1LT H.Braly Propeller Memorial
Details:
Inside the church under a stained glass window dedicated by the members of the 383rd Fighter Squadron.
Monument
The propeller from LT Braly's P-51 fighter, which crashed in the town after he attacked a German supply train containing highly explosive material. The propeller was salvaged by locals, hidden from the Germans, and fashioned into a memorial. It is now displayed in the church in front of an American flag.
From American Air Museum Britain website:
Assigned to 383 Fighter Squadron, 364 Fighter Group, 8th US Air Force. Best friend of Lt Roy C Blaha. Failed to Return (FTR) strafing mission to NE Paris in P-51D 44-13797, his element strafed a camouflaged train in a siding, on the fourth pass, out of ammo and following his element leader, who still had ammo, flew through massive explosion from train, which ripped off the A/C's wings and tail. Crashed Remy, near Compiegne. Pilot Lt Houston L Braly Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 8672.
The plane landed in a garden in the front of a house, setting the house afire. As the house had running water, the villagers were able to quickly extinguish it. Next, they did their best to extricate the body of Lt Houston Braly. The fallen pilot's body was carried to a nearby building and wrapped in the silk of his parachute and covered with fresh flowers. Later, having been interred in Remy cemetery, those villagers would defy Nazi orders and continue to pile his gravesite with flowers.
A memorial and stained glass window at the Remy Church also remember 1LT Braly.
A plaque also remembers 1LT Braley near the crash site nearby (See site Remy).
Monument Text:
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
364th Fighter Group
383rd Fighter Squadron, 364th Fighter Group
8th Air Force
United States Air Force
Wars:
WWII
Other images :
