Marie Bastien, a 94-year-old resident of Saint-Ellier-les-Bois, France, vividly remembers the American fighter plane being shot down near her village almost 80 years ago. She has worked hard to keep the memory of 1st Lt. Paul Chaufty, the pilot who died that day, alive in her community. Chaufty was shot down during World War II on August 13, 1944, as he was on a reconnaissance mission in his P-47 Thunderbolt plane. He bailed out of his aircraft, but his parachute failed to open, leading to his death in a nearby field. Bastien’s father found Chaufty’s body and was able to identify him from his dog tags.
After Chaufty’s death, his body was temporarily buried in a military cemetery near the town of Gorron before being repatriated to his hometown in New York. Bastien has worked tirelessly to honor Chaufty’s memory, and last week, a plaque was unveiled in Saint-Ellier-les-Bois in his honor. Chaufty’s great niece, Nicole Saunders, who knew little about her great uncle, expressed her gratitude for the efforts of Bastien and her family to preserve Chaufty’s legacy. Saunders and her family were able to connect with Chaufty’s French relatives through a genealogist and have since formed a close bond.
During the plaque unveiling ceremony, Saunders described the experience as emotional and touching, especially since it brought together Chaufty’s American and French relatives. The event symbolized the shared history and sacrifice of soldiers like Chaufty who fought to liberate France from Nazi occupation during World War II. Local residents marked the crash site of Chaufty’s plane with an American flag, showcasing the gratitude and remembrance felt by the community for the sacrifices made by Allied forces during the war.
Saunders highlighted the significance of Bastien’s dedication to preserving Chaufty’s memory, noting that her efforts have allowed the younger generations to understand the impact of the war on families like theirs. The ceremony in Saint-Ellier-les-Bois was attended by historians, hobbyists, and residents who all came together to honor Chaufty’s memory. The event was broadcast by an amateur radio operator, underscoring the importance of commemorating the sacrifices made by soldiers like Chaufty for future generations.
Despite facing health challenges, Bastien was determined to attend the ceremony and expressed her happiness at seeing the efforts to honor Chaufty’s memory come to fruition. The event served as a reminder of the lasting impact of war on communities and the importance of remembering those who fought and died for freedom. Through Bastien’s dedication and the collaboration of Chaufty’s family, his legacy continues to be honored and cherished almost 80 years after his death.
