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CARNAUN NATIONAL SCHOOL 

       His Excellency James C. Kenny US Ambassador in Ireland recently visited Athenry to commorate the 60th anniversery of the crash landing of a B17 Flying Fortress Bomber in Athenry in 1943 during WW11and the repatriation of its passengers who were top US Army generals. 

At this commemoration  "Eagles Over Ireland" by Paul Browne which records this historic event and tells the story of one of Ireland's best kept WW11 secrets.  

Thankfully there were no casualties! 

    Three of the most senior officers went on to have some of the most important roles in WWII and indeed developing the nations of the world in the post war period. 
    Jacob Loucks Devers was appointed a 4 Star General for his role in the final push in Southern Europe as Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean Theatre. He went on to become Commander in Chief of all US Army Ground Forces. 

     Edward Hale Brooks also became a General in the US Army having led the “Hell on Wheels” 2nd Armoured Division through the breakout at St Lo, Cherbourg, France, to the surrender of German forces in Austria, continuing in memorable service in Korea. 

     General Gladeon M. Barnes representing the US Army switched on the first computer in the world able to process the IF function.  The computer was called ENIAC. 

     This book was recently launched in Mellows Agricultural College, Athenry - 06.12.2003. 
Guests of honour were Minister of State Noel Treacy TD and our newly appointed US ambassador in Ireland, James C. Kenny who was delighted with his visit to Athenry. The first book he bought was for his friend Colin Powell,US Secretary of State. 
 
     This historic event had never been commemorated and is just within the compass of some individuals alive today to remember the visit of the B17.   
The intention of the committe which consisted of Finbarr O'Regan, Paul Browne and Gerry Ahern was over the course of a weekend to mark the occasion in a few ways.  
1. Launch Project by marking the 60th Anniversary Day 
2. Launch a permanent display in the local Heritage Centre and Unveil Memorials in Teagasc Office Mellows College the scene of the crash landing and at the Athenry Heritage Centre 
3. Publish a book recording the facts insofar as they are known.  

Item number 1 is an acknowledgement of the bravery of these particular men and the influence they went on to have in the creation of the New Europe we now live in. Exactly one year later these men were commanding forces in fierce engagements on the southern flanks of the ‘Battle of the Bulge’.  It should be understood that the Irish nation was neutral during WWII and the role of the Irish Authorities on such occasions probably should have been to inter these men in a camp until all hostilities had ceased. 
However history shows that every effort was successfully made to repatriate these men to their commands.  General Jacob Loucks Devers acknowledged this fact to the Irish Government when he met with Mr. F. H. Boland, Secretary of the Irish Department for External Affairs saying that a debt of gratitude was owed to the Irish for the kindness and understanding shown on this occasion. 

Item number 2 will maintain this moment of contemporary history in the minds and memory of the Athenry Community and all the visitors to the Heritage Centre.  The display will clearly reinforce the strong links that have existed between the Irish and American nations, particularly the relationship with the West of Ireland where many Americans come to visit in order to experience the welcome and hospitality. 

Item number 3 is the ‘Take-away’ element of the project, it’s a good story and one that can be easily told.  Our book "Eagles over Ireland" allows us to reflect upon the times and the people involved. 

This book is on sale here in County Galway and is available directlty from this email address at carnaun.ias@eircom.net  

BAILE ÁTHA 'N RÍ