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2024 Metz Trip Galleries

November 8-13, 2024

The Moselle River 1944 Association hosted family and friends of the 5th ID, 90th ID, 95th ID and 10th Armored Division in Thionville and the surrounding area November 8-13, 2024.

Basse Ham, November 8, 2024
Pascal Moretti, President of the Moselle River 1944 Association
Members of the CEVM gather in front of the war memorial in Buding: Jacques Eberlé, Maria Dia, Pascal Kill, Alain Grandclair, Philippe Dorn, Michel Grandclair, Gérard Dodeller and Adrien Escudier.
Children lay flowers at the War Memorial in Buding.
Buding
A reception was held in the CEVM motorpool following the commemorations in Vigy.
Military vehicles in the Club de l’Est du Véhicule Militaire association (CEVM) motorpool in Vigy.
Roselle Calarino and Margaret Jamison (granddaughter and wife of Stephen Jamison, F Co., 378th Reg.) and Irma Madis pose with the new flag in the CEVM motorpool in Vigy.
Located in Vigy, the Club de l’Est du Véhicule Militaire association dedicated a new flag recognizing the 95th ID. Task Force Bacon, comprised of the 2nd Battalion, 378th Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 377th Regiment, 95th ID liberated Vigy November 17-18, 1944. With a tricolored background of blue, white and red representing the French flag, the CEVM’s new flag bears the 95th Infantry Division’s emblem, the Coat of Arms of the village of Vigy and four images of the double-barred Cross of Lorraine. The Cross of Lorraine was used as a symbol of Free France during World War II.
Two young decendants of Joseph Stebbe help Pascal Moretti and Jacques Eberlé distribute copies of Historie de la Ligne Maginot to local children participating in the commemorations.
Pascal Moretti reads a citation promoting Gérard Dodeller with the honorary title of Colonel during a commemoration for the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Vigy. The 95th Infantry Division’s Task Force Bacon liberated Vigy November 17-18, 1944.
Mike Flora and Gérard Dodeller with Gérard’s Willys jeep in Vigy.
Children bearing flags were led by Daniel Weiler through Liberty Square in Terville November 11, 2024.
Children were always present and participating in the commemorations throughout Lorraine as were these children who waved flags and sang in Terville.
Memorial to the victims of WWI and WWII in Budling.
Rain did not dampen the spirits of the 160 residents of Budling as they commemorated the 80th anniversary of their liberation.
The small size of the village of Oudrenne (population: 753) was no indication of the enthusiasm the inhabitants had for celebrating with the family and friends of their American liberators.
Plaque recognizing the 2nd Battalion, 378th Regiment, 95th ID and one company of the 315th Engineering Battalion at the Moselle river crossing. The 90th Infantry Division had already cleared the Germans out of Thionville and had moved on, but the Germans still controlled Fort Yutz and the east side of the Moselle. After crossing the Moselle, 2nd Battalion was faced with crossing a canal and the railroad yard as small arms fire and mortar rounds from Fort Yutz exploded around them. This was the first major combat action for the 2nd Battalion. By noon on November 13, 1944, the 2nd Battalion had taken Fort Yutz.
On November 11, 2024, exactly 80 years after the 2nd Battalion, 378th Regiment, 95th ID successfully crossed the Moselle river in Thionville, a small band played at a commemoration near the site of the river crossing.
Thionville Parade
Members of Souvenir Français (French Remembrance) of Thionville march in the parade. - This Thionville association has been active for over 100 years.
Pascal Moretti holds his grandson during the parade in Thionville. Gérard Dodeller serves as the driver for “General Walker,” the commander of XX Corps in Patton’s Third Army in WWII.
The 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Thionville was celebrated November 9-11, 2024.
After the ceremony outside in Guénange, we entered Pablo Neruda Hall to view an exhibition of photos and participate in the entertainment. Eight Americans were recruited to assist in reading the English translation of a French poem about freedom. Members of the community read the original poem in French.
Guénange Mayor Pierre Tacconi accepts a plaque commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Moselle from Mike Flora. The plaque was a gift from the 95th Division Legacy Association and the 95th Division Foundation.
During a stop in Guenange, two young French girls take the opportunity to ride in the back of a Jeep.
Sometimes we were given a choice between taking the bus or riding in a military vehicle to our next destination. Gérard Perruchot was the driver of this staff car, but he explained that the staff car belonged to a good friend who had passed away two years ago. In honor of the friend, members of the Club de l’Est du Véhicule Militaire (CEVM) maintained the staff car and continue to drive it in parades.
In 1940, while still under French control, the official strength of Fort Hackenberg was 42 officers and 1040 men. During our tour, we were able to view refurbished kitchen and medical facilities such as this dental office.
Recreation of the switchboard and communication center that served the fort.
The museum in Fort Hackenberg includes a display of gas masks lining a shelf above canisters and filters used as protection against chemical warfare.
Fort Hackenberg Museum
The museum in Hackenberg boasts a large collection of military arms used during the war.
Generator engine at Fort Hackenberg
Electrical Transformer Room at Fort Hackenberg
Fort Hackenberg
The tunnels and passages through Fort Hackenberg extend for 10 kilometers. Construction of this part of the Maginot Line took place between 1929 and 1933. Our group walked part of the way but also took the train to reach Block 8 where gun positions are located.
A plaque near Fort Hackenberg’s Block 8 is engraved with the words, “N’oublions jamais leur sacrifice pour notre liberté.” - "We will never forget their sacrifice for our liberty."
Above ground view of turrets at Fort Hackenberg.
Constructed between 1929-1933, Fort Hackenberg is one of the largest fortifications in the Maginot Line. The fort is composed of 17 combat blocks and 18 artillery pieces. The main gallery extends 1,884 meters. The tunnels and passages through Hackenberg extend for 10 kilometers and are 25-30 meters below the surface to protect against bombardment.
Family and friends of the 5th ID, 90th ID, 95th ID and 10th Armored Division gather for a group photo near the statue of Joseph Messina November 8, 2024.
Local officials, citizens, and children gathered with the American guests for commemorations at the Joseph Mesina Memorial near Fort Hackenberg.
The Joseph Mesina Memorial is located near the entrance to Fort Hackenberg and bears the words, “Thank you for our beautiful gift—Liberty.”
Private Joseph Messina, I Co., 378th Reg., 95th ID, was killed in action November 18, 1944. This stone statue in his honor was dedicated in November 2004.
Iron Men descendants were encouraged to bring photos of their World War II veterans to France. Joe Januszkiewicz’s daughter, Kim Kowalczyk, and granddaughter, Tanya Chang, went one step further and proudly wore hoodies with Joe’s Army portrait.
Parade in Basse Ham, November 8, 2024
At the end of the ceremonies in Basse-Ham, the American families were given books to present to the French children. This year the graphic-style book was L’Incroyable Histoire du Sergent York: Le 8 Octobre 1918 en Argonne. The book tells the story Sergeant Alvin York of the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Infantry Division, one of the most decorated U.S. Army soldiers of World War I. While fighting in the Meuse-Argonne offensive in France, October 8, 1918, Sergeant York led an attack on a German machine gun nest, gathered 35 machine guns, killing at least 25 enemy soldiers and capturing 132 prisoners. For his actions, Sergeant York received the Distinguished Service Cross, the French Croix de Guerre and the Congressional Medal of Honor. The film Sergeant York, in which Gary Cooper plays the role of Alvin York, was released in 1941. The film won two Academy Awards.
This new monument, dedicated November 8, 2024, commemorates the Moselle river crossing of the 90th ID, November 8-9, 1944.
Children participated in the 80th anniversary commemorations in Basse Ham.
Local children were encouraged to attend 80th anniversary commemorations in Basse Ham.

November 14-21, 2024

Le Club Lorrain de Véhicules Militaria Alliés (C.L.V.M.A.) welcomed family and friends of the 95th ID on November 14 and hosted the group through November 21, 2024.

Commemorations in Créhange.
Ceo Bauer plants a tree near the ruins of Château Brieux November 21, 2024.
Stone foundation remains of Château Brieux in Maizières-lès-Metz.
When local officials learned Ceo Bauer, one of the soldiers who fought at Château Brieux, would be in Metz in November, they hosted a special event in Ceo’s honor.
This monument near the ruins of Château Brieux in Maizières-lès-Metz is dedicated to the soldiers of I Co., 377th Reg. who seized Château Brieux, one of the first battles in the campaign to liberate Metz.
Display of American GIs preparing for a river crossing.
Display of American GIs headed to the front lines in the Battle of the Bulge.
Mealtime for the German soldiers
Field hospital display
.50 cal. quad mount anti-aircraft gun
Display of American and German mines and demolition equipment.
An M47 Patton tank is on display outside the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch.
A late WWII M4A3E8 Sherman tank guards the entrance of the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch.
Luxembourg American Cemetery
Luxembourg American Cemetery
Ceo Bauer pays his respects at General George S. Patton's grave.
Luxembourg American Memorial
Luxembourg American Memorial
Luxembourg American Memorial
Luxembourg American Memorial
Théo Muller introduces Ceo Bauer for the Mirabelle Toast.
Ceo Bauer received a special dessert.
Warm chocolate cake served with ice cream
Veal Wellington with vegetables and potatoes
Chef's Inspiration: Land-Sea Plate
Gala
Gala
Gala
Gala
Gala
Gala
Gala
Gala
A Gala was held at Le 25 Bistrot Chic in Puttelange-aux-Lacs on November 19, 2024.
Someone proposed a Mirabelle toast after our meal, and of course, Ceo Bauer was happy to oblige. Mayor Joshua Pawlak bought the Mirabelle, and glasses were poured for everyone.
We ate lunch at the Hotel Gasthaus Gellenberg on November 19, 2024. Here we enjoyed Weiner Schnitzel and fries followed by vanilla ice cream served with raspberries.
Gasthaus Gellenberg
Memorial service in Hemmersdorf.
During a memorial service for the 95th's only Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Andrew Miller, Nancy Bubb reads an account of Miller's heroic actions and death near Hemmersdorf. Nancy's father, John Komp, Co. G, 377th Reg., was Miller's commanding officer. It was a rainy, blustery day, so the mayor of the district of Kerpich Hemmersdorf, Joshua Pawlak, helped hold Nancy's notes.
A memorial service was held at a WWI and WWII Monument in Hemmersdorf, Germany.
A wide variety of Madeleines are baked in Commercy. As we shopped, we had the opportunity to sample the small shell-shaped sponge cakes fresh from the oven.
Madeleines de Commercy
JEEPEST warehouse
Shopping at JEEPEST
Collection of Jeep grills
Memorabilia on display at JEEPEST
Rare shaft-drive Harley-Davidson.
Memorabilia on display at JEEPEST
Group photo taken at JEEPEST November 18, 2024.
Terry Earnest and John Cannon in front of the Ford M8 Greyhound.
At JEEPEST, we visited the owner's private collection of WWII military vehicles which includes these ambulances, a Dodge WC64 KD and a Dodge WC54.
JEEPEST is located in Ménil-aux-bois. a village of only 42 inhabitants. The town may be small, but it is the home of JEEPEST, one of the world’s largest suppliers of Jeep, Dodge and GMC parts for World War II military vehicles.
Lunch at Nid de Mirabelle was another great opportunity to form bonds.
View from the Montsec American Monument to the parking area.
After braving the elements in the walk from the bus to the monument, members of our group take temporary shelter from the rain in the Montsec American Monument.
Perched on the Butte of Montsec (alt. 1,230 feet) and dominate over the countryside around it, the World War I Montsec American Monument commemorates the achievements of the American soldiers who fought in this area in 1917 and 1918. The view from the monument is spectacular even on a cloudy, rainy day.
New marker in remembrance of Emil R. Piazza.
A plaza in Falck was dedicated to Emil R. Piazza, Company D, 378th Regiment in Falck the evening of November 17, 2024. Piazza was killed in action in nearby Merten on November 29, 1944.
Robert and Patricia Hedges take a break.
Nancy Bubb checks out Michel Voitelet’s display of P47D parts he has found from James Ryan’s crash site.
Included in the exhibition in the church was Michel Voitelet’s display of parts of a P47D he found near his home. The parts are remains from James Ryan’s crash, which killed him November 19, 1944. Michel contacted Ryan’s family in Denton, Texas, and has shared information with them. Ryan’s medals and the unopened letters his mother wrote but were not received before his death have been given to Michel by Ryan’s family.
Saint-Brice was erected in 1752 and sits on top of a promontory overlooking the village of Falck. The church is no longer used for religious services, but it is used as a hospitality room. Several collections of military artifacts were on display in the church.
Near Falck are many caves that have been dug into the rock. The caves were used as food cellars, and during WWII, they were used as shelters from the bombardments and successive attacks between the 378th Regiment and the Germans. The 378th liberated Falck on November 27, 1944.
Philippe Herr drove his Jeep to the commemoration in Momerstroff.
Joining at all the commemorations were reenactors with their WWII military vehicles. This is Thierry Becker’s GMC in Momerstroff.
A young firefighter assists Valérie Muller from the American Battle Monument Commission fold an American flag. Ms. Muller then presented the flag to Ceo Bauer.
Local school children sing and place flowers at the monument dedicated to Staff Sergeant Walter O. Brunko.
During the battle for the liberation of Momerstroff on November 26, 1944, Staff Sergeant Walter O. Brunko, Company G, 378th Regiment, was seriously wounded and brought to a first aid station set up in a local school where he succumbed to his injuries. He was awarded a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He is now buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery in Saint-Avold.
Monument dedicated to Walter O. Brunko on November 17, 2024.
Clif Twaddle, Fred Muller, Mike Flora and Momerstroff Mayor Bernard Colbus unveil a monument dedicated to Walter O. Brunko.
This memorial is dedicated to members of the Momersrtroff community who lost their lives during WWI and WWII.
The village of Momerstroff was liberated by the 378th Regiment of the 95th Infantry Division, November 26, 1944.
Members of the C.L.V.M.A. sport the new caps they had just received from the 95th Association and Foundation.
On behalf of the 95th Division Legacy Association and the 95th Division Foundation, Clif Twaddle and Mike Flora present members of the C.L.V.M.A. with 95th caps. The C.L.V.M.A. is a charter member of the Association, and the three organizations work together closely on many projects recognizing the 95th’s Iron Men.
Clif and Kathy Twaddle behind the counter at Twaddle’s Corner. This “bar” was established at the C.L.V.M.A. motorpool in 2019 and was dedicated in honor of MG Harry L. Twaddle, commanding general of the 95th ID throughout WWII and Clif’s grandfather.
Signatures from veterans of the 95th ID and others in attendance at the 65th anniversary celebrations in Créhange, November 19, 2009, are permanently displayed in the motorpool.
Within the museum at the C.L.V.M.A. motorpool is a collection of photos of soldiers from the 95th ID in World War II. These men hold a very special place in the hearts of members of the C.L.V.M.A. because these liberators helped to secure freedom from tyranny in their hometowns throughout Lorraine. As the C.L.V.M.A. receives more photos of the Iron Men of Metz, they add to their 95th wall of honor.
C.L.V.M.A. motorpool in Créhange
Thomas Grandjean drove Darcy Flora, Dave Neiman and Marsha Flora in Théo Muller’s jeep from Faulquemont to the C.L.V.M.A. motorpool. This was the lead jeep with a convoy of various WWII military vehicles following. Théo’s 1942 Willys was marked 95-378-I on the left front bumper and F1 on the right—the same markings that were on Marsha’s dad’s/Darcy’s grandfather’s jeeps during the war.
Lunch with the C.L.V.M.A. in Faulquemont November 16, 2024. Mealtime provided a great opportunity for family and friends of the 95th to meet and talk with members of the C.L.V.M.A.

November 22-24, 2024

The City of Metz and the Association Lorraine États-Unis hosted family and friends of the 95th ID November 22-24, 2024

L’Harmonie municipale de Metz, under the direction of Arnaud Tutin, performed a concert at the Jean-Marie Rausch Arsenal on the evening of November 18.
Displaced family in Pascal Goergen’s exhibit at Fort Queuleu.
Kitchen area in Pascal Goergen’s exhibit at Fort Queuleu.
Communications Center in Pascal Goergen’s exhibit at Fort Queuleu.
With the aid of his grandfather and father, Roger Goergen, Pascal Goergen has been collecting WWII military equipment used by American troops who liberated Metz since he was 16. Pascal’s collection outgrew his parents’ basement, then a small apartment, long ago. When Thierry Nicolas, President of the Fort Queuleu Association offered him space at Fort Queuleu, he was happy to accept. In August 2022, Pascal began setting up his collection in Fort Queuleu and has continued to expand his collection into a second room.
Thierry Nicolas, President of the Fort Queuleu Association, guided us through the rooms portraying daily life for the prisoners.
This poster shows portraits of some of the 1,500 to 1,800 prisoners held by the Gestapo at Fort Queuleu between October 1943 and August 1944. They include 36 who died here and many who were victims of torture inflicted by the camp commander. Most were eventually sent to concentration camps.
Never Again. It was in this place that 1,500 to 1,800 patriots were blindfolded, bound hand and foot, for days, weeks, months, sitting without moving, without speaking, kept in preventive detention before being transferred to the concentration camps. Here, there was no gas chamber, no crematorium, SS Chief Sergeant Hempen commanding this place was enough, sentenced to death by the military tribunal of Metz on April 10,1951 for the murder of 36 patriots. He was later found as a police officer in Oldenburg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Beginning in October 1943, Fort Queuleu was used by the Gestapo as an internment camp. It was not a concentration camp, but an interrogation center for captured or arrested members of the French Resistance.
The construction of Fort Queuleu, begun by the French between 1867 and 1868, was largely resumed by the Germans following the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine in 1870.
Fort Queuleu was built by the French as part of the first chain of fortifications surrounding Metz.
Noël à Metz Parade – November 23
Noël à Metz Parade – November 23
Noël à Metz Parade – November 23
Noël à Metz Parade – November 23
A wide variety of cheeses, breads, sandwiches and pastries were available at the reception.
Following the speeches at the Hôtel de Ville, a beautiful array of food was presented to those in attendance.
Clif Twaddle addresses the crowd at a reception at the Hôtel de Ville in Metz and presents 80th anniversary commemorative plaques to the Mayor of Metz, François Grosdidier and LEU President Michel Vorms.
Long-time friend of the 95th Division Legacy Association, Elisabeth Goergen, attended the reception at the Hôtel de Ville in Metz, November 22, 2024.
The City of Metz and the LEU organized a torch procession on the Place d’Arms the evening of Friday, November 22, 2024.
The City of Metz arranged a jazz concert on the Place d’Arms on the evening of Friday, November 22, 2024.
Artist Marc Chagall was a pioneer of Modernism and a master of stained glass. While in his 70s, Chagall began painting glass windows for the Metz Cathedral. This medium allowed him to create intense colors with the added benefit of natural light and refraction interacting and constantly changing—everything from the position where the viewer stood to the weather outside would alter the visual effect.
One of the cathedral’s oldest windows is the grand rose window on the west facade. The rose window was created in 1384 by Hermann of Münster. The window is 36 feet in diameter and is made up of eight rounded petals, each inscribed with a different biblical character. In recognition of his substantial work, Hermann of Münster is buried in the cathedral.
When Metz celebrated the cathedral’s 800th birthday in 2020, the State made a public request to create modern glass windows. The Korean artist Kimsooja won the public contest. Kimsooja’s rainbow-colored windows are placed in the middle level and are entitled To Breathe.
Nearly two-thirds of the glass windows in the cathedral were created during the Renaissance.
With nearly 70,000 square feet of stained glass, Saint Stephen Cathedral is known as The Good Lord's Lantern. The cathedral is home to the largest expanse of stained glass in the world.
Interior of Saint Stephen Cathedral
Interior of Saint Stephen Cathedral
Saint Stephen Cathedral in Metz
Saint Stephen Cathedral in Metz
One of many wreaths placed at the base of the Eagle monument at Fort Bellecroix.
Ceremony at the Eagle at Fort Bellecroix.
Ceremonies at the 95th Infantry Division's Eagle at Fort Bellecroix were held the afternoon of November 22. The cold, windy and snowy day made us remember and appreciate what our fathers, grandfathers and uncles endured during the winter of 1944-1945 as they fought for liberation in Europe.
Darcy Flora helps with the planting in remembrance of her grandfather, Edward DeWayne Snell, Co. F, 378th Reg.
Nancy Duno Broadway helps to plant an oak tree in remembrance of her father, Anthony Duno, Co. G, 379th Reg. and the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Metz.
Mayor François Grosdidier and 95th Division Legacy Association President Clif Twaddle plant a holm oak (Quereus ilex) in commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Metz.
L'Harmonie municipale de Metz, under the direction of Arnaud Tutin, performed a concert at the Jean-Marie Rausch Arsenal on the evening of November 18.
Celebrating 80 years since the liberation of Metz, the orchestra played a mixture of music dedicated to American culture, ranging from film music from The Longest Day, Saving Private Ryan and Brothers in Arms to a mixture of Glenn Miller jazz.