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Sixty years ago, on October 8, 1944, the 80th Division with its 702nd Tank Battalion was near the Seille River attacking the town of Nomeny, France.  Company A, 702nd Tank Battalion Red Devils were involved in the attack.  The "A" Co. diary entry for 8 October's attack reports: "Tanks left at 6:00 A.M. for attack.  Took objective.  Shelled town of Nomeny with 75mm high explosive and 30 caliber.  Passed over 200 prisoners to infantry.  Three tanks hit landmines on the attack.  T/5 Bernard Loughead killed in action.  Tank hit landmine and when crew was dismounting, he jumped on a mine, which blew his head and two legs off.  P.F.C. Rudy Heckard, same tank as Loughead.  He was hit by shrapnel."  The following day, Jack Manning was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism: ” T/5 John W. Manning, ("On 9 October 1944, while the unit to which he was attached was making an attack upon heavily fortified enemy installations, Tech 5 Manning drove his tank to the vicinity of a disabled friendly tank and despite raking enemy fire and in full view of the enemy, dismounted and rescued a wounded comrade, returning him to safety.")  Awarded the Bronze Star."

Bernard Loughead was a good friend to Jack Manning.  Jack never forgot his old friend whose life was cut so short.  Recently, Jack made the trip back to France to visit his friend one last time.  When I learned of Jack's planned trip, I suggested that he should get together with our dear friend, Dr. Pierre Peiffer.  Gentleman that he is, Pierre offered up his home and all the hospitality he could provide.  He volunteered to act as escort and guide to Jack Manning and his family.  In no time, Jack & his family grew to love this generous Frenchman as much as I.  He is such a good-hearted man; you cannot help but love Pierre!  Together, Jack Manning and Pierre went to the American Lorraine Cemetery to visit Bernard Loughead's grave.