The Untold Story of George and Simone Stalnaker

Len spoke of trying to learn from his father’s what he did in WW II, but his father could never really speak of his experience.  The war was led by the Greatest Generation and these vets who are now in their mid-90’s are dying at a rapid rate.  The inability to talk of their war experiences was common.  They often replied that they were merely following their responsibilities as a soldier.  That was all they could say.  A friend of Len’s discovered a trunk in their attic with letters and stories documented the World War experience.  It was this information that formed the basis of the book.  Len presented a short LCD slide presentation about the characters in his book.

 

The background of Simone Stalnaker was that of a French socialite living in southern France on the Riviera.  The hero of the story was George Stalnaker from Des Moines, Iowa.  George and Simone were born worlds apart but shared the characteristics of having bravery and heroism that was demonstrated by their service and roles in World War II.  Simone joined the French resistance and fought behind the scenes in France.  George was a reconnaissance pilot flying the B-26. 

 

Simone was captured in 1944 and the interrogation by the Nazis’ began.  She survived as the only one of 13 prisoners captured on the same day in which she was taken.  Endless interrogation and brutal psychological tactics were applied while she was held.  When she was released, she resumed her work with the French Resistance.

 

On George’s final mission, 7/8/1944, they bombed the last bridge the Nazi’s could use to reinforce the troops heading to attack the Allies and Normandy beach.  He bailed out as the plane was going down and was rescued by the French Resistance shortly ahead of the German’s who were in pursuit.  He was kept hidden in a French farmhouse.  The owners’ used the home as a saboteur’s headquarters.  He received the Silver Star for his service in the war.

 

George meets Simone at the liberation of Paris.  They meet, fall in love and he proposes on the day the Germans surrender.  They are married 9/4/1945.  They moved to Levittown, NY and had 5 children.  At age 45, Simone was overcome with cancer and died.  George died at age 83 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. 

 

Len did an excellent job presenting this somber, but riveting story.  He stayed after to sign books for members who wished to purchase one.