Jumpmaster -

I am sending photos scanned from slides my Mom took while we were stationed in Germany, My dad, 1st Sgt Wm F Blum, stationed in C Co, 1st ABG, 505th Inf, 8th Div at the time. We accompanied my Dad to Ste. Mere Eglise for the 18th anniversary of the D Day landings. June 6, 1962. The 505th and 508th jumped as part of the 82nd 18 years earlier.

Of special interest, is that Gen. James Gavin was the Ambassador to France, and was present at the ceremonies. We traveled by car from Mainz, Germany to the Normandy coast. We were hosted by French families, my Mom and Dad at one farmhouse, my brother and I across a field at another.

I have enclosed photos of Agendas , banquet menu, photos of General Gavin, the ceremony at the town hall, the beach, and newspaper clippings of the yet to be museum and a Stars and Stripes article the following day.

I am also enclosing photos I took today of an old rusted bayonet I've had since 6 June 1962, This was given to us by a M. Leprelle, whose farmhouse we stayed at. If I remember correctly, he told us it was found in his pasture when digging. In searching online, it looks like it may have been one for the M1 Garand. If not, I'm sure someone may be able to identify.

Regards, Fritz Blum