Thanks for creating this page. My grandfather was in Verdun in 1917 as a volunteer ambulance driver. I am writing a book about his experiences there. I was very interested to see the postcard of Caserne Bevaux. His ambulance group was stationed there for the most part until it was destroyed by German shelling.
— Peter Fifield, October 8, 2009

Sergeant Major
I was in the advanced party that opened Maginot Caserne in 1950. It hadn't been occupied since the end of WW II. It was kind of primitive for a while. I met and married a French girl in 1952. I have many fond memories about the area.
— Elmer Jones, September 5, 2009

retired
I was a radio operator in the AdSec headquarters signal unit from May, 55 to May, 56. Small world story from Omaha--one of my daughters came home from middle school one day in the early '70's talking about a new teacher. I asked his name--Schicker. I went to the next parent-teacher conference night and stood in line. Sure enough it was Capt. Schicker, my CO. We held up the line talking about our experience in Verdun and some of the people. My wife and I will be headed that way in December. Some of the pictures sure bring back memories. I volunteer at the National WW1 museum in Kansas City. There is a pencil on paper drawing of the bridge and arch from 1917 in the collection called "War Art".
— Bob Lager, June 22, 2009

I am looking for the former C/O of the Red Ball Express, Capt. Homer Semken (574th TC)located at Jeanne D'Arc Casern, just outside of Toul in 1956, or the former X/O of that same unit, 1st Lt. Albert Johnson. I am very much interested in finding one or both of these two officers, and will pay a locator's fee. My phone number is: 404.762.9196
— Walter Griffin, May 11, 2009

,,,,,dkiser7@ triad.rr.com
— David Kiser, May 10, 2009

Harvey Silk ! Was stationed at the 56th. General untill " THE END " in 67. One of the last to leave. Worked as a medic in the Out Patient Clinic and ER. Knew , and in touch with a few other,,,couple of drivers. Tried to reach you by e-mail,,,drop me a line. Thanks
— David Kiser, May 10, 2009

On my comment last year I forgot to mention my e-mail! It is jandbshove@sbcglobal.net. I was a local national working at the 56th General Hospital. I was the Laboratory secretary and it was a great place to work. Also this is where I met my husband John. We live now in San Antonio and this is a great place for retired people.
— Babette Chineau Shove, May 1, 2009

56 General Hospital. Was assigned to the 591 ambulance company at the Verdun Hospital. Recall closing the company down, turning in the equipment. The entire platoon drove to Orlions with the entire platoon.

would certainly enjoy contact with any other members of the Hospital or ambulance community. info@goldenpdulum.com
— Harvey Silk, May 1, 2009

Verdun 50-53
My family and I were in Verdun from '50 to '53. We arrived by ship in Bremerhaven, Germany from Staten Island, NY. For a time, my father, Hershel Martin, LTC, was CO of the Gribeauval Caserne a short ways from the Maginot Caserne. We lived for a time in the Bellevue Hotel, then in Dugny, and finally on Rue St. Pierre.
— Joe Martin, March 27, 2009

Hi Harry!
I enjoyed your photo montage. I was in the 102nd Signal Bn from 1960 to 1963, stationed near Thionville. We used the Caserne Maginot for our area company HQ. One thing I've been looking for in these various photo albums on Verdun is the monument to the "Voie Sacree". I used to pass by it on my way into Verdun from the Etain highway.
— Ron R Glaeseman, March 14, 2009

Hello: My name is Edward C Jones II and I was the company clerk for the 32nd Engr Gp HQ located in the military hospital just outside Verdun from Christmas 1958 to Sept 1959. Always have had fond memories of Verdun and Arlon Belgium. Anybody out there from the same era? Ed
— Edward C Jones II, February 24, 2009

Marie, I was also born in Verdun Sept 1955 at Maginot Army Hospital! My father was stationed there with the 97th Engineers. My husband and I just returned from Verdun last week after another quick visit to see my aunts, uncles, cousins. They are the Pricot family, also been in Verdun for many generations. Do you still live in Verdun? If so, I'd love to meet you next summer when we return! Though my French family and I argue politics like crazy, we do adore each other :-). I know they would love to meet you as well. Mary Henry-Fitzsimmons Concord, NC
— Mary Henry-Fitzsimmons, November 11, 2008

Thanks you
I was born in Verdun in 1955 my mother's family had been came from verdun for several generations... my father was station with the US ARMY in Verdun in the late 50's Walter R Patriquin
— France- marie Patriquin, October 24, 2008

Holden Caulfield era
I had the ignominous experience (but I'm glad I did) of having painted the curbs of the post at Verdun while I was in the stockade for missing bedcheck (30 minutes). I only saw the walls of the stockade but I remmebr France very well having eneterd the Army in Zweibrucken , germany in 1955 (long story). I, like you, was a skinny, lost kid of 19 during that period. Hope to hear from you. Very nice and nostalgic site. Look me up on THE NEW GEORGIA ENCYCLOPEDIA via Google or Yahoo. Click on literature, then click on poetry. All best. Walter Griffin
— Walter Griffin, October 12, 2008

Hi Harry: I know we had to be real close at times and share duties. I was stationed with the 39th from early 1960 until may 1962 when I rotated back stateside. My memories of Verdun are of the casern area there and the Chicago area where I worked as a supply specialist in the 39th supply warehouse. I know we had to cross paths. I just cant remember you. Bill Beck was a good buddy of mine so was Jimmy Jarvis, they both worked in the shop across the street there. I remember lots of good times in downtown Verdun, being 18 and wild as young GI's always are. I crossed that bridge you speak of many times. Hoping to go back someday.
— Roger W Stephens, September 26, 2008

www.Omaha-Beach.Org
Enjoyed the old pictures and the Stars and Stripes article I've never seen before

Thanks

Martin
— Martins Battlefield Tours, September 16, 2008

I was stationed in Verdun from 1965-1967. My wife and two children lived in the hotel across the street from the train station for 6 weeks. The pictures of the main gate and the large parking lot were as I remembered them. I had a crew of 6 frenchman and every day we went across the parking lot to pick up the paper work for all the different parts that had been ordered though out the area. We had some friends named veron dunham. Lost touch anyone remember them? Also leo Lambert and wife Lori
— Steve Wiggins, September 8, 2008

My Mum, Olive, gave me my middle name, she was born 2nd March 1916 and died on 21st February 1999; only realising the significance of this date much later.... It is only a shame that I have no idea why her Father, Charles Smith, gave her this name. One day I will get to this memorable place and pay my respects. Eileen
— Eileen Verdun Barrins-Surey, August 12, 2008

A devoted military brat
Thank you with all my heart to those who have shared their amazing pictures of Verdun. You cannot begin to imagine what they mean to me... or maybe you do and that's why they are here. God Bless you always! In honor of my WWI&WWII veteran 'Pepere', Charles Pricot; and my Daddy, 1Sgt Jackie Henry, 97th Eng., Co C, Maginot, (also Korean War and Vietnam-173rd Airborne veteran)
— MaryElla Henry, August 6, 2008

Lived in Verdun from 1958 to 1962
I was a military dependent living in Verdun attending Verdun American High School, located just outside of Verdun on the road leading to Etain. I loved my years in Verdun and made many lasting friendships. I "grew up" in Verdun too and dreamed of returning there one day. That dream came true in 2002 when our high school had a reunion there in Verdun. Verdun has come a long way since the early 1960's. It has rebounded and is beautiful restored. When I first arrived in Verdun back in 1958 our family lived on the "economy" in a village northwest of Verdun called Brabant-Sur- Meuse and later moved to the military housing called "Bevaux". When I was there in 2002 I actually walked through the housing area and located our house. Growing up a military brat presented many challenges but also many blessings. Verdun will alwys have a special place in my heart. Thank you again for sharing. It means so much. Peggy (Teal) Graves
— Peggy Graves, July 29, 2008

56th GH Laboratory
It was great to work at the 56th. I was the Lab secretary from 1962to 1967. I was a local national, I was born in Verdun. My best friend was Eva, she was working at OPC as a secretary. I met some great people there. This is where I met my husband John Shove.Anybody remember us?? send us an e-mail. We live in San Antonio TX. Babette Chineau-Shove
— John and Babette Shove, July 28, 2008

Thanks for the site Harry
Here's my story and I,m sticking to it1 I was stationed their approx. June 65 - Jan/feb 66. Was a radar repairman, and worked at a depot that you walked to outside the post and down the street. Remembered there was a french prison on the left before you got to the depot. i worked on radio's cause there was no radar to repair. Civilians also worked at this depot and they had a small canteen there you could get "ja bon" sandwiches.I had the Privlege Of working half a day at the depot because the civilians were mad at me and I taking their work from them.SoSgt.tells me get lost in the afternoon,movies uso,played golf,and eat those burgers with fried onions at the base course. One photo from 4th floor showed a paved parking lot ,when I was there this was a grass area,walked across it to a canteen for eats and to read the Stars and Strips with coffee. Then transferred to Perasens Germany and finished my tour.They were good times and memories!
— Rudy Pirone, May 17, 2008

Stationed at the 56th. General from 66 untill "the end" in 67. Made many friends, loved the duty, the town, its people. Worked in the Out Patient Clinic. Still in touch with a few, Leon Ceniceros, ran the Registrars office, Vernon Sinclair, OPC Medic.Looking for more ! Where are they all at ? Would love to hear from anyone from the times ! Anyone have any old duty rosters, names,,ect ?? Thanks .
— David Kiser, March 30, 2008

Joe
From 1954-1956, I served in the US Army in Verdun at Maginot Caserne. Many happy memories. I worked in G1 (Intelligence) and, because I was a slim 6'2", was on the Post Honor Guard. Our first formation was when General McCauliffe ("Nuts!") got his 3d or fourth star. Like the late William F Buckley, I believe that military service should be compulsory (no deferments!). Let's have every American citizen be prepared to defend his/her country. Thanks, Joe
— Joe Paquette, March 11, 2008

I came to Verdun in March 1960 with the 47th Finance Company. Stayed until 1962 when I returned to the States. Lived on the economy with my wife rom June 1961 until I left Verdun. Prior to marriage spent many hours at the Red Cross Center in town. Can't remember the name of the street where we lived; all the other tenants were French and very nice. Our landlady was Madame Reynaud; a real lady.
— Jurgen Meyer-Cuno, March 11, 2008

4th Log Cmd 1960-1963
I was mail clerk, co. clerk and finally a "sports" "editor" and photographer for the Tascom Times (think that was the name of the paper). Lots of fond as well as bad memories of the area. Was back there in early 80's. Didn't notice any great changes, but photos here show some great improvement over the years. I'll not soon forget the "coldest winter in 50 years!"
— Jack, October 19, 2007

I was in Verdun with the 525th Signal Company from Nov 61 - Jul 62. Hated it at the time, but find I have many fond memories now. We used to explore the old Maginot Line forts that seemed to dot every hilltop in the Verdun area. Our unit got sent to Verdun in Nov of '61 on the Berlin Wall Crisis from El Paso, Tex. We drove our trucks across France to Verdun from La Palice. Quite a climate change from the warmth of El Paso to the icy Verdun countryside and (barely) heated quonsut huts. I like to look at the old photos and remember the good times.
— Ron Van Norman, June 15, 2007

Your photo's were great,it made me pull my photo album out and look at my own photo's,some were identical to yours.I also was stationed in Verdun from 1959 to 1961,I was in the 256 signal ,billiting at Maginot Caserne.The pictures you had of a large parking lot I don't recall.As you went in the front gate I recall a large grassy area with the Flag and out billets was right behind,I belive we were on the third or forth floor.I also grew up there at Verdun and did'nt realize what a great time I had until I left.I lost touch with all that I was stationed with Hopefully somebody will read this and make contact.Thanks foe the photo,s and the other comments they brought back some great memorys.Bob Freeland,Retired
— Robert Freeland, April 23, 2007

Wesleyhendrix@hotmail.com
In March 1962 I was assigned to the 525th Signal Co. in Verdun. I really didn't like France or the French. Six month later the 525th was sent back state side and I was assigned to the 256th Signal company. That was very short lived and was then sent to the 16th Signal Bn (A.Co.) in Butzback ,Germany. Germany was great. However, If there are any past members of the 525th or 256, I would sure like to get in touch. The pictures really brought back some memories. Thanks for providing them.
— Steve Hendrix, April 22, 2007

The 97th Engr used to sponsor an orphanage near Vitry-le-Francois. Even though I was just a young lady brought up in Verdun, I spoke English fluently and was happy to serve as an intepreter for the annual Christmas functions at the orphanage.... at the request of my friends the (Sgt) Daly's.... Remember them ? Any idea where they are ?
— daniele, April 21, 2007

1960-63
I was nine years old when I arrived in Verdun in 1960 with my father Major Boze. We lived in Charney for 2 years and moved across from Maginot Cassern for the last year. I played on the battlefields and monuments growing up. I have returned many times. These are photos of my childhood. Thanks Ken Boze
— Ken Boze, February 26, 2007

Tom Hare
As you can see below Tom Hare did some writings on Wayne Powers.I'am sadly reporting that Tom Hare suffered a fatal heart attack on Sept 5 2006. Tony Zuvich
— tony zuvich, September 8, 2006

update on wayne powers
in 1960 he wanted to return to the us. waiting for info from chillicothe paper. as of 1974 he was still in france. he had a wife and 5 kids in 1960. i think being he had a dd. may be he wasnt allowed to return to the united states. interested in finding out if he is still alive.he would be in his 80s.
— thomas h hare, August 18, 2006

we have been looking for the info on wayne powers deserter ww2. time article dated aug. 11 1958 says he was from chillicothe mo. in livingstone county. if any one from this area knows anything about him let us know. is he still alive? what happened to his family. i left verdun in 1960 i had heard that he was in a french jail for beating his wife. i am trying to get on lie to the newspaper in chillicothe mo.
— thomas h hare, August 7, 2006

23rd Eng. co (FM)
Harry! Great Pictures, I was in Verdun 57-59, I turned wrenches and drove truck to the Chicago area every day with the guys. I was a prison chaser at the time powers was in the stockade. I spent 3 mos. with that duty. I also know that an article in one of the old magazine after I returned home to California. I had two great years in the 23rd. and made lots of friends. Mike Ostling, PFC
— Michael Ostling, June 27, 2006

WW 11 FUGITIVE
Hi Harry. My name is Anthony Zuvich.I was stationed in Verdun with the 23rd Engineers (FM) Co in 1958. When I read your article if anyone remembers the ww2 deserter I could not believe what I was reading. The correct name of this person is Wayne Powers an Army deserter who hid out for 14 years, with his French girl friend, Yvette Beleuse. Wayne stayed home for 14 years while Miss Beleuse went to work, they had five children.One day there was a car accident outside his home, He went outside to investigate the incident and while at the scene a police officer asked him for some identification, He didn't have the proper papers. He was arrested and turned over to the military.I know this because I was on 30 day prisoner watch detail and I guarded Wayne when he was taken to post HQ. My E-MAIL is tonyz0205@yahoo.com
— tony zuvich, June 25, 2006

verdun 23rd eng. co fm. 1958 to 1960
got to verdun july 1958 left jan 1960. does anyone remember of a court marshell of a ww2 deserter named gary powers, would like to know the time was it summer of 1959? can anyone pin it down to acloser date? i returned to verdun in 2000, but just went thru it by bus. got a couple pictures of the chicago area where our shops were.big change from 1958/ 60. tom hare haretj@netzero.net
— thomas h hare, June 22, 2006

Hi Harry
Looks like we were stationed in Verdun at about the same time. I was with the 256th Signal Co. Photo Lab from 1959 thru 1963. Loved your photos. I've made the same pilgramage 5 times...trying to find my youth...then I found I hadn't lost it. I've been able to stay in touch with a number of guys for the past 45 years. We get together on occasion. Like you I found the town as charning, but cleaner than when we were stationed there. Still have a couple of friends living there and notice they seem to be getting older and I'm not. Very well done site. Thanks. Jim Beauchamp
— Jim Beauchamp, April 20, 2006

HQ Co, Maginot Caserne, 1965-1967
Hi All,

Great job! Wonderful memories! My name is P C Mennell (SP5) and I was stationed at Maginot from Spring of '65 until Spring of '67. I was in the building on the right, viewed from the main gate.

I first worked at Chicago, driving a fork lift, under sergeant Tropia. Next assistant editor of "The Maginot Line", a monthly post newsletter. Worked with SSG Maurer (anyone know his current whereabouts??) and later 1LT Catherine E McGrath (whereabouts???).

I've been back a few times since and have pictures. Let me know if you want me to send you some.

I would really like to hear from anyone from that time who might remember me.

P C Mennell
— P C Mennell, April 8, 2006

Thanks For The Memories
Hi Harry,

I was at Maginot in 1961-62 with the 525th Signal Company (Combat Area) during what they called the "Berlin Wall Crisis." Your pictures are great and brought back a lot of memories for me. Thanks for sharing them.
— John Travis, February 16, 2006

My Tour of Duty in Verdun, and re-visit
I spent about 6 months in what I think was the Maginot Caserne from Jan 1964 to late July 1964. I revisited the place, I think, in 2000. What I saw in 2000 was the same place that you visited in 2004, judging by your photos. However, I can make little or no connection between the buildings I saw in 2000, the base I lived in for 6 months in 1964, and the base your old photos depict, for example the photo labeled Maginot Caserne in 1954 and Maginot Caserne in early 1960. I just do NOT remember any large parking lots between the large buildings, filled with cars. I just remember those spaces filled with walkways and grassy areas. I guess my memory fails me in my old age. I've given further details in my post titled "Charlie Visiting France, again". You can search on the word "Verdun" as a travel site to find the title of my post.
— Charles Schamenek, January 17, 2006

Hi Harry, These pictures brought back a lot of memories. I was In your platoon and we work on a lot of projects from 1960 to 1962. I dont know if you remember me , but would love to hear from you. Dean Neinast, Grants Pass Oregon
— Dean A Neinast, January 12, 2006

great site
was stationed in verdun 1958 to 1960. in 2000 made a tour. ww2 tour. went thru verdun, but did not see all i wanted to see. great pictures. how about the chicago ares where the shops were. tom hare
— thomas h hare, December 28, 2005

39th Ordnance FM Co., Verdun
Your story strikes a chord in my memory. I was 18 yrs old when upon arrival in Verdun France. I had basic and Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. and Carburetion and Igition School at APG, Md before arriving in Apr 1955. I left Sep 1957 or almost 2 1/2 yrs later Like you, I matured co UncleSam. My wife and I returned in 2003 and I hardly recognized the place. I recognize your pictures but I was stationed at the "Gribault" caserne No one in 2003 seemed to know where that formerly was located.
— LaRyn DeWitte, October 23, 2005

Vassincourt, 1960-1963 (Hq Verdun)
Harry, thank you for sharing your great photos, and the use of them is revealing, informative and historical. I visited Verdun only a few times but recall the building with the 130,000 remains, as I agree with your statement about how moving it was to view them in 1961. You did good, my friend, finding Harry's youth again!

Donald M. Ricks Co D, 97th Engr Bn (Const) Hermitage, TN donrix@peoplepc.com
— Donald M Ricks, June 26, 2005

Verdun 1953-1954
I have just scanned some old slides of Verdun Caserne taken by my father 1953-1955. There are also numerous slides of Ft. Douamount and Verdun. Is it possible to add them to this website?
— Patricia Ratcliff, June 8, 2005

Hope to do so too
Great article! I find it difficult to communicate to my wife what the three years I spent with the 256th there in Verdun at Maginot mean to me. I finally started on the journey to adulthood there. I made friends with whom I have kept contact. She cannot understand why I feel compelled to return. I shall return someday. The pictures of Maginot show it in bettedr shape than when I was there (63-66). Thanks for the photos.
— David K Askins, April 16, 2005

Thank you for sharing your memories
I was stationed at 56th Gen Hosp for 1966-67. I worked in Registrar's Office. 12 other EM's and myself were the last GI's in Verdun. The Army forgot about us for more than 2 months, late summer '67. We lived in warehouse and ate Korean War C-rations and Kool-aid, no hot water, no money (Lt Blitz skipped out on us), had a ball. A miracle at the mimeograph machine promoted 11 of the 12 (one guy didn't have enough time in service) to E-5 (SGT or SP-5). French people were great. Miss the greasy french fries and cheese burgers from Golf Shack. Will go back one day. Leon Ceniceros, SGT-5.
— Leon Ceniceros, March 16, 2005

Verdun
Dear Harry, I'm assigned as French Military in Verdun and I was very interresting of your photos taken in the 60's. If you have more pictures of this period may you can share it with me. I'm eager to have more pictures of Caserne Maginot.
— Pascal, January 30, 2005

Fabulous Story, great pictures!
Hi Harry,

Verdun is somewhere I have always wanted to visit. Maybe my next trip there. I saw a lot of veterans in Normandy this past June, it wsa so touching to see them coming back to visit friends they had left behind. :(
— Flygirl, January 6, 2005

Hello Harry!
2 months before You we was in Verdun a short time on our way thrue Europe. Nice to see your pics, especiaelly the "Now and Then" ones. Have a good day and a nice weekend. Regards, Patrik B// ps. I was walking some ravines south of ft Douaumont alone. Always a very special experience. I like it.
— Patrik Berlin, December 9, 2004

97th Engineers, Company - company - C
Hi Harry, I don't know if you remember me or not, My name is Bill Lizyness, We were in Verdun together, Bill Clinton sent your pictures of Verdun to me, I really enjoyed seeing them, Its been a long time, I have a picture of you setting down by the Meuse river, Maybe I could send it to you sometime, Hope to hear from you sometime

Bill Lizyness
— Bill Lizyness, October 23, 2004

39th Ord. (FM)
Hi Harry, I was in Verdun with the 39th from Aug 59 to Apr 62. Then while working for the Army in Germany from Jul 84 to Jan 90 my family and I visited Verdun a few times. I experienced the same feelings that you described except no encounter on a bridge. I remember climbo=ing the steps at the Victory Monument and sitting for a while just staring down at the Cafe de la Paix which looked just the same. Thanks for the memories.

Beldon McPheron
— Beldon, October 22, 2004

Buzy-Etain-Verdun
I was Commanding Officer of the Buzy POL Depot in 1957/58. I lived in Verdun and then in Fresnes En Woevre with my wife. I returned to this same area in 1982. Buzy/Etain were gone and I agree, Verdun looked much better. I was fascinated in this report on the area where my wife of 47 years and I spent our first year of marriage.
— Hank, October 12, 2004

Did you find that young man???
— Clay Sneller, October 7, 2004

Excellent pictures. Excellent comments. Je me souvien l'hotel en face de la gare.
— Neal Smith, October 6, 2004

Verdun
Harry,We were in Verdun 1944 as a very young tank gunner, on our way north to Luxembourg and Belgium. We were HIT with the "Battle of the Bulge".At that time it was raining cats & dogs.
— Kenneth R Irving, October 6, 2004