American Bombers Razed His Town; Now He Flies Their Flag: 80 Years After D-Day

Yves Fauvel, who was six years old when Allied warplanes devastated his hometown during World War II, is commemorating D-Day 80 years later by proudly flying an American flag from his car. Despite the traumatic memories of the destruction that Saint-Lô endured, Fauvel holds no animosity towards the United States, recognizing the necessity of the bombardment for his liberation.

Remembering the Horror:

• Personal Recollections: Fauvel vividly recalls the D-Day bombardment: the sky filled with American bombers, the screams from families trapped in the debris, and the sight of a man outside a church with both legs torn off.
• Survival and Shelter: His family took refuge in a Nazi-built bomb shelter. They endured two days of relentless bombing, sharing the cramped space with about 700 others, witnessing surgeries performed without anesthetic, and births occurring amid the chaos.

A Complicated Memory:

• Mixed Emotions: For nearly 80 years, Fauvel found it too painful to discuss his experiences. However, he now chooses to share his story, reflecting a broader movement in France to balance the narrative of liberation with the acknowledgment of civilian suffering.
• Official Recognition: French President Emmanuel Macron, in a speech scheduled in Saint-Lô, aims to honor the civilians who perished and to acknowledge the complex legacy of the Allied invasion.

Collective Memory and Reconciliation:

• Sacrifice for Freedom: While the bombardment brought massive destruction, it was also the prelude to liberation. Saint-Lô, a strategic German base, was essential to the Allied efforts, and its destruction was seen as a necessary sacrifice.
• Historical Perspective: The Battle of Normandy resulted in approximately 20,000 French civilian deaths. This less-told aspect of D-Day contrasts with the more commonly highlighted heroism of Allied soldiers.

Personal Connections:

• Veteran Encounters: At a D-Day commemoration ceremony, NBC News spoke with 1st Lt. Edward L. "Bud" Berthold, who piloted one of the bombers that targeted Saint-Lô. Berthold expressed relief and honor at the respect shown by the townspeople.
• Community Sentiment: Many residents, including those with firsthand or family-told experiences, express gratitude towards the American liberators despite the destruction.

Historical Legacy:

• Saint-Lô's Transformation: After the war, there were debates about leaving the town in ruins as a war monument. However, it was eventually rebuilt, partly with American assistance, symbolizing reconstruction and renewal.
• Cultural Integration: Today, American flags and tributes to U.S. military units are common in Saint-Lô and other Normandy towns, reflecting the deep bond formed through shared history.

Individual Stories:

• Andrée Auvray: An 18-year-old newlywed during D-Day, Auvray helped treat wounded American paratroopers and gave birth shortly after the invasion. Her story exemplifies the resilience and bravery of the civilians who lived through the occupation and liberation.
• Jeanine Verove: Chairperson of Saint-Lô 44-Roanoke, Verove highlights the town's enduring gratitude towards American veterans and the complex legacy of wartime survival and liberation.

This D-Day anniversary, as Saint-Lô and other Normandy towns commemorate their liberation, they also reflect on the profound sacrifices and the enduring friendship forged in the fires of war.