The GMC CCKW

I heard this story last night at the first meeting of the new proposed museum for San Antonio from a long time friend of mine, Colonel Virgil " Sandy" Sansing U.S.A.F retired. I have not seen Sandy in several years and it was great to see him last night so some story telling had to take place.
Sandy was a P51 pilot in the 8th Air Force and had shot down only one German ME 109 when he was shot down himself and he parachuted to safty near a small French village. The people of the village hid him for nearly 6 months until the town was liberated by American forces and Sandy returned to England.
This past Feburary Sandy returned to the little village after some 62 years and was the welcomed guest of all of the village, and especially those that remebered him when they risked their lives to hide him from the Germans.
Sandy said that the day of the big celebration of his return and old lady walked towards him carrying a wedding gown in her arms. She walked up to him and in French offered the gown to him as a present. Sandy was somewhat embarrased and told her that such a keep sake of hers should not be given away to him. She smiled and in French related the followiung. Her wedding gown had been made from his parachute he used to jump to safty. She had saved it all of thos years to return to him as it was his in the first place.
The wedding gown is now on display at the Cen Tex Wing of the CAF museum in San Marcos, Texas.

AD that's a real nice story. It's unbelievable that she kept the gown all these years just to return it to the airman. It seems as though there is a little divine intervention in there someplace.
Barry

I agree Barry and it is truly a touching story. Thanks for commenting.

That is a beautiful story AD, what dedication that lady had - she seemed to know that she was going to meet him again one day. Angels?

Who knows, but tears came to most everyone eyes when Sandy told the story and these are all retired military types.

WOW WHAT A STORY ......All those years and peoples memory truely touching for sure... i take part every year in a celebration of the liberation of the area of Pas de Calais, in and around Bethune, Souchez, and Arras which saw heavy fighting in both world wars...
We take our cckw on road runs through these areas through the towns and villages where every since i have taken part (well over 10years now), an old lady always stands outside her house which she proudly holds up both the British and American flag which she made as a small girl.... Memories eh

Cool story, thanks Kevin . I love to see the dedication to liberty and sacrifice from the people that lived WWII.