317th Troop Carrier Wing C-130 Crash Memorial

Bill Lloyd, on September 2, 2008, said:

This Memorial is deep in a forest at the actual crash site. The 317th Veterans Group had been searching for its location for a long time. It was finally located in July, 2008, and visited by veterans of the 317th TCW from Evreux-Fauville Air Base. It had been "lost" for many years.

317th Veterans Group

edmerck, on October 15, 2008, said:

I'm proud to have had the friendship of Ed Vianco and Stan Hardin. They were good people and excellent aviators. It's good to know about this memorial to them and the others who gave their lives in helping to win the Cold War.

More about them and their partners in that effort is at Evreux Alumni

Gelle, on October 16, 2008, said:

Although this unfortunate crash occured after my tour of duty at Evreux,I do feel very proud as a member of the 317th and having common bonds with these brave Servicemen that this Memorial represents. Pete Peters.

Daniel R. Boone, on October 18, 2008, said:

I was working the night shoft with Sgt. Orr along with Crew Chief Davis, Burns and I believe Evans when this happened. We were waiting for our "birds" to come home so we could put them to bed. After about 30 minutes to an hour after all the others had landed Sgt. Orr notified the tower and a search was started. It was right before my tour of duty ended. It was a sad time for all of us that knew most of those aboard. I think the aircraft number was 524. Can anyone verify this?

chuckburford, on October 19, 2008, said:

I was an FE in the 40th at the time. The next day the crews were talking about how bad the weather was and they should not have gone. They ( a/c commanders) called out headings over the radio and called ATC for an IFR flt plan and started climbing while they waited. They kept calling leader and never got an answer. The weather was solid all the way up with tops between 25k/30k. The loadmaster was TED Shedelebower,a close friend and drinking buddy at the Paragola. Zero McCarthy,Pepperbelly--Chico Garnica,Vince Fierro and many others hung out there. I was in the barracks, a couple days later, when they came to clean out his wall locker. It was said that I was on the schedule, on lead, but was late coming up from Athens and Bob Conway replaced me. I never asked sceduling if it was a fact. I used to have a program from the Memorial Service, but can't seem to find it. That's the PTSD in me and the wife protects me from that sort of stuff. Chuck

Steven C. Hardin, on May 20, 2009, said:

1st Lt. Stanley C. Hardin was my father. I was 15 months old when he was killed. I have no memories of him, that is why I am so grateful to see these photos and read your comments. Thank you for remembering these servicemen and their families. I hope to be able to visit the actual crash site myself one of these days. Steve

gayle lacy, on August 13, said:

My dad was Ed Vianco. I was seven years old then and 55 now, but I remember the day we heard the news like it was yesterday. Life changing. I live in Waco, Tx and would appreciate anyone's input. Gayle Vianco Lacy (254) 772-5792 gvlacy@gmail.com