The French Connection

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman David Dobrydney
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
VILLIERS-LE-SEC, France --  Today the 48th Fighter Wing is known for its home in England; that wasn't always the case.

From 1952 to 1967, the 48th Fighter Bomber Wing, predecessor to the 48th FW, operated out of Chaumont Air Base, located in northeastern France, with 75 jets and 2,500 American Airmen at its peak.

Recently, a group of French citizens who fondly remember the days of G.I.s and big cars held an exhibition of American memorabilia near the base.

"I've been on many [temporary duties], and this has probably been the best one," said Lt. Col. Raymond Reyes, 48th Contracting Squadron commander, who represented the 48th Fighter Wing at the event.

Also in attendance was Maj. Ellis Kinzer, 494th Fighter Squadron assistant director of operations. Currently serving his third tour at Lakenheath, Major Kinzer volunteered to come to Villiers-le-Sec to learn more about the unit he serves today.

"I love [RAF] Lakenheath and didn't know much about this part of [the wing's] history," he said.

The exhibition was sponsored by the Chaumont Air Base Association, which is made up of former French base employees, and the Chaumont Militaria Association, which provided several artifacts for display. In addition to historic uniforms, photos and equipment; there was American food, music and a mock-up of the original base entry gate.

CABA President Maurice Leseur worked at Chaumont AB as a supply warehouse supervisor and later as an interpreter for the Air Police. He remembered the striking contrast between the base, with its jet aircraft and modern appliances, and the surrounding French community.

"The base was a window into the United States," said Mr. Leseur. "It was a different world."

Mr. Leseur was one of 500 French citizens employed by the base. Another was Jacky Rusnov, who spearheaded the exhibition. Mr. Rusnov's father also worked on the base as a heating maintenance man. One Christmas, Mr. Rusnov and his siblings were invited to a party on the base.

"It was really something to see the planes and huge cars," Mr. Rusnov said.
Mr. Rusnov was only briefly employed as a caretaker as the Americans departed Chaumont in the late 1960s. However, the strong bonds with the American servicemembers never left him, and when the exhibition was first conceived, inviting members of the current 48th FW was immediately considered.

"We are delighted you were able to come," he said. "We wanted to meet real Airmen, and your presence has enhanced our event."

Besides attending the exhibition, the two officers and their families were given a tour of the base, where several of the American-built facilities still stand and are now used by the French army. They also toured the nearby town of Chaumont, which has links to the American Armed Forces dating back to World War I.

At that time, U.S. Army General John Pershing maintained his headquarters at a chateau in the city while his troops trained at a barracks down the street. Both buildings still exist today.

When it was time to return to RAF Lakenheath, Colonel Reyes and Major Kinzer were left very impressed at the history France and the United States share and the friendliness of the French people.

"It's amazing the affection the French have for the Americans even after all these years," said Major Kinzer.

Colonel Reyes and Major Kinzer returned the courtesy and gratitude shown to them by presenting squadron memorabilia to the event coordinators.

"Thank you for inviting us and showing your hospitality," said Colonel Reyes. "It was an honor and a pleasure to represent the wing."