The Foreign Service Journal, April 2004

crew and the crews of other planes on that mission. Based on that infor- mation, he managed to locate sever- al surviving members of the “Black Swan” crew, with whom he now cor- responds regularly. His work culmi- nated in 1998 (the 55th anniversary of the crash), when, in a grassy field at the “Keranacreach” farm near the village of Keriquel, in the Bannelec area of South Brittany, a small mem- orial service took place. It was attended by crew members of the “Black Swan,” a U.S. Air Force dele- gation, representatives of U.S. Army Air Corps Veterans, the French Air Force Color Guard, some French Resistance veterans, and many of the witnesses who had helped with the research. A delegate from the U.S. embassy was also in attendance. As a group of local musicians played “Amazing Grace,” the superinten- dent of the American Cemetery of Brittany undid the tricolor ribbon holding a piece of parachute fabric, which fell away to reveal a granite memorial stone. On the stone — designed, paid for and installed by Mr. Carnot — was an epitaph in French and English for the two lost crew members. Now the memory of the “Black Swan” will truly keep fly- ing in everyone’s memory. I had planned to meet Mr. Carnot for the 60th anniversary of the crash. But it turned out I was the Information Programs Center duty person that day, and with the raised terrorism threat level, I decided to stay close to Paris. I look forward to the first warm days of spring so I can visit this memo- rial, as much a dedication to one man’s perseverance as to the memory of two Americans who gave their lives to lib- erate Europe. Then we can make a pilgrimage to Normandy together, a Frenchman and an American. There, on the cliffs overlooking the sea, I plan to lay some flowers on the graves of 2nd Lt. Stuart B. Mendelson, Pilot and Tech/Sgt. Richard G. Hensley, Top Turret Gunner, the two members of the “Black Swan” crew that never made it home. 60 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / A P R I L 2 0 0 4 The older man related every detail of that fateful night when the quiet night sky was shattered by gunfire and explosions. We offer spacious beautifully appointed suites which are ideal for business or pleasure. Our One Bedroom Suites: full kitchens, stovetops, refrigerators, dishwashers and dinette area, living rooms with sleep sofas, master bedroom and full bath. There’s more . . . those on full per diem at $150.00 + tax daily rate receive: • 2 times/week receive a $22 coupon for dinner at a local participating restaurant • Continental breakfast • Weekly buffet dinner • Daily maid service • Free local calls • Health club • Internet access in lobby • Weekend transport to local hot spots For example: Potomac Mills Mall or Mt. Vernon! Experience the Appealing Charm … 108 South Courthouse Road 610 Bashford Lane Arlington, VA 22204 Alexandria, VA 22314 703-522-2582 (club) 703-739-2582 arlington@dcexeclub.com alexandria@dcexeclub.com Two Convenient Locations: Our “Rosslyn” Guests are moving to our Arlington or Alexandria locations.... Executive Club Suites still offers dedicated units for our Foreign Service guests! In addition to all the service, amenities and courteous staff you have been used to, we offer more . . . • Electronic locks on guest rooms • 3 miles to NFATC RT shuttle • RT Grocery pickup weekly • Outdoor pool & Jacuzzi in fabulous setting • Grilling area We accept the first sliding per diem (your 100% for 60 days, then the 50% reduction w/weekly maid & w/o meal coupons.) Central Reservations: 703-739-2582 extension 1405 www.execlubdc.com or reservations@dcexeclub.com