The Sosbees in France in 1962: (l–r) Ruth, Donna, Herbert, Danny, Linda. Master Sergeant Herbert D. Sosbee was posted to the U.S. Army base in Verdun, France, in 1961 after active war time duty in Korea. His wife, Ruth, and three children – Linda, Danny, and Donna – joined him in 1962. During their two–year stay in France, the Sosbees traveled throughout Europe and loved every minute. Linda spent two adolescent years at the Verdun American High School before the family returned to Ft. Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. Even though she has kept up with her Verdun classmates, she had never returned to the scene of the crime…that is, until last August.

Our hosts, Benedicte and Olivier, packed up two–year–old Thomas, and we headed out to fulfill Linda’s 45–year dream to return to Verdun. The day trip from Nancy to Verdun through the French farmland was delightful. Huge modern windmills turned in slow motion above fields of hay rolled up in plastic bags. Along the banks of lazy rivers, farmers guided their tractors delicately through rows of grapevines destined for the wine presses.

The Cholley family now lives where the Sosbees lived in 1962–1964. As we approached Verdun, a tear fell from Linda’s cheek. “It was such a good time in Verdun. My family, my friends, wonderful teachers, lots of travel, and exciting times. I know it has changed. We might not even be able to find our house,” she said.

However, it wasn’t long before she began to find landmarks. “Olivier, turn left. Our home is in there. Georgia Avenue! Americas Avenue! Florida Avenue! Where’s Pershing, our street? Wait, stop, there’s our house!”

The sign on the mailbox

read, “M. et Mme Alain

Windmills and farmland were a pleasant site on the road from Nancy to Verdun.

Cholley, 12 Avenue de Lorraine.”

A man in a T–shirt and shorts working in the yard greeted us, and as Benedicte translated, Linda gleefully explained the situation. Alain and his wife eagerly showed Linda through their home. She relived her childhood memories, room by room.

It was a wonderful experience for Linda. Memories of her teenage years rushed forward. She sobbed, pointed at this room, that window, blurted out good time stories. A true Verdun catharsis.

Next week: Verdun the City

“That was my bedroom!” says Linda.
Linda recognized this pizzeria as a tavern near her house in Verdun in 1962.
Linda knew we were near her Verdun home when she spotted Kennedy Avenue.