The Veterans In The StoryAccording to the Veterans Administration (2015), about 465 veterans who served during World War II die each day. “There’s no time to lose,” said Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller President and CEO of National WWII Museum. “We want to be able to finish and dedicate our expansion while we still have members of the Greatest Generation to thank for their sacrifice and service to the nation and to show the world what they mean to the principle of freedom.” Beginning
in 2006, the following U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Army Air Corps,
Army Nurse Corps, and Afrika Korps veterans, (fifty or more), were
interviewed for the story. The journeys covered distances from
California to New England and as far south as Florida. In October of
2010 I was fortunate to reach several German veterans in Dresden who
served in the Afrika Korps. Of particular interest was Rudolph
Schneider, (one of General Rommel's drivers). Other interesting stories
were provided by an Army Nurse Corps veteran, Elsie Perch who
served in North Africa and a French female Liaison Officer, Simone
Faflick. Simone kept detailed diaries regarding the
invasion of North Africa and the assassination of Admiral Darlan.
There's additional interviews with Coast Guard, Army, and
Army Ordinance Historians, as well as Wolfgang Buschan, Historian for
the Afrika Korps. Before editing the original interviews varied between one to
five hours. Although the families received the compete
interview, only pertinent sections will be
implemented in the project. The
interviews were arranged
after careful research, trust, and written
permission. With no film crew or major funding, most of this was
accomplished 'solo'. With a Jeep load of equipment, the
freedom of the open road, and occasional plane trips, I took to the task. The families opened their
homes and I'll never forget their friendship, trust,
and generosity. Although brief written
highlights of the
interviews are provided here, be sure to play some of the video excerpts from the 'Previews' page. Racing
against time we bid
farewell to this 'Greatest Generation' who sacrificed dearly and shared so much.          This independent documentary is not intended to be a comprehensive account of the war in North Africa 1942-43. The completed film will feature rare interviews from veterans connected to the story. The search to locate veterans within this time frame was very difficult. With no funding and a small film crew who sporadically assisted with re-creations, the bulk of production falls upon one individual. Contributions of any kind are welcomed. northafricaww2survivors@gmail.com Photos, illustrations, art work or interviews may not be reproduced, copied, stored, manipulated or redistributed without the expressed permission of the author. Michael Fraticelli - North Africa 1942-43 Survivors' Stories © 2015 |
