visitors to your web site?

I also have some treasures you may want ....1953 and 1954 Thanksgiving menus with rosters and a few copies of 1953 and 1954 Saumur Sounds Off. I also have some photos that I took in 1953 and some declassified documents from the National Archives. Let me know if you have interest in these items. I have been hanging on to these in hopes of using them if the book is ever published, so I would want you to return some of these items or I will make copies for you.

Best of the new years greetings to you and yours
Thanks for the memories

L S  

Hi Ed,
Many thanks for the surprise Christmas Package that was waiting for me when I returned to Florida after the Christmas holiday. The video tape was very interesting because it shows how the town of Saumur looks today. I don't think that I could navigate around through the town because very little looks familiar. It is troubling to see that the Saumur Chateau sustained so much damage, from what I guess was a very serious rainstorm. For the time I was stationed at Saumur, I had never been near the "Caves", so I finally saw how the outside of them looked. While the base itself looked very depressing, the countryside was beautiful, especially the vineyards. More than ever, I'd like to return to France and take a trip through the Loire Valley and see Saumur thanks to your efforts for generating the interest. Keep up the good work.

Dick

JUST RECEIVED A COPY OF YOUR HOME PAGE FROM JOSSETTE CONQUEST. I'M TRILLED TO SEE IT. I HAD MANY GREAT TIMES IN FRANCE. I WENT OUT WITH FRENCH PEOPLE MOST OF THE TIME. HAVE ALWAYS DREAMED OF GOING BACK FOR A VISIT. MAYBE ONE OF YOUR REUNIONS. I WAS POST PHOTOGRAPHER FROM 1961 TO 1963. PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR VETERANS LIST.
THANK YOU

DON W

Hi There Ed;
Just a note to let you know how we [My old bunkmate Tom and I] enjoyed your website. We certainly admire your hard work. We were up the river from you at Maison Fort {Orleans,7784 Signal Service Co.} 1956-57-58 We have to tell you tho' that we don't share your love of France or the French. We have few good memories of the French! We were with a good bunch of guys and miss them. Orleans was a bigger city than Saumur I believe, and a hotbed of the Communist party. We never did feel very welcome or liked and we shared the hostile feelings with the French. We often said if they would issue us our weapons we would gladly go downtown and shoot the Frogs and blow up that damn statue of Joan of Arc [Joanie on the Pony] But it is nice to think you had a happier stay than we did! A HAPPY NEW YEAR! George C.
Moody  

In doing research for a biography of Frances Parkinson Keyes author of CAME A CAVALIER I came across your website. The novel takes place in Normandy close to Lisieux and the heroine's husband and sons attend the Saumur Military and Riding School, moreover, the sons are killed in the battle for Saumur against the German army. Your photographs have been very helpful to me in visualize the territory, and I am interested in knowing if you have any others. I think you would find Mrs. Keyes descriptions of Saumur interesting and as I said I would be interested in any other photos you have. Thank you and I hope you had a Merry Christmas. I did because I spent a lot of time on your website. The novel was published in 1947, and I have several copies if you would like me to send you one as a Christmas present. Thanks again you have been an invaluable help to me. 

David D  

Bill,
Thanks for the comments. Makes it all worthwhile.

A lot of the places you saw on the tape came into existence after you left. I believe you left at about the middle of 1996 or so. I left in December of 1957 so I was there over 2 years. I helped a bit working with Roy Royston on the design of the new maintenance area at Montreil-Bellay, which was just beginning to be built at the end of my stay. I don't know if you were aware of the fact that there are hundreds of miles of caves in that area, all dug out manually over hundreds of years to provide the stone used for building Saumur and other towns in the area. That's why all the buildings look alike. 

The entrance to the caves which was just inside the maintenance division building where you worked was connected to the cave area where our equipment was stored but the opening was too small to accommodate the vehicles needed to transport the large boxes. Most GIs did not know of this entrance because it was never used. The entrance we used was about a mile or so away. You took a right turn at he maintenance division gate and went over a hill and a little to the left.

The post school only taught the first few grades of dependant children and was one quonset hut and two teachers. The remainder of children were shipped to Poitiers for school. The children were kept intentionally isolated from the troops and a special school bus picked them up and took them home. The teachers were treated as officer status so we never saw much of that mini community in our midst.

At the time I left there were a lot of GIs being assigned to Saumur because they had too many from the Korean thing which was winding down and didn't know where to put them. At the end master sergeants were displacing privates in jobs. They also were weeding out anyone who was overweight or illiterate. Some of those stories are sad. This swelled the GI population and also a lot of French were hired for Montreil-Bellay Depot which was a huge installation. All the equipment was moved out of the caves into climate controlled warehouses at that time. Our old maintenance area was shut down along with the cave storage. The American housing was built after I left, so was the bowling alley, a new movie theater and some other amenities. The amount of money spent there is mind-boggling. Some of the attachment GIs lived at the new depot but the old Varrains barracks was the main living area until DeGaulle kicked us out in 1966. 

When I talk with Bill Messner I get the impression that his view of the army atmosphere in Saumur is very different from mine. When I was there I had KP, guard duty, calisthetics every morning, bed check every night, inspection every Saturday and total military preparedness. He worked 8 to 5 and then went home. That may have been due to the command at the time. I had Col. Pollock who was bucking for General. Bill was also a non-com with a sensitive MOS and those two facts can make all the difference. I'm not complaining. I've just learned from other GIs that SSD changed very substantially over the years so don't feel estranged because you don't recognize everything on the tape. It's a little like the blind men describing an elephant. Depends which end you are standing at.

I had a package ready for Sherwin when I got news of his death. Although he never contributed to the site I had hoped the package would cheer him up after his final diagnosis. It came as a surprise to all of us how quickly he went.

I never liked retirement and recently took a job as a security officer. After New Years, when I get some time to program again, I will offer on the site the same package to anyone who wants it, either for a nominal charge or for a donation of photographs from that time.

There is a lot of disagreement among the experts as to how long a CD will remain viable. The best guesses are anywhere from 2 to 50 years. There is not enough evidence yet to know it's longevity. It might be wise to recopy it every few years. At the rate that computer technology is advancing that will probably only take a few minutes.

Happy Holidays
Ed

Ed, Received your Christmas package. Your take on the long term situation is correct, but you sure have a strong realization of your mortality. It drove you to put together a fine package and may serve to perpetuate your site well into the future. 
Eons from now, someone will find your CD, scrounge up a way to play and display it, wonder where Saumur was located, and what was France? Could France have been part of the current English speaking European Republic? Was France one of the early countries of a multilingual, multinational Europe? Personally, I plan to provide your package to my grandson who is just 16 with instructions to pass it on to his grandson. That should give you the first one hundred years. 
I either learned a great deal from your video tape or I was oblivious of quite a bit during my tenure at SSD. For example: I do not remember a dependent school on post. ( Never saw any children on post not even at Christmas time.) Did not know there was housing built for Americans, or there was an American off post community. At the maintenance area, I remember it being surrounded be high weeds and bushes. In fact, there was a small gun implacement (machine gun) located just to the rear of the building. I also do not remember the location of the cave where we stored most of our equipment. Do not believe it to have been located just outside the maintenance facility. But it makes sense that it was so situated. I remember it being some distance away. I was only in the caves a few times. If it were located just outside the entrance of the maintenance facility, I believe I would have visited it more frequently. Also heard a statement, on the tape, 1400 people were employed at the depot. It must have really grown after I departed in the summer of 56. 

Ed, I would be glad to help defray expenses of keeping the site up. I am also sure others feel the same way. Give me some idea of the expense. Why not solicit help on the site. Have you discussed with your daughter the possibility of her keeping it alive for the next 50 years or so? She does have first hand knowledge of the town. 

I also hope the year 2002 will bring us together. Perhaps you, Bobinsky, and I can work it out. Think about it. Well, Ed, will close for now. Getting ready to make a trip in the morning to Chattanooga for the Christmas holidays. Thanks for all you have done and your foresight. 
Regards, 
Bill H

Ed,
I know it's sad that I don't remember much. I do remember Andree. She used to pick me up and drive me to the caves in her little Renault. I didn't know she had a crush on me. I guess I had a crush on Jeneane or Janine, and I often wonder where and how she is.

I did go to San Sebastian, Spain with Sherwin. and also to Alecon, France for a Christmas dinner. It was one of those deals where a French family took in a couple of GIs. It was a great experience with lovely people. I e-mailed Bob S about that and he remembered more about that place than I did. He remembered the host was pregnant at the time, I didn't, and mentioned that the child was 50 years old now. He was a good guy. As far as not remembering things, Bill Holland said, " I was older and came from a very structured life. I had responsibilities at home and was looking forward to getting back to the states". He may be right or just being nice to an old man who is slipping. The way the place has changed I don't think it's possible to walk back in my old footsteps. 

I sent an e-mail to Bill Messner in Saumur last night after I viewed your tape. It was nice of him to transport you and others around the area and show you the changes in the area. He appears to be a very interesting man.
Long message, sorry. Have a good holiday.
Bob

From: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
It's interesting that you don't remember anything of Saumur. The strange thing is that I remember you very vividly. I can even recall conversations I had with you. Do you remember Andree Pallard? She had a terrible crush on you at the time.
I remember once you and Bob Sherwin went on leave, I think to Spain, and you came back with all these funny stories. Bob was a hoot also. I wish I had talked to him at the Iowa reunion but to be frank I never realized who he was from Saumur and that he had been your buddy. 
Maybe you should consider returning some time and walk in the same footsteps again.  

Ed,
Received the Saumur package, thanks. Viewed the video last night and it made me sad. First, I don't remember hardly anything of Saumur. I'm starting to think maybe I wasn't there. I know I was downtown a few times but I don't remember most of what was on your tape. Your memory of the location is awesome. Visualizing the old office at the cave, as far as where the floor was and a staircase to get there, makes me feel that my mind is really going. The photography was super and whoever did it should be commended, considering the circumstances. 
All in all the video and CDs are much appreciated.

I hope you and your family have a happy, healthy, and holy Christmas and a great New Year.

Bob  

Hello Ed, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you...........
I received your package this morning and just love everything that you sent me, I have viewed the video tape 2 times already, and the website CD and music CD once.....You put a lot of work into it. I have been putting notes on different Army Guest books looking for people that were stationed at Saumur. I wish I know how to send a blanket note to everyone on the internet.
Thanks again,
Arnold  

I would like to add my fathers name to your list. We were stationed in Saumur from late 1958 to June, 1960 He is now deceased but he would be proud to have his name listed on your veterans page. His name was Sgt Paul V. Steele. We were stationed in Chinon prior to that from 1956. My mothers name is Irma she is living in upstate New York. I was in the fifth grade. My name is Dawn but was called Sherry. My sister Sandra was finishing up the eleventh grade at Poitiers High School.
Thank you, 
Sherry S

Hello,
we visited your site and found a lot of beautiful pictures.
We make a information site about France ( www.frankreich-experte.de ) in German and we are looking for pictures, especially from French cities.
It would be great if you gently agree, that we use some of your pictures to place on our site.
Thank you
Alexander T  

Ed, Spent 4 days with Bob and his wife in N.C.. He arranged a pleasant place for us to stay at a very reasonable price. He has not changed from when we knew him. His general appearance is the same except for some mileage. It was good seeing him again. His mannerisms, speech, and general bearing have remained unchanged.
In a way, you are also due some thanks. Were it not for your SSD site, our reunion would have not been possible. I am sure many others can make the same comment. Again thanks.
Regards,
Bill

Just took a look at your web site on Saumur. Loved it!!! My dad was stationed there in the early 50's and I have wonderful memories as a child of the beauty of the area. We lived in the Salvert Chateau in Neuielle across the Loire. For a time the American school was in the lower level of the Chateau. My husband and I went back in 99 and stayed in a hotel in Saumur on the River. We visited a couple of families that I knew as a child and they remembered us. What a treat. We also lived in Saint Cyr while we were there and the people remembered us also. My name is Janice U. I have one older brother and two younger sisters, one was born there in Serum. We had such a great childhood over there we were there 3 1/2 years. The Chateau Salvert is now a beautiful bed and breakfast. Descendants of the people we knew as children are running it. They are very sweet I will send you that web site. 
Janice   

Ed, Just viewed the photos of the Asheville reunion and read of the vague plans to have one next year. It seems to me more than 7 attendees should be garnered. Perhaps, a banner announcing the reunion prominently displayed on the Saumur web page along with a sign-up sheet would encourage more to attend. What do you think? 
Have received some good comments on the photos you posted. Again thanks for the opportunity of sharing my experience with others. 
It would still be nice if you would consider a visit to Florida this winter. You would be welcome. The major theme parks are located within 1/2 hr. If that would be your thing. The warm sunny beaches are 11/2 hours east or west of here. But I have a feeling you are not interested in either. So why not just take a ride in the sunshine. 
Regards, 

Bill H

Ed, Have finally found time to review pictures taken in Saumur during my recent visit in June. I realize you took many of the same shots from the same perspective, but will include mine any way. You may sort and post them any way you like. Need not be posted under my name. To me, the most telling pictures are the ones that show the McDonald's sign, the side walk restaurants in front of St. Pierre's church and the renewed area adjacent to of the town theater. Those pictures clearly depict the times and proves SAUMUR has arrived, and it is a far cry from the sleepy little provincial town we knew as GI's. 

I would encourage any one to go to Saumur and spend a week. Side trips, after seeing the town, up and down the Loire should take up any spare time. Some of those little chateau towns have not changed in 40 years. An example would be Langeais. Good dining and wine can be found all up and down the river. What seems to have changed most are the attitudes of the people. Not one uncomfortable moment during more than two weeks in France. Could not say that as a GI. The French now seem to be pleased with themselves and are excited about their future. Most surprising of all, I found France very affordable. In fact, could get a better meal for less cost than here in the states. The same goes for hotels, car rentals and fuel. Rented a 5 door Renault Scenic. It was diesel. Got 40 miles to the gallon and could keep up 
with any thing on the road. The high gas mileage made up for the high cost of fuel which averaged out to be 6.55 cents per mile over 5,498 miles. Really felt like I got my money's worth on all aspects of the trip. Again never felt that way as a GI.
 
To say both Mary and I were pleased with our trip would be an understatement. I am thinking of repeating it in a year or two. But will stay longer and in the mean time take a French course it two so that we may enjoy the people even more. Well, that is all for now. the pictures will be posted early next week. Return them when you are finished. 
Regards, 

Bill H  

Ed, The old shots (circa 1923) of Saumur were great. In fact, Mary, my wife, wants to frame them. Printed out in black and white they look like etchings. Did you get them at the Paris Flee market? Have got our photo' s back from the lab. Will send you copies to post as you please. Have had computer problems. Replaced the hard drive. You are my first e-mail attempt. Will keep you posted on our fall meeting. I am looking forward to your new site set up. 
Keep me posted on your intentions. 
Regards,

Bill H

Ed, When Mary and I were in Trouville on the coast of Normandy, we stayed in a 4 star hotel. Each morning we had our breakfast in a huge breakfast room. At least 20-30 tables and a huge breakfast spread that stretched over 25 feet. The lights in that room were on at least 4 or 5 different circuits and were triggered on by motion sensors. With no movement sensed, the lights would go out after about 30 seconds. But there was always movement somewhere in the room which would hold the lights on in that area but somewhere some would extinguish. The effect was to have the lights dance around the room. Somewhat annoying. Most in the hotel were Brits, but they did not seem to notice. The help surely did not notice.
In the late 60's when I lived in Germany, I would visit friends who lived in apartments. If they lived on the second floor, it was impossible to make it to that floor without the lights going out before reaching that level. Wonder if all those timers were sold to the French because they are no longer used in Germany. 
Guess that will remain one of life's mysteries. 
Regards,

Bill H  

10/03/01
Subject: Saumur Web Site
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Just took a look at your web site on Saumur. Loved it!!! My dad was stationed there in the early 50's and I have wonderful memories as a child of the beauty of the area. We lived in the Salvert Chateau in Neuielle across the Loire. For a time the American school was in the lower level of the Chateau. My husband and I went back in 99 and stayed in a hotel in Saumur on the River. We visited a couple of families that I knew as a child and they remembered us. What a treat. We also lived in Saint Cyr while we were there and the people remembered us also. 
My name is Janice Umlor. I have one older brother and two younger sisters, one was born there in Serum. We had such a great childhood over there we were there 3 1/2 years. The Chateau Salvert is now a beautiful bed and breakfast. Descendants of the people we knew as children are running it. They are very sweet I will send you that web site.
Janice   

9/30/01
To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Saumur signal depot France 
Browsing through this site brought back many happy memories and anecdotes...I worked as switchboard operator in end of 56,57 and58 until I came to the States. It was so much fun sharing all that with my husband as he was able to relate better what a army camp was overseas (he was stationed at Camp Walters TX and Fort Dix as he never went there in the military but we have revisited Saumur together many times since more recently this year.
Thank you for putting this so well documented program together.

Marie-Claude Stewart (Gouin)

9/27/01
Subject: Thank you
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 

I am forever grateful to you and others for the opportunity to share these memories. I was in Saumur from Feb 1961-Oct 1962. I always wanted to go back there, and now that I am retired I will go. If there is a reunion in 2002 please let us know. Bye for now, and keep in touch.
Larry Potok   

8/12/01
Subject: Re: Saumur
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 

Ed, My mind set at the time was one of an anxious open minded young man. Who had always loved history. To be stationed in Europe was an opportunity to see the things read about and could only imagine. I was not only interested in what happened, but why and how did the average man endure lost wars and the trails of occupation, and could I have done the same. But, I found the few 
French I could communicate with unwilling to discuss any thing after Napoleon the first. In fact they would revel in discussing that time frame. ( when France was Europe's tyrant) I felt the loss of three big wars, after Napoleon took all the starch out of them. Also at that time, things in Algeria and Indo China were not too promising. Their general attitude seemed to be that 
of embarrassment and jealousy and jealousy does breed contempt. 
I spent a great deal of time in a cafe (De Orleans) in Saumur where I would play chess with the owner. I not only played him but all the locals who happened to be present. They would Kibitz in French. Visited that bar at least once a week. Got to know Maurice and his family quit well and also many of his patrons. Heck, he would even send one of his children to the cellar to haul out post WW2 cognac for us to drink. I was treated, most times, as his guest. But I always felt the average Frenchman was very bitter. Their bitterness kept them from seeing us as we were. Sure, at times some GI's could be an embarrassment, but for most part they floundered about like fish out of water. When the natives did pay attention it was to take advantage. Most likely a shop owner, taxi driver, Hotel clerk, and quite often just someone on the street would try a hustle. In general, I felt we were resented. There were exceptions like my association with Maurice. Also felt one on one with a Frenchman was not too bad, but put two of them together and you had nothing but argument and confusion. 
On visits in 1955-56 to Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, and Great Britain I found most quite friendly and warm. Did meet a few grouchy Brits. This applied to the hotel clerks, shop owners, taxi drivers and other types who were apt to snob you in France. 
When I lived in Germany 66-72 often made trips into France because I like the country side, its history and because I also wanted my children to see it. During those visits, as a civilian and not some poor GI, I found the attitudes of the French had not changed from when I was in Saumur 10 to 12 years earlier. 
Today, that is not the case as stated in my previous email. Well, Ed that is my take on it. 
My primary reason for writing is to ask if you remember the name of the cafe next to the theater. What was its name in 55 and is it the same now? 
Regards, Bill Holland   

8/11/01
Subject: Re: Saumur Pictures
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Ed, 
Have finally found time to review pictures taken in Saumur during my recent visit in June. I realize you took many of the same shots from the same perspective, but will include mine any way. You may sort and post them any way you like. Need not be posted under my name. To me, the most telling pictures are the ones that show the McDonald's sign, the side walk restaurants in front of St. Pierre's church and the renewed area adjacent to of the town theater. Those pictures clearly depict the times and proves SAUMUR has arrived, and it is a far cry from the sleepy little provincial town we knew as GI's. 
I would encourage any one to go to Saumur and spend a week. Side trips, after seeing the town, up and down the Loire should take up any spare time. Some of those little chateau towns have not changed in 40 years. An example would be Langeais. Good dining and wine can be found all up and down the river. What seems to have changed most are the attitudes of the people. Not one uncomfortable moment during more than two weeks in France. Could not say that as a GI. The French now seem to be pleased with themselves and are excited about their future. Most surprising of all, I found France very affordable. In fact, could get a better meal for less cost than here in the states. The same goes for hotels, car rentals and fuel. Rented a 5 door Renault Scenic. It was diesel. Got 40 miles to the gallon and could keep up with any thing on the road. The high gas mileage made up for the high cost of fuel which averaged out to be 6.55 cents per mile over 5,498 miles. Really felt like I got my money's worth on all aspects of the trip. Again never felt 
that way as a GI. To say both Mary and I were pleased with our trip would be an understatement. I am thinking of repeating it in a year or two. But will stay longer and in the mean time take a French course it two so that we may enjoy the people even more. Well, that is all for now. the pictures will be posted early next week. Return them when you are finished. 
Regards, Bill Holland   

8/05/01
Subject: Re: Resend 1923 postcards?
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 

Ed, Thank you for your consideration about the Saumur Post cards. We would really appreciate a retransmission. Now, when Mary scans it with a Magnifying glass, she will see many more dots. On a serious note, I believe Mary has really fell in love with Saumur. She has compared all the shots taken over the years with those we took last month. She knows the town better than I. 
As always Ed it is a pleasure hearing from you. Thanks and regards. 
Bill Holland   

7/17/01
To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: Saumur 
I was in Saumur last week, which prompted me to search the Internet for items on that town.

Your Web Site was discovered and browsed, what a wonderful story of your own reminiscences off a truly beautiful French Town.

Keep up the good work.

Pat & Annie Knowles  

7/12/01
Subject: Re: More on visit
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Ed, You are right, they sure play with the lights to save a sou. Mary did our laundry, as suggested by the manager, using the machines in the basement of the Loire hotel. One of the maids took her to the machines and left her there. Within 30 seconds she was in total darkness. Took some time to find the button. Her next biggest problem was to keep the lights on. We both 
thought it was quite funny. Wonder what their light bulb life is? I think replacements would cost more than the saved electricity. But that is what makes France France and is one reason we enjoyed it. 
Did not get to the village you mentioned. We spent 5 days touring the banks of the Loire. 
Revisited many of the old Chateaux. Also brought back a 1/2 dozen bottles of Ackerman Mouseau, (Saumur Brut). Bought right at the caves. Love that stuff. 
According to my recollection, the theater was in a large wooden frame covered with a tent and it appears in one of my photos. Ref. the 4th row 2nd picture L-R titled Honor Guard. The big black structure is the theater. The white one to the right is the class 6 store and EM club. Me next move is to attempt a meet with Bobinsky, Sherwin and Kusera. As requested will keep you advised. 
Hope to do that in Sept. Also do you have Bobinsky's E mail address. It changed from the one on the roster.
Regards, Bill Holland   

7/10/01
Subject: Re: Home again.
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Ed, What a great trip. I could not have been more pleased. Saumur has grown up. It is now a vibrant little city. No longer a sleepy, dull, gray, little provincial village. The accommodations at the Loire hotel were just fine, and the staff friendly and helpful. Heck, there were more than just a few good restaurants in within short walking distance. It was, however, sad to see the old base in such poor condition. It, like some other things, is really showing its age. Would not have found it or the Maintenance area without Bill Messner. I really appreciate the time he spent with Mary and me. Spent 5 days there and could have spent more.
In total, roamed around France for 17 days. Enjoyed every moment. France is truly alive. We were so pleased to see the progress. Took some photos. Will provide them to you if they add something to the site. Also will search my old pictures to find the location of the post movie theater. I believe you and Messner have it wrong. Will get back with you later. 
Till then regards, Bill   

6/22/01
Subject: Great Website... I'm looking for my guys !
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
My God...it's was about time someone opened the memories of what should have been great years for G.I.s who got the chance to be stationed in France during the 50's and 60's...never again...but "we" still have our memories.

My name is John Hill. I am currently living in the south of France (the village of Laudun, Department 30). 1959 thru 1962 I was stationed in Poitiers with the 19th Aviation Detachment at Biard Airfield...then a sod field...now an international stop.

I visited Poitiers in January of this year...first time since 1962...yes!...many things have changed...BUT, when I visited the 2 fixed wing airplane hanger, with the air traffic tower (1 meter above ground level)....NOTHING...NOTHING!!! had changed...I literally broke down and brought tears to my eyes...boy, what memories, what special friends, GI and French alike.

I tried to visit the Cascerne Aboville...where the French Legionaires are now stationed, but it was a weekend and was not able to visit. I wrote the Mayor asking for a lead of any organization ... or person...who might have been stationed there during my period...no response...

If you can help me locate a website,or group, or individual, or lead for my cause I would certainly appreciate it.

I happened upon your site when I was searching for a Chateau de la Grise...just sold in foreclosure and I have clients...that is my business...real estate broker, Santa Rosa, California and here in Laudun...in cooperation with an agency.

Thanks for the inspiration...can you help me?

Amicalement.

John HILL
frenchrealestate@aol.com
johnhillpresents@aol.com  

From: Rkggmiller@aol.com 
To: rlane@frontiernet.net 
Sent: Sunday, June 10, 2001 12:25 PM
Subject: From Dick Miller

Hi Roy 
We went by the hospital last year on our visit to Saumur and it is quite large now. It is used by Saumur and Chinon. We were trying to find the road to the PX but it has all been closed off. Had all my wisdom teeth pulled while I was over there in 1959. 
Best Regards, Dick Miller   

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: Saumur/Asheville 

Dear Ed,

I stumbled upon your Signal Depot web site photo page a month or so ago while searching for info on Saumur to prep for an upcoming trip. Since I have just returned from Saumur, I went back to the photo page to enjoy the pictures even more now that I had been there. While I had studied the photos and book marked that page, I had never noticed the rest of the site with the explanation about what the "Saumur Signal Depot" was all about until today. I was quite shocked to see you are planning a reunion of sorts here in Asheville, Saumur's sister city in the U.S. Surely this is no coincidence and you were aware of this fact, but I saw no mention of this on your web page.

My wife and I went to Saumur as part of the nine member official delegation from Asheville to our Sister City in France. We exchange annual visits and next year a group from Saumur will come here. I am an architect and my wife is an architectural historian. We also hope to have periodic exchanges for specific cultural and professional purposes, as well as student exchanges which have already begun.

Do you live in Asheville? Were you aware of the special relationship between Asheville and Saumur? If not, at least your group will have something else to talk about when you get together. Saumur is even listed on most of our city limit signs.

I have really enjoyed your photos. I look forward to hearing from you.

Steve Bowers  

05/11/01
Subject: Re: Thank You.
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 

Ed, Thank you for the prompt return of my pictures. They look great. In a little more than two weeks, Mary and I shall be on our way to Europe and a visit to Saumur where I hope to meet Bill Messner. We are really looking forward to that part of our trip. Should we get some unusual photos or learn any thing that may be of interest to you, I will be sure to share it. Hope 
you also enjoy your trip. Again Ed, thanks for a job well done.
Regards, Bill Holland  

5/07/01
Dear Friends,

I was just in Saumur for a vacation, and was looking up some information when I found your site. It's a beautiful place, but I should have known the Army was there. I am a military brat, born in 1962 at Airbase 105 in Evreaux, so I really enjoyed looking at the pictures from the approximate time my father also served in France.

Thanks millions.
Chris Allen  

From Bill Holland
Ed, Had to cut off my photo search because my projector bulb blew and I cannot find a replacement. So, we shall settle for the most recently found B&Ws. As stated in my fractured E-mail, they include a few troops of the big room (your room?). Also included are shots of the troop ship to Europe. (The LeRoy L. Tinge).
In the post newspaper is a copy of Mike's poem "POP MILLER At The BAT". It does a great job in defining Pop, but it also provides a small peek into Mike Gordon's charm and wit. When I first discovered your SSD page, my first thought was I might now find how to contact him. I was deeply saddened when it showed him deceased.
Now for Pop. He was a professional Pvt/Pfc. Had his stripe on a zipper. In 1955 may have already served 20 years and had quite a few ribbons from WW II. He was the unit supply clerk and in charge of the arms room and field gear. Ran a good ship. The weekends, however, were his downfall. He could really get smashed but come Monday morning he was usually on the job bright and early. One time, however, we had an IG inspection and he was in no condition for it. So we hid him in the Polish Guards' shower room. He was not of our room, don't know how we got stuck with him. But we took care of him. Everyone liked him. He was a straight shooter. What Mike relates by his poem really did happen in one of our ball games, but without the drama. 
Pop's responses to the situation really happened. Also noted in the paper is a stint Bobinski, Sukalo and I spent in Tent City, which was positioned in an area just outside the barracks doorway. Bob and I put in gravel lined walk ways, cleaned up the area to made it look very GI and displayed our equipment, minus arms, in the manner of a full field inspection on each day we were camped there. Because it looked like we were enjoying ourselves and it was not a burden, Bob and I did not pull the full two weeks in Tent City. MSgt. Sucheck (spelling? might be Siuzdak based on the 56 roster) pulled us back in after 5 or 6 days. Bobinski, based on our recent telecon. does not remember that event. Intend to send him a copy of the paper to ping his brain. You can handle the paper any way you want, but I hope you post Pop Miller. Also included is my overnight liberty pass. Use it for the web page if you want. Return it with the photos. You can keep the paper.
Received your e-mail "Thinking" and agree with you. When I arrived at SSD many, already there, were of an older set. I was 23 and by far not the oldest. It seems Uncle Sam was grabbing all of the older guys when I got drafted. Most of the EM below NCO were US. There were not too many RA's. When you arrived, I had already moved out of the big room. However, half way through my tour many RA's started showing up as replacements. Something to do with the GI bill and benefits. Not only were they RA's but also most were younger than 20 and most likely fresh out of high school. We did not mix well.
When combined with your work assignment, I can now understand why I do not remember. I am satisfied.  

Subject: Re: Saumur To: Ed Groelle 
I am not a veteran, but rather worked as an illustrator/draftsman for the engineering department at the depot. I am a native of France now living in the United States and have gotten my American citizenship. I would love to have a copy of your Veterans List if this is possible. I have a few people I would like to find after all these years and hope that they will be in your list. Please let me know if you can send me the list. 
Thanks you! Suzanne (Turquois) Fox

To: Hello Edgar, The discovery of the 7794th Saumur Signal Depot Veterans List was a pleasant surprise . After we talked Dec 15th , my mind was filled with memories of the Saumur area and the Loire River . I was lucky to serve at that depot from May ’52 until Sept ’53. The 7794th was stationed in Hannau, Germany, about 25 miles east of Frankfort. We pack a few railroad cars, loaded 2 trucks, 1 ¾ ton truck, 3 jeeps and one staff car and headed for France. We spent the 1st night at Verdun and I remember two things about that area. The fellow GIs that were stationed in Verdun took us on a tour of the WW I battlefields and by the building (maybe a chateau) that was used as a model for the US Corps of Engineers insignia. We moved on to Orleans and stayed for three nights. We got our view of the Loire River during the layover. Finally we drove on to Saumur and out to Varrains and parked our vehicles on the street just outside the gates of Chateau des Ifes. When we walked into the courtyard it looked seedy and as if nobody had lived there for a long time. We later found out that the last people to reside there were German soldiers and they left in 1944. They had used the caves for some kind of engine repair and service shop (that’s what we were told anyway). We went inside the chateau and found some graffiti on the walls of the third floor. I don’t remember if we took pictures of it or not. But someone may have. Edgar, I recall many things about my tour of duty with The 7794th in Saumur and would like to share them with you and other 7794th Vets. This is just a starter to see if I have made an E-mail connection with you. So please let me know and I will send more . Thanks so much for being a focal point for The 7794th Veterans . Best regards, Charles H. Lee 11,700 visitors, that's amazing but clearly deserved - you have a great site. 
Thanks for adding my Dad's name to the veterans list.  I sent Alan Hottel the names of some other folks (dependents) I can remember being there: John Brockes, Paul McLin, Denny Doug Brown, Suzanne Stephens.  I saw one reference in one of the emails re: McManus. He was a Lt Col when I knew him, family went back to the DC area.  Wife was BeBe and his son was Philip.  I'll ask my mom but I think he died some time ago.  Since I visited last, you have added lots of new info. I was particularly thrilled to read the histories.  
You have brought a lot of people back together, whether they really ever served together - thanks. 11,700 visitors, that's amazing but clearly deserved - you have a great site. Thanks for adding my Dad's name to the veterans list.  I sent Alan Hottel the names of some other folks (dependents) I can remember being there: John Brockes, Paul McLin, Denny Doug Brown, Suzanne Stephens.  I saw one reference in one of the emails re: McManus. He was a Lt Col when I knew him, family went back to the DC area.  Wife was BeBe and his son was Philip.  I'll ask my mom but I think he died some time ago.  Since I visited last, you have added lots of new info. I was particularly thrilled to read the histories.  You have brought a lot of people back together, whether they really ever served together - thanks.  

Hi Ed 
I am sure Lorient is where they are talking about. It is a port in Britany (Bretagne) and during the war the Germans ran their U boats out of the harbor. I am sure after the war we had a base there. 
I found one Martine Couton lives in Domloup not too far from Lorient the phone is 02-99-37-33-84 and the address is 16 rue valle 35410 
Dick Miller 

At 11:35 AM 1/19/01 -0800, you wrote: At 11:35 AM 1/19/01 -0800, you wrote:
Hello, my name is Heather. My great uncle was named Thomas Jackson. He was 18 in 1958, and was in the army in France. It has been impossible to find any information on army bases in France in 1958 until I came across your site. In 1958 He was hit by a French motorist and killed while crossing the street. Close to 10 years ago, when my great grandmother died, we found letters he had written to her while in the army. He always referred to the base in Loriet. I can only assume he meant Loiret, as I can find no Loriet. 
He had fallen in love with a French woman there, and the letters are so sad as his mother refused to allow him to marry the woman. In each letter, he would talk about how much he loved her. He said that her father worked for the railroad station right next to the base, and that he was going to the local catholic church to take classes to become a catholic so that he could marry her. No one had known any of this until we found these letters. It has always been a romantic mystery, and a tragedy....Could she still be alive? She was 10 years older than him? Did they get married before he died? In his last letter, he said he was going to marry her anyway. 
I am going to drive through France on vacation this year. I want to find this town. It sounds so very much like the one you have described.....but, I don't know how many bases there were. The letters are with my great aunt at present and I have requested from her his army number and the base number that were always on the return address. Could Saumur be the larger or smaller town in Loriet????

Do you have any suggestions or perhaps internet links????
Thank you for your time, Heather S

Hello Ed
The discovery of the 7794th Saumur Signal Depot Veterans List was a pleasant surprise . After we talked Dec 15th , my mind was filled with memories of the Saumur area and the Loire River . I was lucky to serve at that depot from May ’52 until Sept ’53. The 7794th was stationed in Hannau, Germany, about 25 miles east of Frankfort. We pack a few railroad cars, loaded 2 trucks, 1 ¾ ton truck, 3 jeeps and one staff car and headed for France. We spent the 1st night at Verdun and I remember two things about that area. The fellow GIs that were stationed in Verdun took us on a tour of the WW I battlefields and by the building (maybe a chateau) that was used as a model for the US Corps of Engineers insignia. We moved on to Orleans and stayed for three nights. We got our view of the Loire River during the layover. Finally we drove on to Saumur and out to Varrains and parked our vehicles on the street just outside the gates of Chateau des Ifes. When we walked into the courtyard it looked seedy and as if nobody had lived there for a long time. We later found out that the last people to reside there were German soldiers and they left in 1944. They had used the caves for some kind of engine repair and service shop (that’s what we were told anyway). We went inside the chateau and found some graffiti on the walls of the third floor. I don’t remember if we took pictures of it or not. But someone may have.

Edgar, I recall many things about my tour of duty with The 7794th in Saumur and would like to share them with you and other 7794th Vets. This is just a starter to see if I have made an E-mail connection with you. So please let me know and I will send more .

Thanks so much for being a focal point for The 7794th Veterans .
Best regards,
Charles H. Lee

I am not a veteran, but rather worked as an illustrator/draftsman for the engineering department at the depot. I am a native of France now living in the United States and have gotten my American citizenship.

I would love to have a copy of your Veterans List if this is possible. I have a few people I would like to find after all these years and hope that they will be in your list.

Please let me know if you can send me the list.
Thanks you!

Suzanne (Turquois) Fox

--- Ed Groelle  wrote:
Thank you for signing my guest book. You were in Saumur a long time (Lucky> you). Were you associated with the depot? Do you have an entry for the Veterans List? If so let me know the info and I'll post it.
Regards
Ed Groelle

Ed it is a pleasure to visit on your site I do it several times each month just to keep my mind young ha ha!! but it brings back those memories when I sure wish that I had been a different person back then and and had been able to have enjoyed my tour there more. My wife Edna was there w/our one son Ricky and we had another son David born at Orleans but we did have some good times there and its great to have some place to go in my mind. Hope to visit there perhaps this year. Sure wish the reunion had of happened this but maybe in 2001. Hope so. 

Ed it is a pleasure to visit on your site I do it several times each month just to keep my mind young ha ha!! but it brings back those memories when I sure wish that I had been a different person back then and and had been able to have enjoyed my tour there more. My wife Edna was there w/our one son Ricky and we had another son David born at Orleans but we did have some good times there and its great to have some place to go in my mind. Hope to visit there perhaps this year. Sure wish the reunion had of happened this but maybe in 2001. Hope so.
Bill 

Hi Ed!
I am at my daughter's home in Virginia for the weekend. While browsing I noticed you have already put in my address. Thanks. That was fast. I also took note on your address which is Kenosha. Believe it or not I know exactly where that is, having been in Kenosha many times as a member of a teaching core for the SPEBSQSA, Inc. That's known more commonly as the Barbershop Quartet Society and suppose you know that is a revered location as the Headquarters Office to a yearly membership of over 30,000 around the world. In conversation the membership usually states quote: "Up in Kenosha" or " that's for Kenosha to take care of.." Good or bad news your town's name is always on our lips. 

You must have arrived shortly after I rotated back home, which was February, 1955. I had a lot of great and memorable moments at the SSD and on some furloughs while over there. I started my memoirs (hopefully to publish before I leave this space) about 15 years ago. Got about 30 pages into it then and folded up the thought because I was too busy. I picked it up about a year ago and started from scratch, because it didn't work the way I started. I have written about 150 pages and have bounced it off a few "good heads" including an editor. They all think it has real possibilities. 

In my recent trip to our National Archives Research in College Park, Maryland IO was able to find hundreds of declassified documents about the SSD up to and including 1953. However, the Korean War ended at that time and I was told by Researcher Assistants that the US Army does not do much about documenting peacetime activities. There is a lot of factual information about the planning and building of the Depot and all of that which happened in 1952, but only a fragment of 1954. 

By the way, if you are still reading this epistle, I have come to the defense of France and the French people , because I think they have been treated unfairly by many Americans who have no idea how tough those two wars were on those people. Of course I have included many humorous incidents, and some serious ones, to give the reader a chance to see the peacetime army abroad as it is. There are some trips to Switzerland, Germany, Spain, England and Ireland highlighted for info and added humor. It is The American Heritage as I saw it highlighted for me during the two years I served there. 

With that I'll end this and say once again, Thanks from me for your efforts. 
Lou Sisk 

Dear Ed:
Your web site is excellent! I have enjoyed looking at several items and have downloaded a bit of it. I am interested in some follow-up info that you may be able to provide. When I left in early 1955 there was a report that they were going to convert the depot to a dependent holding station in case of a "happening" with the Soviets in Germany. This came as a result of a Com Z inspection, which we were told was prompting Hqtrs to close the caves for storage of equipment. 

What was there when you arrived and what was the designated assignment for the SSD at that time? I would appreciate any details you can provide to me. 

Thanks for the memories

Lou Sisk....lsisk5@home.com 

Hi, Edgar! 
We have never met... I served in Saumur several years before you did, I guess. I was stationed in Saumur from June, 1953 to September, 1954, at the time when the base depot consisted of at least two(?) companies. One of which was the 552nd Signal Base Maintenance Company, the unit I was in. I enjoyed looking at your SSD website, with the well written articles, the selection of photographs and the SSD veterans roster. Congratulations for an excellent job done! 
Since I discovered this website, I was able to find a long lost buddy in that roster. Also, my wife Ginette, a native of Saumur, and I recently celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary. 
What can be done to get my name on the roster? 
For starters, my name is Volker R.(Bob) Grundmann, 7 Chase Farm Road, South Windsor, CT 06074; Phone (860) 648-0194, E-mail address: volkergin@aol.com; 
Please, let me know what else you may need to know about me. 
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving, 

Bob Grundmann 

Ed,
Thanks for sending the Saumur info....it is very interesting and enlightening.....We've just started an exchange program there and the students that are there now are really enjoying it..
Do you mind if we share the photos and history with our students??
Thanks again,
Pete Williams
UNCA

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
To: <pwilliams@unca.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2000 10:46 PM
Subject: Saumur

 You might be interested in the WWII Saumur History on this site http://www.wi.rr.com/~egroelle

Hi Ed,
Thanks for sharing the history of the Defense of Saumur. It made for interesting reading about those brave French soldiers who made that stand at Saumur.
Dick Watson

Ed,
Thank you for the notice! What a fast turnaround - I was surprised! You did a fantastic job of summarizing the order of events - I could follow better with your article than from the book. The pictures were especially good as well. And you are most welcome!
Regards,
Janet

----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
To: Janet Cain 
 Janet
Just to let you know. The cadet WWII story is now on my web site. Thanks for all your help. It would not have been possible without it.
Ed Groelle

Hi Ed.
Looked at the pictures and read the Cadet story you must have spent a lot of time getting it ready. It came out really great and hopefully in time you might get more photos from other people. There hasn't been too many people visiting your site lately. Did you send a e mail to the guy that mentioned the plaque on the river. I think he will be surprised to see the whole story with the photos. Everything looks great and congratulations on making it possible for everyone to enjoy the sights and the memories we had while over there. 
Best Regards, 
Dick and Genet Miller

Dick,
This evening I finally got a chance to go through the package you sent me. There is some good stuff there and it will take some time to get it all organized and on the web. It really is not necessary for you to translate that book you sent. I hope that is good news for you and you are not disappointed. 

A couple of month ago a woman in Texas suggested I put the story on my site. I had never heard the Cadet story before. I asked her to try and find the story for me. She sent me two different stories in french which she got from the french embassy and I also think she is related to some official at the Calvary Academy in Saumur. I translated them myself very laboriously and it turned out pretty good but it reads a little flat. Last week she sent me a book she had found about the defense of Saumur in english and I'm reading it now. Fascinating stuff! I'm going to collate some of the info from the book into my translation and it should be good. If you would like to read the book I will send it after I'm done with it.

I'm impressed that Bills uniform still fits and pretty dam good too by the looks of it. There may be some advantages to smoking after all. It also looks like you guys are sitting in first class seats on the plane.
That is a dream of mine which will probably never come true.

I think I told you about the guy who is writing a book about his time of being stationed in Saumur. He emailed me last week for more info. I didn't put much hope in it ever being actually accomplished but he said he has almost 200 pages written and it is going very good. He said he has a lot of anecdotes and stories especially about the relations between the French and the GIs. Could it be a tawdry exposé of our antics? Perhaps you and I could submit some love stories to the book. Hope to read that book some day soon.

Ed

Although I am no longer surprised at the great stuff you are doing with the site, I want to compliment you on the addition of the rosters and Thanksgiving menus.
Well done - my hat's off to you!
Bill Givens

Dear Ed,
Was happy to get your note saying the book arrived! Please keep it for your reference library, in honor of my ancestor, Col. Francois Briant, who attended the Prytanee Military school in LaFleche, which is mentioned in the book. It is still there and when I visited the school it was in session, but the student on duty at the gate allowed me to go into the chapel. It was interesting to know that he had been in that building so many years ago (before the French Revolution). I look forward to visiting your website again in the future!
Regards,
Janet

Hi Ed 

I just got on the internet and have an email address...lsisk5@home.com. I signed your guestbook two weeks ago, but I am not sure you got the message I sent. I downloaded the homepage info for my own reason. I am writing a book about my time in France at Saumur Sig Depot from 1953 to 1955. I am also making some points in my book about how poorly we were prepared and thus insulted our hosts, the French, constantly. Many times we were not even aware how badly we were acting There are many funny incidents and also some info about the heritage of Americans from visits to Switzerland, Germany, England and Ireland. I am at about 150 pages and still going. I can use other inf. I spent four days at the National Archives in College Park, MD a month ago. Got plenty of history regarding the early planning and the start-up of the depot in 1952. Please let me know that you received this message. Thanks, Lou Sisk Pugh, PA 15221

Yes I saw the 1957 and 1958 Menus.
I was very happy to fine those Menu's. I got them from the son of a Polish guard. I see him often and he brought the menu's to our reunion, so I made a copy of them and gave one to Dick Miller. I am happy that he sent them to you.
I am sure you remember some of the names that were on the list of personnel?
The 1957 menu I only remember one or to on the list but the 1958 one I sure remember a lot of those guys.
I found a few more photos from around 1954 until 1958.And will try and get some copies made and get them off to you.
I thought the reunion went off very well over here. I am going to a reunion of the Chinon Depot this Sat. the 21 of Oct. so maybe will find something of interest there. Just wanted to let you know. Give our best to Gene.
Josette and Bill 

Hi,
It's interesting what people keep. I had a Thanksgiving menu for a while, too. The trouble is that it reminded me about how lonely it was without being with family on a holiday like that. It was good to be connected with Walt Barlow. We sent a few e-mails back and forth. Your site made this possible.
Thanks again.
Dick

Hi,
I did receive an e-mail from Walter Barlow and I responded. I've been off the e-mail for over a week visiting relatives and traveling south. Unfortunately, I didn't have the information he wanted - about a PFC Autry who was electrocuted on the job at Saumur. I don't happen to remember Walter Barlow either. Perhaps the old age is claiming my memory already. I arrived at Saumur in October, 1954 and the accident apparently happened in  December. I may have been away on leave at the time, but the base was so small and with so few people, I don't see why I wouldn't have heard about it. I go back and visit your website once in a while and it brings  back some fine memories. I hope all is well with you. Is the reunion still scheduled for November. I haven't heard any more about it.
Dick

Hi Ed 
We thought you did a good job on the cadets story, there was only one small thing on page 4 the city is Vienne rather than Vienna. Otherwise you mastered the French language. I am going to send you a copy of this small paper back called the Saumur Les Bombardements that a friend of Ginettes let us use that he has had for a long time. I am also going to try and interpret it to see how I can do with Ginettes help of course. 
You might tell that Lou guy that there is a Bill Williams that lives in Angers France that is married to a French lady who is about to move to California was stationed is Saumur about that time. I know because he was telling me that he also lived it the Chateau at the time. There was a French guy over there that has pictures of the camp being built that I am working on to see if I can get copies. 
I see that Bill is on now so will talk to him 
Later 
Dick Miller

Hello, I received your name from a web site for the town of Saumur in France. I read that your wife is a native of Saumur. I know this is a long shot, but I am trying to locate an old friend that lived in Saumur in1968-70. His name is Eric Chedaille, and he lived in the St. Hilare-St. Florent area of Saumur.

Please excuse my intrusion. I am also trying to locate him through the Saumur web sites I can find.

Thank you,
Rebecca Westby
Kent, WA

Hi Ed,
It is good that you have an associate who can translate the article on the cadets of Saumur for you! I can read it well enough to understand it, but not translate! My friend sends her apologies, but her husband was sent on an overseas assignment, and her nanny quit, so she is overwhelmed! I will have to send you the copy by 'snail' mail, if I may please have your address? I am sorry to be so long in getting this to you; I probably should have just had it sent on to you in the first place! Thank you for your patience, and I look forward to seeing it on your website!
Amities,
Janet E. Cain

I visited your site and it was great. The Paris photos left me drooling for an espresso in one of my favorite cafes. I was amazed at how quickly your photo sequences loaded. If you ever need any tutoring info give me a shout. Gerry Millette

Ed,
I now have the story of the Saumur cadets; via the French Consulate in Houston and the Mayor's office in Saumur. It is xerox copies in French, with pictures. What I wanted to know is do you have a French/English translator, or should I have it translated before sending it? Please let me know - the story is even more interesting than I suspected, and they compared it to a group of cadets in Spain who resisted during the
Spanish civil war! ( And my initial interest in the Saumur cadets was picqued by the story I knew of the Southern military school boys fighting in the War Between the States.)
Yours truly,
J. E. Cain

----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2000 10:41 PM
Subject: Signed Guestbook

 Greeting
 Thank you for signing my guestbook. This is a coincidence that you should mention the story about cadets holding back the Germans because I only heard that story yesterday from a French lady who was raised  there. Do you know where I can get the full story? I would like to post it to my website. It is weird that I have never heard that history before and now I hear of it twice in 2 days.
 Ed Groelle

Ed, You are very kind to do this service for us. I hope we can return the favor someday. My buddy, Paul Tupa and I will be meeting in Vegas to see if we can set up our own Site by the end of this year and like what you have done with yours. Again, thanks a lot and blessing to all our Saumur buddies.

have received your Email . 
I forward your message to Lieutenant Colonel CHEVALIER in charge of History in the ARMORED CAVALRY SCHOOL of SAUMUR . 
My company is not working for this military school but for FRENCH NATIONAL RIDING SCHOOL . You can see my activities on my web site http://www.opluscom.fr 
Best regards 
F.OLDRA/O+ 
Ed Groelle a écrit : 
Greetings 
I received your e-mail address from someone at the Black Calvary School in Saumur. 
I need help in finding some history of the cadets during World War II. I have heard the story of how the cadets defended Saumur from the advancing Germans but cannot find a written account of that action. I 
know there is a plaque on the bridge commemorating the event. Do you have a written historical account that you could send me? I was stationed >with the US Army in Saumur for two years in the 1956 and 1957 but did not heard of this story until recently. I am very interested in finding >this and posting the story on my web site at: 
http://www.wi.rr.com/~egroelle 
Thank you 
Ed Groelle

I have enjoyed your web site. Born in '58, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the first six years of my life in Saumur in my grandparents' home. My father, James Ames was one of the Signal Depot guys. I am now preparing to visit my elderly grandparents again after all these years with my 14 year-old son and 4 year-old daughter. Your web site has been invaluable. Thank you! (If you have any suggestions on a comfortable reasonably priced hotel for us, I sure would appreciate it.)
Brigitte

I can't really help much with your request. Have you tried the French white pages like at:
http://wfb.pagesjaunes.fr/pb.cgi

At 02:13 PM 8/21/00 -0400, you wrote:

Hi, my name is Martin H. J. Saumur, I am trying to find out about my roots, I know I have some relatives in Saumur France, but all I have as a name is Dominique Saumur, and I do know that my relatives have a vineyard in France. Can you or help me find out more about my family. Thank you so much for  taking the time to read this. 
Alone as a Saumur in the USA
Martin H.J. Saumur

I understand the confusion. My wife and I go back quite often (every other year or so) but two years ago, for the first time ever, I felt totally lost on my way to Bourgueil when I found a freeway north of town. Never thought it would happen! You are right though regarding the four-lane highway. I think anyone going towards Varrains would eventually find it (I did last year and I had not idea it was there!).
Jean-Paul
http://www2.gasou.edu/facstaff/jnpcrtn/

----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
To: Jean-Paul Carton <jpcarton@gsvms2.cc.gasou.edu>
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 8:18 PM
Subject: Re: Trans.
I looked on a city map of Saumur I got the last time I was there and you are right. In order to get on the 4-lane hiway that goes through Varrains it would be necessary to head south from the center of town. You can try to fix that but for the French readers that sentence could be probably be left out. I put that in mostly for the benefit of any ex-GIs visiting the area. I think anyone trying to follow the old bus route would eventually end up on the 4-lane highway to Varrains. That's what happened to me and I guess I just assumed it was the same highway that crossed the new bridge. Believe me, it is all very confusing after 40 years. I'll try to fix that description in the english version later.
Thanks
Ed

That's a possibility but I'm really not sure (the name seems familiar though). What makes you suggest it?
Jean-Paul
http://www2.gasou.edu/facstaff/jnpcrtn/

P.S.: Please give me a little time for the translation. Our classes start Monday and we've been very busy trying to get everything ready for the new academic year.
----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
To: Jean-Paul Carton <jpcarton@gsvms2.cc.gasou.edu>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2000 6:42 AM
Subject: Re:
Do you think the name of the soldier might have been SFC Powell?
Ed

At 05:53 PM 8/16/00 -0700, you wrote:
I just found your site and it brought back memories of 1957. I was nine years old at the time and lived in Chênehutte-les-Tuffeaux near Saumur (8 km). I now teach French at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA, and we have a summer study abroad program as well as two interns in Saumur every year. When I was in Chênehutte, an American family from the Depot lived a few houses up the road, next to the church. I think at the time they had one daughter, who had a baby there I believe, and two sons Bobby (maybe 14 years old at the time) and Jerry, who was my age. Does this ring a bell? Any idea of who these people were (I think I remember [but not for sure] that the father was a sergeant). Also, one of our neighbors, Monsieur Gasnier (not sure about the spelling), worked at the Depot (I think we did not call it the Depot but "la base américaine" -- at the time my English was limited to "hello" and "good bye").
Great site !
Jean-Paul Carton

Ed,
I believe the family he is referring to is that of SFC Powell. I will give you more info when I get home
Jim
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Greetings,
I received this email this morning and was wondering if any of you guys have any info about the family this man is talking about. He is anxious to contact them.
Ed

Note: Dick & Ginette just returned from Saumur after attending the French workers reunion We just got back from the Saumur Signal Depot reunion and wanted to let you know we had a very exciting time. On the flight over on American Airlines I had told the stewardess what we were going over for and also it was our 40th wedding anniversary. So a few minutes later she brought out a bottle of Champagne and we all had a toast (oh how I hate toast). So that was a great way to start the trip. 

On the 15th of September we had the privilege of meeting Bill Messner and his wife Josette and three Frenchmen, Bernard Quelin, Guy Fromy, and Pierre Labrousee at the old bowling alley which is now fixed up and added onto for large banquets, weddings or for any large groups. They were getting things ready for the following day so we had an other toast (again). 

The following day at 11:00 AM they had the flag raising of the American and French and the national anthems. Bill Messner raised the American flag at the old depot in Montreuil Bellay which no longer looks like it did forty years ago. There are many new buildings and the old cement buildings have new siding so that you wouldn't recognize them. After the flag raising Pierre Labrousee gave a small speech and said there would be Champagne at the courthouse in Montreuil Bellay. After a small speech by the mayor the bottles started popping and guess who was first in line. Not me of course there were too many in front of me.
After the champagne everyone headed for Varrians to the old bowling alley for the great banquet which the food and wine were great. There were about 156 people total and just a few Americans. I met Bill Messner and his wife who now live in the Saumur area and Bill Williams and his wife who live around Angers. All the French people there worked at the depot at one time but now have moved to other parts of France but came back for the reunion. We lasted to about 10:00 PM but had to hang it up, but when we left there were still a lot of dancing and partying going on. 
The French people were grateful and happy to see the few Americans that came to the reunion but hopefully next one there will be more before we get to old. 
Dick and Ginette Miller
Mission Viejo Ca.   

Hi,
I did receive an e-mail from Walter Barlow and I responded. I've been off the e-mail for over a week - visiting relatives and traveling south.  Unfortunately, I didn't have the information he wanted - about a PFC Autry who was electrocuted on the job at Saumur. I don't happen to remember Walter Barlow either. Perhaps the old age is claiming my memory already. I arrived at Saumur in October, 1954 and the accident apparently happened in December. I may have been away on leave at the time, but the base was so small and with so few people, I don't see why I wouldn't have heard about it.
I go back and visit your website once in a while and it brings back some fine memories. I hope all is well with you. Is the reunion still scheduled for November. I haven't heard any more about it. Dick  

--- Ed Groelle wrote:
Dick
Let me now if you receive this
Ed

I am trying to locate anyone who was stationed in Saumur, France in the Army from January, 1954 to October 11, 1955. I was stationed in Saumur during this time and cannot remember the unit that was there. I was Cpl. Barlow. If you have any information regarding this time period, please contact me at barlowwj@hotmail.com 
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you  

Hello, I received your name from a web site for the town of Saumur in France. I read that your wife is a native of Saumur. I know this is a long shot, but I am trying to locate an old friend that lived in Saumur in1968-70. His name is Eric Chedaille, and he lived in the St. Hilare-St. Florent area of Saumur.
Please excuse my intrusion. I am also trying to locate him through the Saumur 
web sites I can find.
Thank you,
Rebecca W
Kent, WA  

I visited your site and it was great. The Paris photos left me drooling for an espresso in one of my favorite cafes. I was amazed at how quickly your photo sequences loaded. If you ever need any tutoring info give me a shout. Gerry M I visited your site and it was great. The Paris photos left me drooling for an espresso in one of my favorite cafes. I was amazed at how quickly your photo sequences loaded. If you ever need any tutoring info give me a shout. Gerry M  

Subject: Re: Chinon Reunion 
Ed, You are very kind to do this service for us. I hope we can return the favor someday. My buddy, Paul Tupa and I will be meeting in Vegas to see if we can set up our own Site by the end of this year and like what you have done with yours. 
Again, thanks a lot and blessing to all our Saumur buddies.  

Subject: Thank you Subject: Thank you
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
I have enjoyed your web site. Born in '58, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the first six years of my life in Saumur in my grandparents' home. My father, James Ames was one of the Signal Depot guys. I am now preparing to visit my elderly grandparents again after all these years with my 14 year-old son and 4 year-old daughter. Your web site has been invaluable. Thank you! (If you have any suggestions on a comfortable reasonably priced hotel for us, I sure would appreciate it.) Brigitte  

Subject: Saumur family member!!!
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi, my name is Martin H.J. Saumur, I am trying to find out about my roots, I know I have some relatives in Saumur France, but all I have as a name is Dominique Saumur, and I do know that my relatives have a vineyard in France, can you or help me find out more about my family. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. 

Alone as a Saumur in the USA
Martin 
H.J.Saumur  

To: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com> To: "Ed Groelle" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Trans. 
I understand the confusion. My wife and I go back quite often (every other year or so) but two years ago, for the first time ever, I felt totally lost on my way to Bourgueil when I found a freeway north of town. Never thought it would happen! You are right though regarding the four-lane highway. I think anyone going towards Varrains would eventually find it (I did last year and I had not idea it was there!).
Jean-Paul
http://www2.gasou.edu/facstaff/jnpcrtn/  

----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
To: Jean-Paul C
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 8:18 PM
Subject: Re: Trans.
I looked on a city map of Saumur I got the last time I was there and you are right. In order to get on the 4-lane hiway that goes through Varrains it would be necessary to head south from the center of town. You can try to fix that but for the French readers that sentence could be probably be left out. I put that in mostly for the benefit of any ex-GIs visiting the area. I think anyone trying to follow the old bus route would eventually end up on the 4-lane highway to Varrains. That's what happened to me and I guess I just assumed it was the same highway that crossed the new bridge. Believe me, it is all very confusing after 40 years. I'll try to fix that description in the English version later.
Thanks
Ed  

Subject: Trans. Subject: Trans.
I am having some difficulty following the description of the highway built in 1972. Are you referring to the one that crosses the Loire at the Pont du Cadre Noir (http://www.ot-saumur.fr/plan04.htm)? If so, it does not go to Varrains but North to Doué-la-Fontaine and Montreuil-Bellay and at least part of it was built much later. For a while, though, the new road coming out of the Pont du Cadre Noir bypassed the downtown area to the Pont Fouchard (Doué-la-Fontaine and Montreuil-Bellay to the right) and then changed into the Bd L. Renault and Bd de la Marne which eventually leads to Varrains. The description as you have it has the reader come from the north, cross the Loire and then Varrains, which puts Varrains on the other side of the River. I think you may want to describe the road from Saumur to the camp either from l'église de Nantilly or the Pont Fouchard area and the new road from the Pont Fouchard.
Sincerely,
Jean-Paul
http://www2.gasou  

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Suggest 
What would be nice is if you could show the dates that these men served in Saumur. as for me I went down your list and some of the names look familiar but I was not sure if I knew these men. After all it has been over 35 years and they say that the memory goes first.  

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com>  To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com> 
I just found your site at http://www.egroelle.net/greetings.htm and it brought back memories of 1957. I was nine years old at the time and lived in Chênehutte-les-Tuffeaux near Saumur (8 km). I now teach French at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA, and we have a summer study abroad program as well as two interns in Saumur every year. When I was in Chênehutte, an American family from the Depot lived a few houses up the road, next to the church. I think at the time they had one daughter, who had a baby there I believe, and two sons Bobby (maybe 14 years old at the time) and Jerry, who was my age. Does this ring a bell? Any idea of who these people were (I think I remember [but not for sure] that the father was a sergeant). Also, one of our neighbors, Monsieur Gasnier (not sure about the spelling), worked at the Depot (I think we did not call it the Depot but "la base américaine" -- at the time my English was limited to "hello" and "good bye"). 
Great site !
Jean-Paul C  

Subject: E Mail
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi Ed
I have just read the e mails that you have received. I really enjoyed them. It would in my opinion be a good idea to put them on the web site. Might take up some space. I read the one from the son of the heavy equipment operator and who is now living in China I remember well SP/5 Bob Azar that he mentioned in his e mail to you.
It really a very small world now with the web. Well guess we will not have many ex GI'S from the states at out reunion will have Dick his wife Genette Miller at the moment and of course Bill Williams and his wife they have moved back to France and are living in Angers. But maybe will get a better response next time I know it's a long way away from home and this year we got things off late but will try and do better next time.
Dick Miller said that Jim Davis would be in Saumur during that time. But I am unable to send him an E Mail Dick sent his e mail address and I also looked on the Vet list and its the same address. But my server here will not accept it must me missing a letter or something?
Well thanks again for the list and emails that you have received over the years I sure did enjoy reading them. Say hello to Gene and best to both until next time.
Josette & Bill  

To: "'Ed Groelle'" <egroelle@wi.rr.com> To: "'Ed Groelle'" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Saumur 
Small world. Even though I retired from the AF, I spent a full four year tour right down Green Bay Road from you with the Navy at Great Lakes. I'll dig through my files and send a few photos.
Thanks for adding my dad's name to your list. I'll go back on the web page and sign the guest book in the next couple of days. I forwarded the web address to a couple of my high school buddies from Saumur.
Jim Graham
Safety & Support Services
" Don"t Just Wing It, Make SAFETY Part of Your Flight Plan"
-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Groelle
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2000 10:37 PM
To: JIM_GRAHAM@NASHINTL.com
Subject: Saumur
Hi
Arnold Lauer forwarded the email you sent him regarding your experience in Saumur as a dependent. If you have photos that would interest  other Saumur veterans please send to me at:
Ed Groelle
I'll put them on the site as a contributor and return them to you immediately.
Thank you for your interest and participation.
Ed Groelle
PS
Could you sign the guestbook with some of the comments you described in your email. I'm sure there would be a lot of interest in your experiences.  

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: Congratulations 
Hi Ed,
My name is Jean-Paul M. Castagna. Recently I received an Email from James A, (Jim) Long who was also stationed at the Depot during the years 1960-1963. By chance, he came in contact with my youngest daughter who had browsed a site on Saumur. 
I am the son of Paul Castagna who was a Frenchman working at the Depot. He was working at the motor pool and was the driver of the Base wrecker. Actually my father was Jim’s French counterpart. 
Jim forwarded your website. I must congratulate you. It is well done and the photos brought memorable memories of my hometown. I had no idea that so many of you guys had kept fond memories of Saumur. I was also very surprised to find out in your website that one gentleman, Bill Messner, is leaving there with his French spouse. 
I hope we will have the chance to meet some day.
I am taking the liberty to attach the Email I sent to Jim a couple of weeks ago. The context of my Email to him will give you a quick rundown of my background: 
Friendly regards,
Jean-Paul  

“Hi Jim,
Thank you for your Email and for providing Ed Groelle’s website.
When my father was working at the depot, there were times when he was required to do overtime because, as you well know, the base would usually participate in civic actions with the French communities and loan the wrecker when a major accident took place or when there was a need for the mobile crane somewhere around Saumur. Someone on duty would drive my father home after duty hours. In fact I am quite sure I met you at our house. Your last name rings a bell. My father loved to bring some of you guys to the house and open a couple of bottles of the wine he preciously kept in the wine cellar.
There was an American GI living with his family across the street from our house. His name was SP/5 Robert (Bob) Azar. I don’t know if you knew him. I became close to him and his family. In 1960 I decided to leave France. I stopped going to school and worked for one year to earn enough money to pay for my boat ticket to go to the United States. Bob Azar had volunteered to sponsor me. I left in 1962. My parents were very supportive. My intentions were to go to the US and join the service. I did so and spent 30 years in Army Special Forces (Green Berets). I retired in 1992 as a Sergeant Major. Most of my assignments were in Asia except for two short assignments in Bad Toelz, Germany. I loved every minute of it and wish I could still be on active duty.
I had a chance to be with my parents when I was stationed in Germany. They came from France and stayed with us most of the time. They also came to the US in 1990. They were very happy to visit the United States. My father passed away in 1991 just before my retirement. My mother passed away in 1997.
In 1963, I was assigned on Okinawa. The First Special Forces Group was based there. I married a Japanese girl, named Toyoko, in 1965. We have two daughters. The oldest one, Christina, is 35 and living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The youngest one, Cathy, is 27 and is the one you contacted by Email. She lives in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington DC. We have no grandchildren, as both of my daughters are still single. We have a home in Warrenton, Virginia, which is located about 35 miles West of Washington DC. This is where my wife is now residing. 
After my retirement in 1992, I wanted to do something totally different than government work. Through a friend of mine, a company manufacturing shoes in Mainland China hired me. I have been here ever since. Don’t ask me how I went from Special Forces to being a cobbler. I am asking myself this question every day. I return home once a year for my annual vacation. My wife is complaining and telling me it is time to come home for good. I think she is right.
Our company has a small footwear operation in Macao. We are also manufacturing shoes in Zhu Hai, which is a town situated on the China side of Macao. Although I am working in Macao, managing the plant there, I return to Zhu Hai every night. This is where I live. I like China and have no problem living there. Zhu Hai is actually a beautiful city by Chinese standards. It is walking distance from Macao.
I enjoyed browsing through Ed Groelle’s website. Photos there brought many found memories. I seldom go back to France, now that my parents have passed away. The last time I was there was for my mother’s funerals. It’s a shame to see the Depot the way it looks now.
Are you now completely retired, or are you still working? Have you been staying in California since your return from France? It would be nice if we could meet. May be we could do this on one of my returns back to the States. If you and your spouse would like to take a vacation trip in this part of the world, let me know. I have a place you can stay in Macao and one in Zhu Hai.
Don’t worry about the attachments to my previous Email. It’s probably parts of the signature I use at the end of my Emails.
This is about it for now. There are so many things to talk about. I tell you, Jim, this is destiny...
Amicably,
Jean-Paul”  

Subject: Fwd: "Saumur alum "
Hello, I sent the SSD homepage to the Poitiers Army High School, and received this note back from them. They are going to add our homepage to their site.......
Arnold
What a great web site you guys have created.
Sue Sharp of the Poitiers alum association forwarded your request to me. My father James Graham Jr. (DAC) was stationed at Saumur from 1959 to 1962/3, later transferring to Ft. Knox. Not sure what his capacity was, but my family and I were one of the first families to move into the new dependant housing area (somewhere between the post & depot. I have some great photos of the housing area and it's dedication I would be happy to share if you send instructions. I was high school age so was shipped out to Poitiers every Sunday for three years. Other Poitiers school kids who parents were stationed in Saumur included, Mc Manus, Mc Lin, Brown, & Brockes, names you or other readers may recognize. I'll forward your address and the web site address on to them. 
Some day I hope to be able to return to France. Possibly upon my next retirement (have one under my belt - 24 years in the USAF and have about 9-10 more years of work till the next one.
I remember some things about the post, the BX where I worked during the summers, the ball fields where I played softball with the GI's, the patio of the O'Club, but I hardly ever went to the depot. I understand the housing area still looks pretty much the same and is occupied by the French military. Who/what is the in town post being used for?
Does Mr. Messner have an e-mail address? Would love to have him get a current photo of the housing area and to have a point of contact if I ever do get back to Saumur.
If anyone has any memories of my Dad who passed away in 1981 I would enjoy hearing from them.
Thanks again, the Internet is amazing when it comes to nostalgia  

Subject: From Dick Miller Subject: From Dick Miller
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi Ed 
Seen the pictures of James Meyer and the one in the officers club sitting at the first table is Sergeant Renshaw and his wife. Small world hope we will see some more. I sent a e mail to this Oscar Alfonso and he 
said he met this person from Saumur down in Chile. 
Later
Dick Miller  

Subject: Thank you 
8/25/00
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
I have enjoyed your web site.  Born in '58, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend the first six years of my life in Saumur in my grandparents' home.  My father, James Ames was one of the Signal Depot guys.  I am now preparing to visit my elderly grandparents again after all these years with my 14 year-old son and 4 year-old daughter.  Your web site has been invaluable.  Thank you!  (If you have any suggestions on a comfortable reasonably priced hotel for us, I sure would appreciate it.) Brigitte  

To: "'Ed Groelle'" <egroelle@wi.rr.com> To: "'Ed Groelle'" <egroelle@wi.rr.com>
Subject: RE: Saumur 
Small world. Even though I retired from the AF, I spent a full four year tour right down Green Bay Road from you with the Navy at Great Lakes. I'll dig through my files and send a few photos.
Thanks for adding my dad's name to your list. I'll go back on the web page and sign the guest book in the next couple of days. I forwarded the web address to a couple of my high school buddies from Saumur. 
Jim G.
Safety & Support Services   

Subject: E Mail
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Hi Ed
I have just read the e mails that you have received.  I really enjoyed them. It would in my opinion be a good idea to put them on the web site.  Might take up some space. I read the one from the son of the heavy equipment operator and who is now living in China I remember well SP/5 Bob Azar that he mentioned in his e mail to you. It really a very small world now with the web.
Well, I guess we will not have many ex GI'S from the states at out reunion. Will have Dick & his wife Genette Miller at the moment and of course Bill Williams and his wife.  They have moved back to France and are living in Angers.  Maybe will get a better response next time. I know it's a long way away from home and this year we got things off late but will try and do better next time.  Dick Miller said that Jim Davis would be in Saumur during that time but I am unable to send him an E Mail.  Dick sent his e-mail address and I also looked on the Vet list and its the same address but my server here will not accept it.  Must be me missing a letter or something?
Well thanks again for the list and emails that you have received over the years. I sure did enjoy reading them. Say hello to Gene and best to both until next time.
Josette & Bill  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.como: egroelle@wi.rr.com
August 17, 2000
  I just found your site at http://www.egroelle.net/greetings.htm it brought back memories of 1957. I was nine years old at the time and lived in Chênehutte-les-Tuffeaux near Saumur (8 km). I now teach French at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA, and we have a summer study abroad program as well as two interns in Saumur every year. When I was in Chênehutte, an American family from the Depot lived a few houses up the road, next to the church. I think at the time they had one daughter, who had a baby there I believe, and two sons Bobby (maybe 14 years old at the time) and Jerry, who was my age. Does this ring a bell?  Any idea of who these people were (I think I remember [but not for sure] that the father was a sergeant). Also, one of our neighbors, Monsieur Gasnier (not sure about the spelling), worked at the Depot (I think we did not call it the Depot but "la base américaine" -- at the time my English was limited to "hello" and "good bye").  Great site!
Jean-Paul C.  

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Congratulations
Hi Ed,
My name is Jean-Paul M. C----. Recently I received an Email from James A, (Jim) Long who was also stationed at the Depot during the years 1960-1963. By chance, he came in contact with my youngest daughter who had browsed a site on Saumur. 
I am the son of Paul C------  who was a Frenchman working at the Depot. He was working at the motor pool and was the driver of the Base wrecker. Actually my father was Jim’s French counterpart. 
Jim forwarded your website. I must congratulate you. It is well done and the photos brought memorable memories of my hometown. I had no idea that so many of you guys had kept fond memories of Saumur. I was also very surprised to find out in your website that one gentleman, Bill Messner, is leaving there with his French spouse. 

I hope we will have the chance to meet some day.

I am taking the liberty to attach the Email I sent to Jim a couple of weeks ago. The context of my email to him will give you a quick rundown of my background: 

Friendly regards,
Jean-Paul

"Hi Jim,
Thank you for your Email and for providing Ed Groelle’s website.
When my father was working at the depot, there were times when he was required to do overtime because, as you well know, the base would usually participate in civic actions with the French communities and loan the wrecker when a major accident took place or when there was a need for the mobile crane somewhere around Saumur. Someone on duty would drive my father home after duty hours. In fact I am quite sure I met you at our house. Your last name rings a bell. My father loved to bring some of you guys to the house and open a couple of bottles of the wine he preciously kept in the wine cellar.

There was an American GI living with his family across the street from our house. His name was SP/5 Robert (Bob) Azar. I don’t know if you knew him. I became close to him and his family. In 1960 I decided to leave France. I stopped going to school and worked for one year to earn enough money to pay for my boat ticket to go to the United States.
Bob Azar had volunteered to sponsor me. I left in 1962. My parents were very supportive. My intentions were to go to the US and join the service. I did so and spent 30 years in Army Special Forces (Green Berets). I retired in 1992 as a Sergeant Major. Most of my assignments were in Asia except for two short assignments in Bad Toelz, Germany. I loved every minute of it and wish I could still be on active duty.

I had a chance to be with my parents when I was stationed in Germany. They came from France and stayed with us most of the time. They also came to the US in 1990. They were very happy to visit the United States. My father passed away in 1991 just before my retirement. My mother passed away in 1997.

In 1963, I was assigned on Okinawa. The First Special Forces Group was based there. I married a Japanese girl, named Toyoko, in 1965. We have two daughters. The oldest one, Christina, is 35 and living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The youngest one, Cathy, is 27 and is the one you contacted by Email. She lives in Northern Virginia, outside of Washington DC. We have no grandchildren, as both of my daughters are still single. We have a home in Warrenton, Virginia, which is located about 35 miles West of Washington DC. This is where my wife is now residing. 

After my retirement in 1992, I wanted to do something totally different than government work. Through a friend of mine, a company manufacturing shoes in Mainland China hired me. I have been here ever since. Don’t ask me how I went from Special Forces to being a cobbler. I am asking myself this question every day. I return home once a year for my annual vacation. My wife is complaining and telling me it is time to come home for good. I think she is right.

Our company has a small footwear operation in Macao. We are also manufacturing shoes in Zhu Hai, which is a town situated on the China side of Macao. Although I am working in Macao, managing the plant there, I return to Zhu Hai every night. This is where I live. I like China and have no problem living there. Zhu Hai is actually a beautiful city by Chinese standards. It is walking distance from Macao.

I enjoyed browsing through Ed Groelle’s website. Photos there brought many found memories. I seldom go back to France, now that my parents have passed away. The last time I was there was for my mother’s funerals. It’s a shame to see the Depot the way it looks now.

Are you now completely retired, or are you still working? Have you been staying in California since your return from France? It would be nice if we could meet. May be we could do this on one of my returns back to the States. If you and your spouse would like to take a vacation trip in this part of the world, let me know. I have a place you can stay in Macao and one in Zhu Hai.

Don’t worry about the attachments to my previous Email. It’s probably parts of the signature I use at the end of my Emails.

This is about it for now. There are so many things to talk about. I tell you, Jim, this is destiny...

Amicably,
Jean-Paul C.  

Hello, I sent the SSD homepage to the Poitiers Army High School, and received this note back from them. They are going to add our homepage to their site.......  Hello, I sent the SSD homepage to the Poitiers Army High School, and received this note back from them. They are going to add our homepage to their site....... 
Arnold 

What a great web site you guys have created.  Sue Sharp of the Poitiers alum association forwarded your request to me. My father James Graham Jr. (DAC) was stationed at Saumur from 1959 to 1962/3, later transferring to Ft. Knox. Not sure what his capacity was, but my family and I were one of the first familires to move into the new dependant housing area (somewhere between the post & depot. I have some great phots 
of the housing area and it's dedication I would be happy to share if you send instructions. I was high school age so was shipped out to Poitiers every Sunday for three years. Other Poitiers school kids who parents were 
stationed in Saumur included, Mc Manus, Mc Lin, Brown, & Brockes, names you or other readers may recognize. I'll forward your address and the web site address on to them. 
Some day I hope to be able to return to France. Possibly upon my next retirement (have one under my belt - 24 years in the USAF and have about 9-10 more years of work till the next one.

I remember some things about the post, the PX where I worked during the summers, the ball fields where I played softball with the GI's, the patio of the O'Club, but I hardly ever went to the depot. I understand the housing area still looks pretty much the same and is occupied by the French military. Who/what is the in-town post being used for?  Does Mr. Messner have an e-mail address? Would love to have him get a 
current photo of the housing area and to have a point of contact if I ever do get back to Saumur. 

If anyone has any memories of my Dad who passed away in 1981 I would enjoy hearing from them.
Thanks again, the Internet is amazing when it comes to nostalgia.   

Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000 10:37:05 EDT 
Subject: LRW Reunion
Received your e mail, and am happy that you are 99 % sure of being here.  Here is a brief rundown about what is being planned.  It all starts at the old depot at Meron. 16th of Sept at 11.00 hours.  The raising of the 2 flags French and American. There will be some blab blab at this point by the President of the association. After the flag ceremony, there will be a vin d' honneur and a giant buffet.  The afternoon will consist of reuniting of old friends or making new ones and there will be music dancing and games. This will be held at the Chateau des Ifs at Varrains.  There will surly be more French workers than GI's or ex GI's.  I will be there and also a Bill Williams who lives in Angers and was one of the first GI's to be in the Chateau des IFs.  I think he came here in 1951.  I still have to go see some Polish people that worked there also.  I think you will remember some of the polish guards that were at the depot? 
That’s about all I can tell you for now. The price for this is 150 FF, but will have to confirm this later ok?? 
Looking forward to seeing you again.  Best to Ginette, if she worked in the PX I'm sure I must have run into her.  I remember Nancy very well from Canada if I remember right. 
Until next time best from. 
Josette & Bill -

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: 1960-1963
Ed- I was stationed at Saumur from Aug 1960 to Aug 1963. I was a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. While there I met my wife who was a teacher in the dependent school and the daughter of a Colonel stationed in Orleans. We were married by the mayor of Varrains on Dec 29, 1962 much to the chagrin of the post commander, the company commander and the chaplain as well as her dad. but we have made the best of it and are still very much together. 
You might want to add my name and perhaps my wife's name to your list of veterans. 
Jim  

To: Ed Groelle 
Subject: Re: Saumur
At 10:01 AM 7/1/2000 -0400, you wrote: 
I recently changed the writing on the Saumur home page.  It includes some more info I received from some french readers.  If you are interested take a look.

Ed -- Thanks -- I look back from time to time. You have done an excellent job. Sorry I don't recall the pleasure of meeting you. Was in Saumur from about October 57 through December 58.  Strange how one dreaded those days whereas looking back they were quite rewarding, particularly the people. Keep up the good work.
Tracy   

To: "'Ed Groelle 
Subject: RE: Saumur
Thanks for the kind reply. We have contacted the US LNO (my Dad's old duty assignment) at L'Ecole de Cavalerie. Should be fun!
Ted  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: chateau des Ifs

Hello,
My name is Stephane B and I grew in Varrains since I was born until 1998, though I now live near Paris (I am now 27).  My parents still live there, in a house along the 4 lane road leading to Saumur built on what was once part of my grandfather vineyard. 
Launching a search about Saumur, amongst the links to French sites, I have just found the link to yours, and the fact it was an American site excited my curiousity.

Here are some information you might find interesting:
- the four lane road we talk about was built about 1972/1973.  - The mess is rent by the "towns" of Varrains and Chace for various purposes (lunches, parties) - What was once the bowling hall has been renewed and made much bigger by building and adding an octagonal hall to it, about ten years ago.  It is also rent for events such as marriages, concerts, etc...  -The Chateau des Ifs remained abandoned until the end of the 80's. I remember having explored it with some friends during my childhood. The theater had still the aspect you may have known, there were still some rows of seats, but this room was very dangerous and spoiled, because parts of the balcony and the ceiling were falling down. The other rooms of the Chateau, as far as can I remember, had still the black and pale green paint on the wall, but empty of any furniture. One thing I can remember very clearly is a room at the second or third stage which we, young explorers, thought to be a secret room or even a secret "torture chamber".  A few years later, as grown older, I realized that it was more certainly a photographic laboratory, and the secret access with its black painted walls was just a light trap... Your feelings about the oblivion around the presence of the US Army in Varrains is only partially true. But the now city owned base of "Les Ifs" is still also known as the "camp americain". 
My mother (who is 64 years old) and all of her brothers and sisters haven't forget these years, and my youngest uncle who is 45 years old often tells me about the American soldiers and their fantastic big cars crossing the narrow streets of Varrains.
I hope these few information may be of some interest for you, but if you  need some more precise details I think my parents could give me some help to answer you.
Thanks and regards, 
Cordialement, 
Stéphane B  

From: Stephanie B------- From: Stephanie B-------
Subject: RE: Question
Hi Ed,
The name of Fabrice Hériteau reminds me of something, at least I think I may know some people of his family. But I think he's probably a few years older than me so I might not have known him personally. I will ask the question next time I will go back to Saumur.
You are right, part of the reason why I am so busy is that I am at the very beginning of my job in EMC and I need to learn a lot and to acquire a deep sense of organization, which I may not have yet.  But feel free to email anytime you want to, it will always be a pleasure.
Regards, 
Stéphane B

-----Original Message----- 

From: Ed Groelle [mailto:egroelle@wi.rr.com] 
Sent: vendredi 23 juin 2000 05:02 
To: Berthaud_S 
Subject: Qestion
Hi 
I received an email from Fabrice Heriteau. He said he used to play at the Chateau des Ifs. I was wondering if you might know him.  I can imagine how busy you must be. It is all very confusing at the start and in your business you will always be learning and studying. It never ends and it can be overwhelming at times. 
Regards 
Ed Groelle  

To: S  To: S 
Subject: Stéphane

Hi Stéphane,
Shortly after sending the last e-mail to you I realized that the question about dances and activities in Saumur was foolish. One of the disadvantages (or perhaps, advantages) of aging is that you wish things would remain the same and also the past sometimes seems so much better than the present. I subconsciously hoped that you would say, "Yes, they still have dances with accordian music and Edith Piaff songs." I try to live in the present and look to the future but sometimes I slip backwards.  Forty years go by very fast as you will discover. 

Speaking of music there is a man in Saumur who has a country-western band. His name is Yves Savariaud and his web page is http://countryfr.com/Artists/electrogene.htm if you are curious. I was wondering if you know of his band. He e-mailed me once to comment on my website. I've never met him or heard his music. 

The French translation on my web page was done by a friend of mine, Eliane M and she lives in Connecticut. She was born in Italy and was educated in France. She is 68 and in her youth was a ballet dancer. She is a Juliard graduate and has traveled all over the world dancing. I know her father was Italian so it is not likely that the woman you mentioned is her.  You work for an excellent company. I almost bought some stock in EMC about a year ago. What a mistake for not doing so! I think EMC is a future IBM. I worked for IBM for 30 years as a customer engineer. Our titles may be the same but I doubt that the jobs are very similar anymore. My job was assisting IBM customers using large IBM mainframes. PCs and networks and internet were just beginning when I retired from IBM 10 years ago. Since then I've worked at a local hospital as a microsystems analyst and network administrator. I just turned 65 last month and a couple of weeks ago retired from work; at least for the time being. I would really like to go back to school and get a liberal arts degree.   I live in Kenosha, Wisconsin midway between Chicago and Milwaukee on Lake Michigan. I have been married for 36 years (I'm guessing here) and have two daughters, 28 & 31. Kenosha is a good town and I have managed to live here all during my time with IBM because there are many manufacturing companies here. You may have heard of some; American Motors, which built Rambler cars (now builds only Jeep engines for Chrysler Corp), Snap-On Tools, Jockey (clothing), JI Case (farm machinery) and many smaller manufacturing companies. 

When our daughters were very young we hosted several foreign exchange students, all girls. Two from France, one from Germany, two from Chile and Uraguay, one from Finland and two from the US. We have lost touch with all except the one from Germany and the one from Chile. They visit sometimes and it is always fun to see them again with their husbands and children. One of the French girls was from Tours and the other from Nogent-sur-Marne near Paris. One year I took the family camping for 6 weeks in Europe and visited the girls in Paris and Berlin. 

Again, I am so pleased to receive the information you have given me. Now I will need to change the information on the homepage to include some of your information. I've been wanting to change the info there for some time now to make it less personal and more informative. Your info will give me the needed incentive to do it. I have not heard from Eliane for several months. If I can't locate her I might beg you to do the french translation. Fluent French speakers are very rare in this area of the world.

Best regards,
Ed  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Saumur
Hello Ed,
I am sorry to answer you so late but I was very busy this week. I was very pleased to receive your answer and your compliments, though I am not sure my English is so good. In France the learning of English starts at eleven and go on until high school, but of course, with more or less success and interest from the students. For myself, I always loved foreign languages and especially English. Most of all, I now work (since May of this year) for an American company called EMC² (the world's leading company in computer storage) as a customer engineer. So most of my job requires a very good level in English because of documentations, phone calls to support engineers in Boston and trainings in USA (the first one will take place in Martha's vineyard or Cape Code in July).

But let's stop talking about me and answer a few of your questions.  -The Chateau des Ifs is now divided into several flats rented as private residences. I've never visited any of them but I suppose you wouldn't recognize the inside of the building. I don't know the people who live there.  -The church of Varrains is still active every Sunday morning, but unfortunately, because of the growing lack of priests, the last priest of Varrains retired last year and it is now a priest coming from another small town near Saumur who comes each Sunday.

-About the dances and festivals, I'm not sure to be able to answer exactly to your questions. Of course there are still many animations in Saumur but like everywhere in the world, the youth's occupations changed a lot 
during the last forty years (TV, nightclubs and so on...), and with the growing of Saumur and its neighborhood, everything became more anonymous and many events turned into very official festivals (international riding 
meetings, international festival of wine and literature, etc...)

Back in Varrains last week end, I talked about you and your website to my family and they were very interested but some of them had already heard about you and especially one of my cousins. She told me she met few years ago a woman who was the daughter of a GI stationed in Saumur. It seems that it is this cousin who made the French translation of your website.

- Do you now this woman?
- Do you remember the city 'Foster-Dulles' in Saint Cyr en Bourg (3 miles from Varrains) ? The houses still exist and are still used as individual homes.

- I will be very pleased to receive your answer, but unfortunately I go to Frankfurt, Germany next week for my job and I don't know if my Internet connection will work there ; so don't be surprised if my answer take a long time.

Best regards / Cordialement,
Stephanie 
--------------------------------------------------------------- 
At 03:54 PM 6/23/00 -0500, you wrote: I was born in La Rochelle. My Dad, LTC E.M. (Danne) Dannemiller, was US Army Liaison to L'Ecole de Cavalerie in 1951-1954. We lived in Saumur. I'm returning to Saumur for a visit in early July. Any ideas? 
Thanks!  Reply:
I don't really have any suggestions except to enjoy yourself. I wish I was going again. I recently changed the article on my home page to include more info from some French readers. There are directions on how to find 
the old base which you may find helpful. 
Ed Groelle   

Subject: U.S. Depots--France  Subject: U.S. Depots--France 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com

Hi Ed 
I was "surfing" for info on another Depot via Loire Valley. It was a pleasure to find your web site. I was first stationed at Ingrandes QM depot 200 miles south of Paris on N10 near the town of Chattleroux (spelling may be off on that------been a long time). 
Then I was at COM Z in Orleans at the QM depot there. Came in June 55 (actually flew out of Mcguire Air Base NJ June25,1955, 45 years ago today-----to Rhein-Maine, Frankfurt Germany). I also left in Dec 57-----sailed on the USS Maurice Rose from Bremerhaven at the end of Dec-----stopped at Liverpool New Years eve, couldn't get off the ship------had a rough 10 day passage to Brooklyn Navy Yard. I lived in New Jersey and still live at the Jersey Shore Brick, NJ.  Thanks for the site-----brought back a lot of memories. Have not been back, 
hope to some day 

THANKS 
RON   

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Internet Access in Saumur...
Sir, 
My parents and I will be visiting family in Saumur next month. I would like to stay in touch with family & work back here in Michigan while we're there. I noticed that you use wi.rr.com which is based in Wisconsin. Does Acronet have a local access number in Saumur? How do you access the Internet where you live? I'd like to see about getting Internet access for the 3 weeks we'll be there, but unsure where to start in France. Any info is greatly appreciated. 
PS - My father Sidney was stationed at the Saumur Signal Depot which is where he met my mom.
Stefan   

Subject: THIS IS A GREAT SITE...  Subject: THIS IS A GREAT SITE... 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Boy, did this bring back memories.... Thanks for putting this together and all your work to let us see Saumur and the Depot after all these years...You have done a tremendous job..
Thanks again,
Jim
James D (1957-59)..  

Subject: Saumur Signal Depot 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Great job on your web site! I was a dependent in Saumur from 1959 to 1962.  My dad and went back in 1994 and we made photos. So much was changed that I hardly recognized the depot. When I get back to Germany (Heidelberg), I will send you pictures from 59-61 (a few) and 94 (a lot). I spent a total of 8 years in France at Saumur, Poitiers and Orleans. My parents had placed me in a French school and I still have a lot of childhood friends in the Orleans area. I am especially looking for pictures of COMZ headquarters. I have about 15 pictures of US facilities in Orleans (Coligny Casern, Foret d'Orleans). Will send as well if you are interested. In 1996, thanks to friends I was let into the PX at Coligny. Nothing has changed to the room except that the false ceiling and light fixtures were starting to come down.
James M  

To: L Meyer To: L Meyer
Subject: Re: Saumur Signal Depot
James,
Thank you for your comments. I am always searching for more pictures. I really am only interested in pictures of Saumur. There are other GIs who are considering setting up a similar site for some of the other french sites and I leave that to them. One of them is John Boyle. His interest is Chinon. If you will send your pictures I will set up a separate page with your by-line. Looking forward to receiving your photos. I'll take good care of them and return immediately after digitizing and compressing.
Regards 
Ed Groelle   

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Hockaday

I wrote an e-mail to Jim Gallagher because I thought he was the one who was doing the website. After I signed the guestbook, got a note from your address. 

I teach 7th grade Career Orientation in Nashville, AR. My classes maintain our school website. We just received word that we won 2nd place in a community service contest for AR because of our website project. I do not know about setting it up, we just maintain it. It sure allows me to appreciate the work you have done on this site. We use geocities-html. 

My husband was a member of the Saumur group. We were unable to attend the reunion due to the illness of his father, but he hopes to attend next time. 

Our address has changed. We built a new home last year, so if you could add our new address we would appreciate it. They will soon stop forwarding our mail. The new address is: 

WJ (Jack) Hockaday You knew him as Bill when he was in the service. We now have a son 
Thanks, Judy H--------  

Subject: Saumur site 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Hi Ed,
I recently received your e-mail that the subject was back in operation.  Frankly, I didn't know it even existed until your recent note. I visited the site this a.m. and much enjoyed it.  I had to immediately write you to complement you on a great job well done.  The site has a professional appearance, well organized and easy to use. 
Congratulations!

We didn't serve together; I was in the Controller's office. We did meet at  the Des Moines reunion back in '97. I don't believe we'll be able to make this year's affair because of job commitments, but we'll try. Again, thanks for your effort in creating this great electronic memory tour.
Bob  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Next Reunion
Please keep me advised of future reunions. I had to miss the last one.  Will try hard to make the next one. Went back to Saumur in '95 and had same impression you have. It's changed quite a bit. Do they still have the festival and parade? I remember floats and pretty girls and lots of great white wine flowing freely. I couldn't find the post and no one in the Tourist Bureau had heard of it. 
Suggestion - Why not have it in Saumur?  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Chinon Depot
Chinon Depot/60th Station Hospital is having its annual reunion in Vegas in October. We would love to set up a homepage like yours. Is there someone you could put us in contact with to discuss details so I can make a presentation to our group? 

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: belle surprise
Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2000 19:26:09 +0200 

Bonjour, J'ai eu la bonne surprise de découvrir l'existence de votre site...et de voir mon visage sur les photos d'Arnold Lauer, que j'ai eu le plaisir de réceptionner l'année dernière. Juste à titre d'info - mais vous devez le savoir par l'intermédiaire de Bill Messner - sachez qu'une association des anciens du camp de Méron vient de se constituer. Pierre Labrousse en sera certainement le président. Je lui indiquerai à l'occasion l'existence de votre site, à moins que notre incontournable Bill l'ait déjà fait... Sur ce, je vous souhaite bon courage.  Laurent Bonnet 

From Bill Messner, Saumur From Bill Messner, Saumur
Hi Ed 

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you, but we spent a few days around the French, Spain border. It was sure nice there but the weather was terrible.  As soon as I have any more info on our reunion in Sept I will send it over. The board members are getting together the 11th of May so might have more info then and as for the pictures of the last reunion will see what I have and get them off to you. 

We were very happy that your brother Gene enjoyed his short stay in Saumur. Hope he enjoyed seeing the old depot and the Chateau des Ifs. 
Until next time. 
J & B   

(First email)----------

At 11:41 AM 4/23/00 -0500, you wrote: 
Chinon Depot/60th Station Hospital is having its annual reunion in Vegas in October. We would love to set up a homepage like yours. Is there someone you could put us in contact with to discuss details so I can make a presentation to our group? 
(Reply)
To: J 
Subject: Re: Chinon Depot

Hi 
I don't know what sort of details you are interested in.
I wrote the Saumur home page over a period of 2 years, continually adding and subtracting from it. It originally started out as just a "My Homepage" type of site but a lot of interest was shown in it and I found many Vets who helped me. It is probably now where it will be for a long time. I have been trying to get more vets to send me their pictures and also pictures of our last reunion but that has met with limited success. 

I'd like to add a reunion page and also a then/now page. If you have a reunion you might want to consider asking everyone to bring photos for inclusion in your page, maybe even bring your own PC with a scanner. Also, be sure to take a lot of pix yourself because, believe me, it will be difficult to obtain them after the fact. 

We held our reunion in Iowa and everyone enjoyed the location. It was organized by Jim Galagher and his experiences in doing this might be very valuable to you. He is also the one who updates the Veterans List part of the site. I don't know where he gets his info from but his last update added over 100 names. He could help with locating other GIs. He must have a good system for doing that.

Jim Gallagher at jimbog@chestnet.com

Alan Hottel has always shown a keen interest in the site and is constantly looking for information to post. I'm sure he would be very enthusiastic in aiding your endeavor.

Alan Hottel at hottel@nwf1.net

I wonder if you or anyone you know has returned to Chinon and recorded what is left of it. If not, Bill Messner lives in Saumur and he might be willing to drive to Chinon and get a lot of info and pictures for you. His wife is French so they would be able to dig up a lot of info for you without the language barrier.
Ed Groelle  

Subject: U.S. Army, France 1953-1955  Subject: U.S. Army, France 1953-1955 
To: egroelle
Hi there; I just pulled up your web site and was pleasantly surprised to find my old shoulder patch (COM Z) and other interesting items. I was stationed at "MAISON FORTE" just a few miles south of Orleans during the above mentioned period. I was with the 982nd Engineers (also 553rd Engineers). Any information your could furnish as to its demise would be very much appreciated. Thanks again for a trip back in time.   

Subject: your homepage 
To: Ed groelle
Hi Ed, 
Hardy and me just took a trip to Paris via internet. We really enjoyed your pictures and "oh, we saw Char!" and also tried to find places we spend. To bad we couldn't see you. It's really not to far away from us and next time let us know if you come over again. We will be hopefully in Nova Scotia this summer with our family. Maybe you want to come too. Only for a few days at the end of august, I would take care about your hotel. We'll try to stay at our house with sleeping bags, although our kids need a shower every day! We don't have running water yet but maybe I can find a water can (?). Have a nice day, Lots of love from Petra , Hardy and kids.  

Subject: From Dick Miller  Subject: From Dick Miller 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Hi Ed 
Received the pictures back today and thanks for getting them back so fast. I gave the e mail address to some friends in France and they found the Saumur Signal Depot and thought it was pretty cool. If you are ever out this way make sure to give us a ring. By the way I was going to ask you where the reunion is going to be this year? I notice the Chinion depot are having theirs in Las Vegas. I was also wondering how a person could get all the names of the people that were stationed there? There are a lot of people that I know that are not on the list. Well, enough thinking for now, will let you go and thanks again. 
As always 
D and G  

Subject: From Dick Miller 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Hi Ed 
You did a wonderful job on the photos, they look just as clear as the day they were taken, My wife said I must really be in love with myself as most of the pictures were of me. Most of those were pictures that I had sent home to my Mother. I will try to get a better picture of Ginette and I but can't promise miracles as the old body doesn't always look the same. Again I have to say that you did a great job. 
As always 
D and G  

Subject: From Dick Miller  Subject: From Dick Miller 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Hi Ed 
Beings that I am retired and have time on my hands I was checking out a couple names on your list. For Harlan Striff in Granada Hill Ca. the street address should be Gothic Ave. Trying to find out if any of these people have any e-mail address. I show a William Starkey at 23431 Hills Road in Holden La. but no e-mail address. He was a Sp 5 when I was stationed over there and believe he married a French girl. 
Hope you don't mind me goofing around. 
Dick   

To: egroelle@hermes.wi.rr.com 
Subject: saumur sig dep
I was stationed in the maintenance branch also first near the cave while they were building the new repair and storage facilities. I was at the caves for about a year and at the new area about the same. were however still living in the same barracks area that you had pictured. that was one kind of place and I enjoyed the time there. please excuse the typing it has been a lot of years since I did any and at my age is a little slow coming back to me, but anyway, thank you for having created the site for those of us who were there and also for those that do not know about it but are interested in what has transpired since WW2 thanks again and will sign off now 
C  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: What a find!!
My father met my mother when he was stationed in Saumur in the late 50's, early 60's. She worked at the PX and he was a private. I recently got an e-mail from my father who was randomly looking at your website and found a picture taken by Arnold Lauer of them sitting together at a bar or café.  They were so young and in love. I have the picture as my wallpaper and it makes me smile every time I turn on my PC They are still together and return to Saumur annually to see my mother's family. 
Thank you for this site!!! 
T.H. M------------  

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: From Dick 
Hi Ed 
Was on the computer and got your message. To answer your question no she didn't start working at the PX until 1959. There is a picture of us in Arnold Lauer's pictures. She started working there after I met her. I just about killed my self on one those scooters late at night coming home to the camp. I had to much wine and was coming around the sharp corner before you get in to camp and met a car and had no choice but run into the brick wall. Never got back on one again. 
Thanks for getting back and keep in touch 
Dick   

Subject: From California  Subject: From California 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
I WAS STATIONED IN SAUMUR FROM 59 TO 60 AND HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND SOME OF THE OLD BUDDIES. I MARRIED A GIRL THAT WORKED IN THE PX. HER NAME WAS GINETTE AND WE WILL BE CELEBRATING OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. WE GO BACK ALL ALMOST EVERY YEAR AS SHE STILL HAS BROTHERS AND SISTER OVER THERE. WE WERE NOT PLANNING ON GOING BACK THIS YEAR BUT IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A REUNION WE 
MIGHT CHANGE OUR MIND. I FOUND THIS BY JUST GOING INTO SAUMUR AND WHAT A SURPRISE. YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB AND KEEP UP THE WORK. 
RICHARD   

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: saumur sig depot
I enjoyed your page comments and photos very much I was stationed there from fifty seven to fifty nine thank you.  

To: Ed Groelle 
Subject: Re: My site on the Cattle Prod
Hey, congratulations! I stop by there once in a while just to see what's new and send you a telepathic hello. Makes me feel like you're not so far away after all. 
Love, Cindy  

Subject: Re: My site on the Cattle Prod 
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com

Hi Ed, 
I tell many of my friends and family what a great service you've done for us. I can't thank you enough. 
Dick  

-- Ed Groelle wrote: 

I GOT A MENTION ON A MAJOR NEWSLETTER!!!!!  CATTLEPROD, ONE OF MY FAVORITES. 
(Following is an excerpt from Cattleprod) 

SAUMUR SIGNAL DEPOT - A NOSTALGIC TRIP BACK 
http://www.wi.rr.com/~egroelle/ 
Ah, France. When I look back and remember the  sights and smells of Saumur in the 1950's, a small town sitting in the Loire Valley, I...well - I can't, actually. That was before I was born. But thanks to Prodder Ed, I can get a pretty good idea of what life in Saumur was like, anyway. One thing Ed and I share is that we were both in the U.S. military and stationed for some time in Europe. He just happened to do it a few decades before I did, that's all. 
Ed says: 
"Just imagine if you stumbled onto a site which depicted your old high school or college with pictures of how it looks today and with photographs of some old friends you haven't seen in years. That is what this site is all about. I think it is a good example of how the Internet can be used for sharing personal interests and experiences. 

"There is a revival in veterans returning to their place of service, whether it is Europe, Viet Nam, Korea or wherever. I think this site is a very good example of what can be done to get veterans to consider a trip back. It has worked with this site and is extremely appreciated by those who served there. Most are ecstatic to discover a site dedicated to a place they loved during their younger years. It has also inspired some veterans to set up a website of their old stomping grounds."  Some great photos here, whether you're a veteran or not. But if you are another Saumur Signal Depot alumnus, you'll find links to other sites, plus an opportunity to hear about the Year 2000 reunion.  Can't imagine what the PX King & Queen look like these days... 

Subject: Re: "Guest Book" 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com

Hello Ed, Checkout the guest book, A friend of mine Gary Samuels thinks its a great site! If you ever saw the movie "Friendly Fire" he was the guy they called THE PRINCE, His commander was Norman Schwarzkopf (1970), Gary lost his leg with that friendly fire, but he is really one in a million....... 
Arnold  

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com
Here are some names of people who were there around 1959. Perhaps someday they will find the website. 
Captain Kellor 
Sgt.? Joseph Morrison (wife, Bert) 
Captain Lambert--saw a picture of him at the website! (daughter, Carolyn) 
Maj.(?) Turney [sons, Bobbie and Dickie; daughter, Patricia (?)] 
Sgt. (?) Bennett (son, Larry) 
Maj. (?) McManus (son, Phillip) 
Unknown rank--Hardwick (son, John) 
Unknown rank--Alfaronzo (spelling?) 
Unknown rank--Etheridge (a couple of sons, one for sure) 
Cannot Thank You enough for your website  

To: Ed Groelle 
CC: publisher@franceonyourown.com 
Subject: Re: Saumur
Bonjour, Ed! Actually, we have been to Saumur twice in our travels to France and like it very much. Also, one of our past editions focused on the town and its château. Your site is very nice and quite interesting. I am especially fond of your photos of the city.  Anyone reading our newsletter who wanted a good perspective on the town would find your site valuable.  I will be happy to add a reciprocal link on our Links page. Give me about a week...am adding others as well.

Perhaps in your correspondence with veterans who have an appreciation of France, you would mention our newsletter. We are enthralled with France ourselves, and always hoping for new subscribers who want resources and information to plan their own unique vacation in France. We also have a past issue on Normandy, the landing beaches and the American cemetery for older veterans who were there in WWII.

Of special interest to veterans is our link "Windows for Remy" . Please look at it...the squadron has met their financial goal to restore church windows blown out in an Allied bombing raid on Remy in WWII. It is a fascinating story and a great web site. Hope you enjoy it.  Would love to hear from you any time. We are always looking for contributions to our newsletter relating personal experiences in France. If you would like 
to send us something (we can't pay for it, but will give lots of credits and direct readers to your site), we would love to hear from you. A page is about all we can include in one of our quarterly issues, so anything you contribute doesn't have to be very lengthy. Look forward to hearing from you.
Merci bien!
À bientôt,

Diane 
Cold Spring Press 
Publishers of FRANCE On Your Own 
San Diego, California 
(Following is a request for "France on Your Own" Listing) (Following is a request for "France on Your Own" Listing)
Ed Groelle wrote:
Greeting 
There appears to be an interest lately in veterans who want to return to the area they were stationed in the 1950's and 1960's. Would you be interested in listing my site on your web page link page? I have already listed your site on my web page. Please take a look. 

Ed Groelle  

At 10:23 AM 1/22/00 -0600, you wrote: 
Glad to have ,somehow, gotten your Saumer Homepage. It really is as good a layout that I have ever come across. I was stationed in Chinon from 9/60 to 7/63 at the 60th Station Hospital as a scrub in the Operating 
Room. Chinon was my second and last hitch having served in Trieste, Austria and Italy from 54-57. We medics just started having reunions beginning in Nashville in 97, when we joined up with the Depot people. In 98,we were in St Louis,99 in Myrtle Beach and 00 will be in Vegas. Originally from NY/NJ, I've lived in Chicago since 79,when I was transferred here to the Sears Corporate Offices from which I am now retired. I started looking for Chinon people from scratch via morning reports that I got from the St Louis Record Center in early 97 and have tracked down about 100+, living & dead. We got to see our old CO (Capt. Henry Matthews) in Nashville before he died and were very grateful for that experience. Have you had reunions? What Town/State are you from? Hope to hear from you? 

(Reply)To: (John Boyle) 
Subject: Re: Chinon
It's good to hear from you. Thanks for responding.  I'm always amazed at the email I get from all over the world regarding the Saumur site. We had a reunion of Saumur people in 1997 in Iowa and are having another in November of 2000 in November. I haven't received any details yet. I beleive Jim Gallager will be doing the details as he did last time. 

You might be interested to know that the French people who worked at the depot have a reunion each year. They are having a bash this fall at the officers club at the old depot. It would be fun to get a bunch of the old GIs together and go to join them. I have never run onto any of the french who worked there but I'd sure like to see them again also.

Your list of Chinon personnel interests me. Do you have plans to set up a web site of Chinon? If not I could put your list on my site. I'm sure there are many ex-GIs who are also interested in Chinon and might stumble onto my site. I'd really like to get a list of some other bases as well like Orleans and Poitier but I don't know of anyone doing a list like that. I could also put your email address on the list for any who want to be listed. Could help. I just today received a listing of known Saumur personnel which I will be posting soon. Check back to the site in about a week. Maybe you will know someone.
I live just north of you in Kenosha, Wis.
Ed Groelle  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: thanks
Hi Ya all I was stationed in Chinon arrived there in Sep or Oct 1959 and left there in I think June 1962. Was assigned as a clerk in the clinic there met incoming patients logged then in and kept appointment schedules and ETC there. I don't recall having been to the military installation in Saumur but visited the city numerous times and have a lot of fond memories from that part of the world. and yes a coo-coo clock also.  Our daughter was born at Chinon. Enjoyed your cite. Thanks for the pictures they brought back many memories. 
Robert E. then 60th Sta Hosp now San Antonio TX.  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Saumur Signal Depot
From: Z 
Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 15:58:26 +0100 
Ed, 
I discovered your Saumur Signal Depot pages earlier today while looking for something entirely different, as it sometimes happens. I read your pages with interest and would like you to know that there are some folks still over here and working for the US Government from those old days in France. Although I am not one of them but my Wife is French. 
I work for the 5th Signal Command in Mannheim, Germany which used to be called the US Army Strategic Communications Command while headquartered at Orleans, France till 1967. It was called that from about 1964 till 1974 and then changed it's name to the present one. I have no idea what our unit designation was before 1964 as it was well before my time. In fact we have one former Orleans telephone operator who is still working for the Army in our local Finance Office as a teller now.  I work for the 5th Signal Command in Mannheim, Germany which used to be called the US Army Strategic Communications Command while headquartered at Orleans, France till 1967. It was called that from about 1964 till 1974 and then changed it's name to the present one. I have no idea what our unit designation was before 1964 as it was well before my time. In fact we have one former Orleans telephone operator who is still working for the Army in our local Finance Office as a teller now. 

Since 1989 we have shrunk considerably, from 13,000 to 3,000 military and civilians. We have left many locations in Europe and some of them did not take very long to be put to better use or torn down entirely. So I know the weird feeling of looking at some of the places I once worked or visited over the years.  Nice that you share your memories and souvenirs with the rest of us. 
Thanks 
Mike Z------------  

At 20:41 13/01/2000 , Ed Groelle wrote: 
This site may not be what you have in mind. It is aimed at veterans from the Loire valley but has some rather nice photos which nay interest anyone planning on going to Paris or the Loire valley I am always happy to promote any newsletters which give information about travel, France, or Europe. If you know of any, please write to me or use our discussion forum at Get our RENTALS-FRANCE Newsletter to subscribe send an empty e-mail to <mail to:rentals-france-on@mail-list.com 
This will start the subscription process. 
You will then receive a confirmation reply. 
Just reply to this, leaving the random number in the subject line, you are then on our list. This makes sure only people really wanting the letter are subscribed. 
To: Ed Groelle 
Subject: Re: Rentals France Newsletter Number 15

Thank you
I like your site and will add it to the links as well as mentioning it in the newsletter.
Best wishes
Tony

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Saumur contact
Date: Thu, 4 Nov 1999 14:48:34 -0500 
Sender: Rudi J ---------
To: "egroelle@wi.rr.com" 
Hi Ed, 
I happened to visit Saumur last October, while visiting the wine country and chateaux. I was an "army brat", daughter of Colonel Yuill, who lived there 1963-64( I was 13 then), and then we moved on to Orleans. I now live in Scotland; I suppose it's just the perpetuation of a childhood fixation to move about the world, although work brought me here initially. 
The assistant to the Mayor was kind enough to take me to the housing area where we lived and to "Les Ifs." I have some pictures, but they're not much different from yours of "Les Ifs" and I only took one or two pictures of what was then our house in St Cyr. So, I am in no position to "set you straight," except that I do have a picture of what was the officers club, because I even remember being there, to celebrate winning at basketball (I was a cheerleader) and they announced that Kennedy had been shot! Thank you for sharing your photos; I wish my family had been better about keeping mementos like that.  Would you happen to have contact with anyone that was there in 1963-64?  Just curious if I might be able to hook up with some of the kids I used to go to school with there; it was such a small class ( I think 10 or so for 3 or 4 grades). 

Thank you kindly 
Kathy Y------------  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Fwd: Saumur
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 13:23:31 -0500 
From: Janice M 
Subject: Saumur 

Hello 
My sister recently found a site on the web "military brat connection" and from it there was a link to your website. She just sent me the address and I paid it a visit.  ...WOW!  I love it. I was in the 8th grade (I guess around 1960) and loved taking this trip back.  My dad was a CWO4, (J.B.Jarrell) worked near Montreuil Bellay - there was a supply depot or something like that located there. We lived in a hotel in Saumur (the Hotel de la Paix) for 2 months before we moved onto the economy...a wonderful old place in Distre... from there to the housing area.  I spent many hours in the chateau...px, snack bar, and our school was a qounset hut nearby.... 
I loved those times. 
thank you. 
Janice M------------  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Formerly stationed at Saumur
Date: Sat, 25 Dec 1999 20:55:37 -0500 
From: Anthony M---------
Subject: Formerly stationed at Saumur 

I was stationed in France from 1955-1957. My first post was at St. Jean D'Angeley from 1955-Jan. 1957. I was stationed at Saumur from Jan.1957-Sept.1957. I have fond memories of Saumur. I often think of some of the great times I had with my fellow GIs and French civilian workers. I worked in the Signal Supply office with one Warrant Officer, myself and three female civilian workers. We spent a lot of time in town and had good relations with the French. My fondest memory is of the June festival held in town. Everyone was in fine spirits and very accepting of the GIs taking part in festivities. This coming August I will be in Europe for three weeks, it is my intention to spend a few days in Saumur. Any suggestions you may have as far as contacts there would be deeply appreciated. Any additional information you may have about Saumur and the Signal Depot would be welcome. 
Thanks for your fine web site. 
Tony M---------------  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Discovered your meet the author page
Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 00:46:57 -0500 
From: Anthony M ------------
Subject: Discovered your meet the author page 

Ed, 
I surfed to your web page and sent an Email to you and signed your guest book. Then I went to your meet the author page and saw your 1957 picture and boy do you look familiar. We were both stationed at Saumur at the same time. I was there from Jan. 1957-Sept. 1957. I worked in the Signal Supply Office upstairs from the Signal Maintenance Shop. I would like to talk to you about our stay in Saumur. I use dialpad.com for free long distance phone calls, so I have no problem calling you via the phone. I will be visiting Saumur in August. I would like some of your insights about visiting there. 

Tony M-----------  

Subject: Ref Visit  Subject: Ref Visit 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Hi Ed 
Would like very much for you to stop in Saumur on the 27th, if possible. I will be here at home. 

Bill Messner 
26 Rue Alexis Carrel 
49400 Saumur
Telephone 02-41-50-26-98

Looking forward to your visit. 
Bill  

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Hi
I'm Yves SAVARIAUD.  I'm 51 and was a young boy in Saumur when all of you were here. When I grew older, a very good friend of mine was Sonny Lindsay who married a french woman. Well that's all, only a little contact to tell you that I saw your site. Right now I had just an eye on it but in the coming days I will go deeper in this site. 
Bye 
Yves  

Subject: Re: Saumur  Subject: Re: Saumur 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com

Hello Ed, I'm glad that you had a great trip. Bill said that he and the wife had a very enjoyable day with you and your brother!!!!!! They just love to have the company! I sent you two diskettes with more pictures, 
Almost all of them are of people that I was stationed with at Saumur. I'm still looking for a few of them, but not much luck. 
Is there a way to send out your website to everyone on the internet? Well that's it for now, I'm sure you have a lot of emails to read so I'll let you go. 
Regards, 
Arnold  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Re: Thanks for the memories
X-Sender: egroelle@mail.wi.rr.com 
Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 11:51:42 -0400 

From: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Re: Thanks for the memories 
Thanks for your comments. 
I'm always pleased and somewhat amazed at the response to the web site. We must have crossed paths at one time or another.  I was there all of 1956 when you were there. Where did you work?.  I am constantly looking for additional pictures for the site. Especially of the GI's and French workers. Would you be willing to trust me with your pictures?  You could send them and I'll scan them and then return them to you. I promise to take very good care of them and I'll give you credit like I did Arnold Lauer.  I like black and white pictures. Didn't the whole world seem black and white in those days?  I'm also going back to France again in 3 weeks but don't think I'm getting any closer to Saumur than Tours but may have time to take the train to Saumur again. 

Regards, Ed   

At 07:59 AM 9/29/99 -0700, you wrote:  At 07:59 AM 9/29/99 -0700, you wrote: 

Dear Ed, 
My name is Dick W--------. I was stationed at Saumur from October of 1954 to August of 1956 (just missed  you by a year) I was very pleased to have seen the great pictures that you took and that you decided to 
share them and your information with those of us who served in Saumur.  My wife and I may be going to Europe in the next couple of years and I hope to be able to go back to Saumur once again. It was a special time for me when I was stationed there and a visit there would be great.  Thanks for setting up the site. I plan to visit it again and show my family members more up to date pictures. My pictures are mainly black and white or slides and are over 45 years old. It's hard to think that so much time has passed. 

Dick W--------  

Subject: Re: "Internet"  Subject: Re: "Internet" 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com

Ed, Drop a line to Bill Messner and I am sure that he can find out who is on the internet and could let them get in touch with you. Remember if you stop by Saumur next month look up Bill, they showed the wife and I a great time during are stay. 
Arnold........  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Re: "Reunion"
From: AL 
Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 12:04:42 EDT 

I received a note from Bill Messner this morning, he said that the association of French workers from the old depot are having a reunion next September at the Officers Club in Varrains........  During my visit every Frenchmen that I saw wanted info on our association and reunion, and I guess Bill is the best way to keep them informed, and to keep us updated on their association. 
Regards, 
Arnold 

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: website - great!

Dear Ed...I just visited your website and it was wonderful! You really do a nice job, and I'm sure this is especially interesting to old friends, or those who have served overseas. Congratulations!
Cathy

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com
Cheryl and David 
Thanks for the tour, Ed. 
I passed through Saumur in 1989, and although we spent a bit of time searching, we never did locate the road to Varrains; of course, I couldn't find it very often when stationed there, either. It's gratifying to learn the road no longer exists, rather than my being too old to remember the way. I thought at the time perhaps I'd have a better chance of getting to the base if I had 50-60 drinks first, like previously.
Best wishes,
Dave   

To: Hans  To: Hans 
Subject: Re: I looked at your web page

Thanks for responding. 
I have had a devil of a time trying to get my site registered with search engines.  How did you find mine? Was it through a search? 
Regards, 
Ed  

At 07:49 PM 9/3/99 -0500, you wrote:  At 07:49 PM 9/3/99 -0500, you wrote: 
I was also in the US ARMY in 1957. But my duty station was Hawaii and we've been back 4 times since I retired. Curious how GI's have to go back. 
I'll send more later. Hans   

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Saumur Pixs

Aloha Mr. Groelle, 
My name is Valentin B, and my girlfriend and I will be visiting Saumur this November. Your web site has the most beautiful pictures of the town I have yet seen. I especially like the night shot of the chateau.  I am an amateur photographer and can appreciate the angles and composition used in your photos.

Likewise, your photos of Paris are also inspiring. I hope they finish sandblasting the Notre Dame before we get there. I'll e-mail you an after photo if you would like.  I am also an armor modeler intent on visiting the Musée des Blindés in Saumur. I had heard that it had moved to the outskirts of town, but where exactly, I don't have a clue. You don't happen to know where it is by any chance? Any information you could give me would be most appreciated.
Thank you in advance, 
Val  

To: Ed Groelle 
Subject: Re: Names and Your Home Page

ED, 
Thanks for the reply. How do you want me to give the address's and name's to you ? I will check out the film and pictures that I still have and let you know what I have.. OK ? 
Some of the wife's and kids that were at Saumur are still out there. I get email some times. I will share what I have with you. James Gallagher did that last reunion and all the news letters, and a real good job of it too. The email I last got from Jim was He was planning on a Nov Date in 2000 in MASS. No word since. He is still working I think. so he may be working on it in his free time. I would like to make the my home page in a like layout to yours with the following kinds of list:
GI's stationed at Saumur 
DAC stationed at Saumur 
Dep stationed there with their family. 
Current address's and E-Mail of Same. 
Link to other members Home Pages 
Signin Page for Visitors 
And A Difference email for Members or Family to to send in Corrections. 
If You want I will set up a email address on the WWW that reply can go to and you and I can log into it to reply/delete/or update as required. 
Let me know on this and I will send you the email address and user name and password, OK?? Reply
needed................Saumur was a great place to live and work. We had some of the Best Officers and Sgt.'s and GI's I have met in the the 41 years I put in the Milt. 
Have a Nice week end I am staying in the area and will be on the internet this weekend 
Alan 7:15 pm 2 Sept 99   

From: Sandy  From: Sandy 
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 00:35:03 EDT 
Subject: photos viewed 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
I loved your Paris photos Uncle Ed - they were just beautiful! Such beautiful scenery and architecture. Thank you so much for updating me on the newest additions. I truly enjoyed them. I was viewer number 136. 
Love, Sandy   

Subject: Your site  Subject: Your site 
Date: Tue, 06 Jul 1999 13:23:59 -0700 
From: John L---------------
I visited the site. Interesting, but I'm still confused as to why you sent me the URL. As it happens, my wife and I plan to visit France next summer...we were originally investigating the possibility of this year, but could only go in late August, and were warned off of that time. Our original plan was to visit Paris first, then the Loire valley region (D'amboise, perhaps) and to go from there to the Med. coast area, focusing on Provence. Perhaps you got my e-mail address as a result of those inquiries I made some time ago? 
Regards 
John L------------  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: RE: Saumur Visit 
From: "Ellis, D
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 09:44:51 -0700 

Hello, 
Thanks for the URL. I appreciate looking at the photos. It brought back memories. I enjoyed Saumur last summer, I stayed at the Pierre Hotel, near the old church. I was fortunate to be there for the farmers market! 
By the way, how did you know that I'd be interested? 
~dodi   

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Your Home Page
Date: Wed, 01 Sep 1999 18:29:51 -0500 
From: Hottel 
Wed 

Hi Ed, 
Your Home Page is great. 
Are You going to add a sign in Page ? I am pasting on your Home page to my kids to look at. I feel the same way you do. Saumur became my home. and I miss the friends I had there. Where did you stay when in Saumur ? Have you heard anything on the next reunion ? 
Thanks for putting up your page. 
Alan   

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: Saumur Stuff
From: B
Date: Wed, 1 Sep 1999 19:48:04 EDT 

Hello Ed - Bill G
I've been viewing your web site which Arnold Lauer put me onto and I am so impressed with what you've done - it is awesome! 
I also was at the reunion in Iowa in '97 - not sure if we formally met but your face is definitely familiar. That was quite a nice affair, wasn't it?  I was stationed at SSD from 11/57 to 12/59 - was finance clerk in personnel 
office. Since you left in 12/57, we probably didn't meet. Hope to see you in Boston in 2000. 

Again, my congratulations on the fantastic job you have done - your page is now stored in my Favorites. 
Best wishes, Bill G-------------   

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: Re: Web page
From: Chris Pappe <chris@wi.rr.com 
At 11:21 PM 6/23/99 -0400, you wrote: 

I posted my personal web page tonight at 
http://www.wi.rr.com/~egroelle 
Thanks for your help with the photo problem. It seems to work very well but I wish the thumbnail pages would download faster. I guess I'll have to live with that. 

PS. I bought the Webtricity program. It was a great help but doesn't completely eliminate the need for HTTP programming expertise. 
Ed Groelle   

Nice looking site Ed.  Nice looking site Ed. 
Your old army photo looks great. A classic!  I imagine this site will be of great interest to those who were there. A historical record of some significance. 
Your site has been included in the list of Home Pages. You should go to 
this web page: 
http://submitit.linkexchange.com/sitrial.htm and register your site so many others can find it as well. 
Sincerely yours, 
Chris Pappe, ISP, Acronet  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Re: Web page
From: "dotmeyer" 
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 13:03:46 -0500 
Appreciate seeing these. Char still looks the same as do you. I can't believe how long ago we were touring the middle east. 
Dot   

Subject: Web page  Subject: Web page 
I added some Paris photos to my web site if you are interested. 
http://www.wi.rr.com/~egroelle 
Ed Groelle   

Subject: Re: (no subject) Subject: Re: (no subject)
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 18:42:09 +0000 
From: Diana
Reply-To: D
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Just ck'd out the web page! Good job, it really shows you spent a lot of time on it and it was interesting too!!!! 
Diana   

To: <egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Very nice - I read all you information - looked at all your photos enjoyed even though I have never been there.  Just came back from France 
rdeal  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Hi Ed
From: BM 
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 1999 13:27:54 EDT 
I have not had time to look at the pictures. Just wanted to let you know that I received your message. If you get back here in Oct give me a call my phone number is 02-41-50-26-98 and maybe we will be able to get together for a chat.  It was nice hearing from you and next time I come up on the web will take a look at the photos from Saumur. 
Looking forward to hearing from you again. 
Bill   

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Re: Photos
From: JERZBOY445@aol.com 
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1999 15:54:28 EDT 

Hi Ed, The picture of the officer's club was #A81-JPG. I received a note from Bill Messner on June 4th, and he told me his story about living in Saumur and about the association from the depot. The next day Janet and I left on our trip. But YES he was a big help to us during our visit. I am sending a photo of myself and four other GIs that I lived and work with at Saumur. The only one that you may know is one JAMES LYLES.  He may have been stationed there in 1957.... I will put together a few diskettes of photos and send them off to you sometime next week......I would have been great if we had gone to France at the same time!!!! Maybe next time. 
Arnold    

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Saumur Photos
Dear Sir: 
I enjoyed seeing your photos of Saumur. Though I have never been there,  they were great photos of what appears to be a wonderful French town. That must have been great duty. I saw the photos on your note to the Paris One 
list. Thanks Phillip N--------------  

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Re: Saumur Signal Depot
From: Al
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1999 09:38:59 EDT 

ED I GUESS I DID NOT KNOW YOU IN SAUMUR SINCE I WAS THERE FROM 58 THRU MAY OF 59 AND WORKED IN PUBLIC INFORMATION WITH COL FYEREISON WHO CAME AFTER OLD WHATS HIS NAME BUT THX AGAIN FOR THE TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE THESE COMPUTERS 
ARE JUST GREAT WHEN THEY ARE WORKING.............   

to: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: Re: Saumur Signal Depot
From: Al 

THX FOR THE UPDATE ON SAUMUR HOPE ALL THE OLD HAUNTS ARE STILL GOING AND STILL SERVING THAT GREAT DRINK PANTHER PILS??????? AND OTHER 
THINGS.........AL   

to: egroelle@wi.rr.com
Subject: Re: Photos
Good morning Ed, You did an excellent job with the photos! The picture that you did not know the building was the officers club, back in the corner of the base. Also if you want information on the LWR's that worked at the depot (MERON) they have a association with 150 members. The one to write to is BILL MESSNER. He was stationed at Saumur from 1959 until 1962 and still lives there. I had a meeting with several of the LWR's during my visit two weeks ago. (PHOTO) The wife and I at the chateau on June 8th. 
Regards, 
Arnold   

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: viewed your website
From: Sandy
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1999 00:03:03 EDT 

Dear Ed, 
Just logged in as your 21st visitor to your website on Saumur and the barracks grounds. I loved your before and after pictures and all the photos you included from your trip. I looked at each thumbnail you had displayed.  I thought the Chateau building that was your hospital years ago was a beautiful 
building. 

You put a lot of time into this labor of love and I thought it was wonderful! Thank you for sharing it with me. I enjoyed reading and looking at the photos and getting to know you a little better. 
love 
sandy 

To: egroelle@wi.rr.com  To: egroelle@wi.rr.com 
Subject: Saumur, France
X-Sender: egroelle@mail.wi.rr.com 
X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Light Version 3.0.3 (32) 
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 1999 21:25:57 -0400 

I recently returned from a trip to France. I have posted photos of Saumur, France on my personal web site. The site is of primary interest to ex-GIs who were stationed there in to 1950s but there are some interesting pictures of the city of Saumur which may amuse others. 

To: Ed Groelle
Subject: Re: Saumur Signal Depot

Hi Ed – 
We were in Saumur last year. What a change. But, it brought back old times. I stopped by the Tourist Bureau and talked to a very nice little girl who never heard of our valiant French service. So, we didn't find the old barracks in your pictures. Sorry I didn't make the reunion. But hope to see you at the next one. If you're in Virginia send me an E mail and I'll send directions. By the way have you heard anything about 
Ron Noble?
Curt 

To: ALauer4089@aol.com  To: ALauer4089@aol.com 
Subject: Re: Barracks area (Saumur)

Got back from France last week after a very nice trip. Love France to bits!!
Yes. what this guy says is partially true. You will hardly recognize the old depot area and will have a difficult time finding it. Varrains is not the sleepy little village it was when we were there. It took me a couple of hours driving around Varrains to find it again. The barracks, mess hall , motor pool, gym and officers club is there but very altered by the business they now contain. Admin is a petroleum storage house, maint. barracks is a warehouse for windows, doors, etc., mess hall is used for preparing institutional foods, officers club is a public hall for rentals, Gym is still a gym with tennis court, etc. The theater, barbershop. EM club, laundry are all demolished. Chateau Des Ifs is there but is now a private residence and very altered.
A 4 lane highway cuts Varrains in two. Here's a hint; for finding the old depot. Look for the tops of the old barracks building as you drive down the highway. The old road we took the bus to town is gone. 

If you don't speak french and take a cab try to find a driver who is over 50 years old. He may remember where the US Army was stationed and will be able to take you.
Good luck
Ed Groelle  

At 11:01 AM 6/4/99 EDT, you wrote:  At 11:01 AM 6/4/99 EDT, you wrote: 
Hello Ed, Well how was the trip to France, the wife and I leave tomorrow and should be in Saumur on Tuesday afternoon. I rec'd this note yesterday and thought I send it to you and see if they are right about the barracks 
area........ Regards Arnold

Hello Mr Lauer, 
I have some news about the barracks area. They still stand in Varrains but I have been told they are now used as "salle polyvalente" for the local population : private and public events can be organized there (weddings, 
banquets, professional meetings, town hall meetings, as well as sport competitions. If you happen to go there, you will have the opportunity to see them in Varrains ; but I don't know whether you will recognize them 

Yours sincerely, 
Sinh PERSIN 
spersin@saumur.cci.fr 
http://www.saumur.cci.fr 
Saumur Chamber of Commerce  

Subject: Re: Saumur visit 
To: egroelle@wi.rr.com

Hello Ed, My wife and I will be leaving for France on June 5th, and going to Lourdes for 2 days. On June 8th we will arrive in Saumur about 5:30 in the afternoon, Spend 3 days there and go on to Paris for a week......Thanks for the information it will be very helpful during our stay there!!!! 
Arnold  

Subject: Re: Saumur Signal Depot  Subject: Re: Saumur Signal Depot 
To: Ed Groelle <egroelle@wi.rr.com

Ed: Thanks for the tour back in time. None of the photos I took while in Saumur (April '57 to August '58) survived. Most all were in color and faded badly even though they were kept in dark, dry place. I really enjoyed the trip back. You know, I remember almost nothing of the city. Strange. There was a bowling alley built I think after you would have returned home. That might have been one of those buildings you were questioning. I have no idea what the domed party/reception building would have been. Thanks for sharing. Wonderful!  

Ed Groelle 
Greetings 
I recently returned from a trip to Saumur. I have posted pictures of the old depot and of Saumur on my personal web site. If you are interested in a trip back in time go to: 
http://www.egroelle.net 
Enjoy, 
Ed Groelle