Forget me not: Dutch citizens honor allied airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Though excitement filled the hearts of hundreds of people gathered in the municipality of Giessenlanden, Netherlands, a hint of sadness floated like mist through the air.

The May 2, 2015 ceremony, honored the aircrews of six allied aircraft that crashed in the municipality of Giessenlanden as a result of air combat over Holland. Of the 36 aircrew members, 14 were killed and the others were captured by German forces. 

"The ceremony was celebratory yet still somber," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ike Williams, 31st Fighter Wing Inspector General Complaints Resolution chief. "There was great excitement but it was still very respectful."

The ceremony was attended by more than 50 relatives of the aircrew, a member of the Dutch Royal family, local and embassy officials, U.S. Air Force and other Allied military representation, as well as hundreds of Dutch citizens.

The day's proceedings held significance to Williams because his maternal grandfather was one of the crewmembers. On June 6, 1943, U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Harold Russell, a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot was shot down near the town of Arkel. 

"He was stationed in England with 337th [Bombardment Squadron, Heavy]," explained Williams. "While on a combat mission to bomb a German factory, his plane was shot down on the way back by German fighters."

Luckily, all ten members of Russell's crew were able to bail out of the aircraft. Russell was fortunate to survive the downing of his aircraft and receive assistance from Arkel locals, his luck ran out as he tried to make his way to the Dutch underground. He was captured and held captive by the Germans for two years. 

To show their appreciation to the airmen who endured the hardships of being a prisoner of war and sacrificed their lives, local society members of the municipality of Giessenlanden raise money to install a monument.

"The trip and the visit filled in a lot of details for me and my family that we didn't know," said Williams. "It was like a pilgrimage to me. It was deeply profound because my grandfather rarely talked about being shot down and his subsequent imprisonment."

Williams stressed his gratitude to the Arkel family who risked their lives helping his grandfather after the crash.

"Just imagine ten aircrew members being scattered across your town and the Germans scattering to capture them," he said. "They're in a bind too when trying to assist the aircrew; if they had been caught they would have been killed. This family was very aware of the sacrifices these allied airmen had made and they showed that to us."

According to Williams, the opportunity to witness how appreciative the natives are was a heartwarming experience.

"One of the people I met told me my grandfather was considered a hero in this town," said Williams. "I felt proud of the legacy my grandfather and the other aircrew members left because without exception, everybody who listened to the speeches and watched the ceremony gained a greater appreciation for the sacrifices that are required to maintain freedom."