50th Aero Squadron Harold Goettler & Erwin Bleckley to be Honored at Remicourt, France - October 7, 2009

Organizer Jerry Hester Biography

Jerry L. Hester. Graduate Mechanical Engineer, North Carolina State University, 1953. Former U.S. Air Force Officer, 429th Fighter Bomber Squadron. Served in the Defense Industry for over 25 years engaged in such leading edge technologies as electronic reconnaissance, electronic warfare, tactical & strategic weapons development, laser guided weapons, aerial gunships, night vision both ground and air operations. President of his own firm, Interdyne Corporation, for 35 years in Prime Contractor support operations world wide in U.S. Military logistic, construction and facilities support in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, Ecuador & the United States.

His interest in World War I aviation stems from early childhood during the age of early flights in open bi-wing aircraft & Ford Tri-motors that offered a thrilling ride for $3 dollars. He then witnessed the World War II activity at his local airport, always visiting any new aircraft that landed. A lost chapter was filled when a neighbor was describing World War I as he had served in the infantry. Local library and monuments served as catalyst to seek more information over the years. After ten trips into the World War I battle areas of French, British and American sectors, museums & monuments the natural marriage of WWI & it's aviation become his focus in later years of study & research. The lack of proper memorials to the American Aviation Squadrons and the U.S. Air Service was apparent in France.

It was his idea to start The 91st Anniversary Remicourt Aerodrome Project which served to not only attempt to recognize the U.S. Air Service and some of it's active Squadrons during the important Meuse-Argonne Offensive in Sept-Nov 1918, but also to recognize the actual site of the last flight of two Medal of Honor winners, Lieutenants Goettler & Bleckley, in their exploits attempting to re-supply & locate the 77th Division "Lost Battalion".

Local French people were contacted and much cooperation received in starting the Remicourt Aerodrome Project. Only private initiative could have created the Project and its eventual evolution to a premier Event to include a U.S. Senator, the American Embassy, Paris, the American Battle Monuments Commission, the local WWI American Cemetery Superintendants, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Headquarters USAF Europe, the French Government & the Departments of the Meuse & Marne, the families of the Aviators, Goettler & Bleckley, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the League of World War I Aviation Historians, the Kansas State Military Museum, American Press, French Press and TV, WW I era aviation enthusiasts, local French authorities and the general public not to mention the organization of a flight by a vintage WWI aircraft to add realism.

A small seed has grown into a very nice project. Sadly to say, there has been very little American corporate interest or assistance toward sponsoring the Project. The financial aspects have been handled for the most part by private individuals. Presently, retired and living in Winston Salem, NC.

Also see:

50th Aero Squadron Event at Remicourt, France - October 7, 2009
Harold Goettler & Erwin Bleckley Ceremony - Directions and Agenda
Event organizer Jerry Hester Biography
50th Aero Squadron Remicourt, France - Event Plan
File under:

United States Air Service
USAS
Medal of Honor
American 77th Division "Lost Battalion"
Harold Goettler
Erwin Bleckley
Remicourt, France