“GONE FOR THE WIND” : A NEW EPILOGUE FOR AMERICA’S GREATEST STORY c Dr. F.William Troost, September 2011

In her words, “Nothing that has happened to me before has ever pleased and touched me so much as this honor.” Margaret Mitchell Marsh is perhaps the greatest American author if judged by sales of her blockbuster novel, “Gone with the Wind” coupled with the extraordinary box office success of David O. Selznick’s film version of the story. Most critics believe the book was her greatest accomplishment. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the publication of GWTW. Her words in the initial sentence of this article do not refer to “Gone with the Wind.” They refer to what she and a young French military pilot accomplished in the town of Vimoutiers France after the conclusion of World War II.

It was 1940. It was a long and dangerous adventure that connected two 19 year old French Prep School graduates, Denis Barois and Jean-Marc Pineau, to one of the worlds great authors. They had no idea they

would cross two oceans, and take 6 month’s to find the “Road to Tara.” As they sat together in a school café in Paris they discussed leaving their families, their closest friends, their worldly belongings, and their country. Life controlled by the Natzi’s was simply unacceptable They realized the risks they were about to take. Both had been successful academically. They had strong confidence in their convictions. Both had received notification from the German occupation forces, they were to report for work in a manufacturing plant to build war goods used to capture France, and those who might be next. They had been instructed to report to the local city hall for processing. They decided to take a direction of their own making. The

primary goal was to cross the Pyrenees mountains into Spain and to seek freedom. Denis and Jean Marc had learned of an organization or “passeurs” who for a fee would provide false identification cards, train tickets to Bordeaux France, including a bed and food, and a pass to freedom. They were required to jump the train just before it entered Bordeaux so as not to be detected. With no hesitation they decided to leave France. They would not be taking suit cases. They had no money, and they had no weapons. They would be walking by foot, traveling only at night through highly dangerous areas occupied by

armed German troops. They walked for 3 nights and traveled a total distance of 90 miles. They stopped at various ranches during the day where they received enough food to survive. If caught, the Germans could torture or kill them, (or imprison) their families or friends. Jean and Denis knew of others who had met this fate. For these reasons, they informed no one of this daring scheme.

During the hour before departure, Denis decided to tell his father of the plan that was about to unfold. In an emotional moment, father Barois presented his son with a gold coin to be used for whatever was needed to protect his life. With that simple gesture, the road was before them. Jean-Marc and Denis successfully conquered the hills without being detected.

Both men were not especially trained with mountaineering skills. They made it over the top and into Spain. Succeeding was an accomplishment, but they soon discovered a tough new obstacle. Their outward appearance was more easily recognized as foreign. Spain, as an ally of Germany, had endorsed bounty hunters called “Carabinero’s” who were looking for French escapee’s. Jean and Denis were picked up in a truck and treated well by the carabineros. They were supposed to be delivered to the French consulate but instead were taken to “La Carcel Modelo de Pamplona” -a jail. They were placed in a cell designed for a single person along with 10 other inmates. All of the following things occurred less than a week after departure. Little did they know this was to be their residence for the next 4 months. Was there physical torture? No. Instead, the men quickly learned the problem was food, water, and extreme high temperatures. Spaniard’s in general were suffering from the difficulty of obtaining food. The captives would not describe their imprisonment as hospitable. They had never experienced dealing with starvation. Dealing with hunger, desperation, and loneliness was most difficult. Hunger became so acute they started to feel the effects of amnesia. They were having trouble remembering their names. Using past knowledge, they decided to divide their time into ten minute memory drills. Denis took 10 minutes to teach all he could remember about History to Jean-Marc. Jean-Marc, 10 minutes of mathematical concepts to Denis. They sang musical favorites. Using this strategy, time in captivity became more manageable. (In a personal interview with Phillippe Barois (son of Denis) in 2009, it was learned that songs shared between Denis and Jean-Marc are still today softly hummed by Denis Barois (age 90+) during family gatherings.

After approximately 4 month’s, using Geneva Convention mandates, the Red Cross became aware of the detainees and their plight. Realizing the problem mainly involved food and starvation, freedom for the prisoners was offered by the Red Cross in exchange for food so desparately needed by the Spaniards. The offer was accepted. With benefit of retrospect, the story could well have ended at this point had the men continued their stay in Pamplona. The prisoners might not have made it and the world would have been deprived of all they later accomplished. This humanitarian effort by the Red Cross triggered the rest of the story and benefitted thousands of French people. Denis and Jean-Marc had a ticket to the next leg in their journey. They worked for passage on a freighter ship, the “Governor Lepine.” that took them from Malaga, Spain to Morocco. The ship sailed in waters infested with German U-boats; thereby bringing more danger and more night travel. The ship had no beds, and was grossly overcrowded. Passengers had to sit on the floor. In Morocco, the 2 men viewed a parade that included Winston Churchill and General Charles De Gaulle. They were able to affiliate with Gen. DeGaulle by enrolling with 45 other young Frenchmen in a program to train aviators for the French Air Force. They were deployed to Albany, Georgia, USA. Again, en route by ship to the United States (aboard the U.S.S. W.P. Mann) it was their first exposure to a modern ship, and the U.S. way of life. They experienced a post exchange store, a cafeteria, coca cola, chewing gum, hot water, and a good night’s sleep. Both men also had the opportunity to read a novel called “Gone With the Wind” When Denis and Jean-Marc reached Georgia, they contacted the author by phone. “Gone with the Wind” resonated with them through the description of Scarlett fleeing Atlanta, which reminded them of their own escape from France with the German army approaching in 1940. They were treated to an evening filled with laughter and intelligent

conversation. They described the stresses of military training to Mitchell by relating the fact, they could be flunked from the entire program on any given day. Both men completed flight/bomber training and were successful pilots throughout their military careers. Denis went on to receive the esteemed French Legion of Honor award and served 20 years as a member of the French Parliament while residing in Mexico City where he lives today. Denis Barois and Jean-Marc Pineau became life long friends of Margaret Mitchell and they accomplished incredible things together. Pineau died in combat in Vietnam while serving in the French Air Force in the 1960’s.__________________________________________________________________________________

In the last week of May 2008, invited guests sat intently and listened to the words of Madam Marie Christiane Boullard in an elegant town hall meeting room of Vimoutiers France. Ms. Boullard chairs the town historical society. Vimoutiers was bombed accidentally by American planes in conjunction

with the D-Day invasion. Those assembled heard a story that related the life of the author to the horrific events that befell the town of Vimoutiers on June 14, 1944. They heard a story that touched each s hearts. The environment that day provided stark contrast to the destruction wrought by American planes and bombs in World War II. Vimoutiers is located in the Normandy region near the French town of Caen. It is interesting to know the famous Nazi General Erwin Rommel (often described as the “Desert Fox”) was severely wounded in an attack by British Spitfire planes in the rolling hills surrounding Vimoutiers. He never returned to military service. Vimoutiers was founded over 1000 years

ago and now has approximately 5000 inhabitants. The population in 1944 was close to 2000 people. Present at the meeting were: the Madam, two French interpreters, and two American citizens, Dr. and Mrs. William Troost. The Troost’s had traveled from California because of family letters and information passed along from his great aunt, Margaret Mitchell and other relatives. An internet search revealed contacts in Vimoutiers that allowed Dr. Troost to seek out his long term interest in seeing the site of Margaret Mitchell’s accomplishments.

Madam Boullard: “I could never forget that day in 1944…I was standing on the second floor balcony of my home. We heard the sounds of aircraft approaching. It appeared they were dropping leaflets. As they came closer, the ground began to shake. Fires were starting all around our house. The concussion from one of the bombs almost knocked me over the railing. I did not know if I would survive. Her own brother was killed while running out of the house. People ran screaming from their houses. Some were bleeding…others were missing limbs. Many people were dead. There was a horrible sulfur stench and smoke from the bombs and planes. It seemed as if the bombing would never stop. The people were confused and did not know where to find shelter…it seemed like there was no safe place to go. Marie Christiane was concerned for her father and grandfather who were the towns medical doctors, she was concerned about other family members. The hospital was bombed and was completely destroyed. There were over 200 people killed there. There was one German soldier in the hospital. He was killed also.”

“Vimoutiers was a small town and not occupied by German soldiers. It was considered safe from greater danger in other towns. Boy scouts were present in the town because it provided refuge. The scouts and other refugees were attending mass at the Church. Percussions from the bombs began imploding large

stained glass windows inside the Church. When the bombing and noise became intolerable, they ran outside and into a building across the street. That building incurred a direct hit, and the scouts and others were all killed. In the ensuing days there were battles in the fields around Vimoutiers. Canadian soldiers were the first to reach Vimoutiers on foot. Fighting against the German forces became very intense. There were dead bodies strewn all over the nearby countryside. The battles involved tanks. Many soldiers were maimed. Madam Boullard’s father was Dr. Jean Boullard. He was not at the hospital during the bombing attack. He was forced by necessity to perform surgeries and amputations on a kitchen table in a nearby ancient “Chateau de Vimer” that escaped bombing without damage. That facility became the hospital replacement. Dr. Boullard also served as Mayor of Vimoutiers. At the final cessation of bombing, nearly every building inside Vimoutiers had sustained damage or been totally destroyed.”

It was since learned the United States had intercepted German intelligence information which erroneously caused military leaders to order the air strike-to destroy the enemy. There were no German soldiers in the town, other than the patient in the hospital. Thirty six B-26 bombers dropped 29 tons of bombs on the small town in less than 2 hours. Townspeople could no longer live in their homes. They took refuge in farms, cattle sheds and caves for the remainder of the summer. The unintended tragedy is perhaps one of the worst types of things that can occur in modern warfare.

Marie Christiane had a sister Monique who attracted the favor of a French pilot (Lieutenant Denis Barois) while serving in the French Air Force. It was determined he had skill at flying but needed advanced training. He was selected by the French government for advanced flight school at Turner Field in Albany, Georgia. Ironically, he was trained to fly American B-26 bombers.

Peggy Mitchell met Lieutenant Denis Barois during flight training in Georgia. The first contact with the Lieutenant led to a growing friendship and correspondence over a period of years. Lieutenant Barois returned to France to become an elite flier for General DeGaulle’s air force armed with a special scarf presented by Margaret Mitchell. In a card she wrote, “For Lt. Denis Barois ’one of my French boys’ with good wishes for his happiness and prayers for his safety.” He retains the scarf to this day. He was assigned for duty in France and North Africa. With the return of Lt. Barois to France, he hoped to find romance with Dr. Boullard’s daughter Monique. Dr. Boullard was not supportive of the Lieutenants opinion that the Americans were fine people. “They had not done well in Vimoutiers.” When Lt. Barois proposed marriage to Monique, he was told he needed permission from Dr. Boullard. The response from the Dr., “if you want to marry my daughter, get the Americans to rebuild Vimoutiers.” That romance served as a catalyst for the rebirth of Vimoutiers as it stands today.

“Lt. Barois had a new reason to continue his relationship with Margaret Mitchell. In the beginning, Peggy had little success after writing many letters and exploring numerous contacts requesting relief for Vimoutiers. There were other towns in France with larger populations that had been destroyed as a result of all the fighting. Lt. Barois continued to fuel Peggy Mitchells efforts by sending bottles of her favorite Parisian perfume as attachments to his letters. Peggy responded by sending rolls of color Kodak film. Margaret Mitchell determined the horrors suffered by the town were so compelling she wrote a personal check for $7000 (in 1949) and requested it be primarily used to rebuild the Marescot hospital. Finally, there was a response from an organization known as “the Pilots International.” Pilots International was founded in 1921 as a worldwide humanitarian service organization (not aeronautical pilots). It responds to emergency projects throughout the world. Unfortunately Pilots International placed the town of Vimoutiers in fifth position on it’s funding priority list. Ms. Mitchell began contacting influential friends in Europe, and the United States, finally succeeding in raising Vimoutiers to first position on the list. The Pilots organization funds were used to rebuild the schools, and to provide needed textbooks and supplies for the children. Individual pilots who contributed to the cause

received medallions which were attached to each classroom desk funded. The Pilots funds also replaced stained glass windows in the church.” Lieutenant Denis Barois did marry Monique Boullard in April 1946. Barois was transferred by his employer from Paris to Mexico City in 1952 after retirement from military service.

The city of Vimoutiers, bestowed an honorary diploma of citizenship upon Margaret Mitchell Marsh in 1949, and formally invited her to a ceremony in honor of her many efforts. Receiving the honorary citizenship was the award referenced in the first sentence of this story. She accepted the invitation. She asked that the trip be scheduled after her husband John fully recovered from surgery and illness. Margaret Mitchell died tragically on Peachtree St. in Atlanta after being struck by a taxicab while in a cross walk. It was learned, the cab driver was under the influence of alcohol. She never received her well earned recognition.________________________________________________________________________

May 2008: After the Mayors town hall meeting concluded, participants were requested to assemble at Marescot Hospital in Vimoutiers for a formal presentation. A large crowd consisting of town leaders, government officials, and representatives from three French newspapers and other media was already assembled. An American flag was draped over the main entrance to the newest of two hospital buildings. The entire entrance to the hospital had been decorated with flowers and a visual display of photographs and significant papers were attached to the entry walls. Once again, Madam Marie Boullard was the lead speaker. “Today is most significant for the entire town and citizenry of Vimoutiers…we have been waiting for a very long time to say thank you to America, and thank you to Margaret Mitchell…59 years to be exact! We are honored today to have members of her family to witness the dedication of this building to her memory.” Mrs. Trudiee Troost was given a cord attached to the “Stars and Stripes.” As it came down, a beautiful granite plaque was revealed to the heartfelt thanks and applause of those assembled. The present day director of the hospital Patrick Cornu concluded his remarks with the following “…Then dear Scarlett or rather dear Margaret, you are here on your premise with Vimoutiers and Vimoutiers owes it well to you. MERCI!”

Before the affects of that celebration could be absorbed, guests were instructed to form another motorcade through the town streets to view a park area surrounded by the local elementary and middle schools. The sign read “Square du Pilots Club International.” The dedication of this area was to honor the many contributions made by the Pilots to renew the educational resources and facilities of the town. At this location, guests and dignitaries gave interviews and photographs were taken by the press. The day was perfect for showcasing the freshly manicured lawns, trees, and flowers of Vimoutiers.

The last presentation occurred on return to the town center. Mayor Guy Romain appeared with official red, white, and blue sash and requested the attention of the assembled guests and media representatives: “ Although you today heard of the efforts to bring Margaret Mitchell to Vimoutiers, fate did not let it happen. Fifty nine years later, Dr. and Mrs. Troost were able to come to our great city. By the virtue of my authority as Mayor and at the wishes of the Town Council, I hereby present you with this medal of honor from the town of Vimoutiers.

During the day, it was learned that Denis Barois’s son and Dr. Bill Troosts son were colleagues together at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada. On a separate trip to Canada, Dr. and Mrs. Troost were invited guests at the home of Phillippe and Suzanne Barois. It was through this experience the story of Denis Barois and Jean-Marc Pineu(see opening paragraphs) was uncovered. What an incredible coincidence was presented by the historical intersection of three families that has spanned 60 years in 3 separate parts of the world.

We had “Gone for the Wind” but received ever so much more. Actually, it was a day of two stories. The familiar story of a great book and it’s movie counter part; and the largely unknown story of one woman, a war hero, and a small town showing the world how to become a better place. It brought renewed good will between France and the United States. The situation demonstrates that motivated people mostly working outside normal channels of politics and diplomacy can achieve great things. In my view, AMERICA desparately needs BETTER MODELS such as this…

“I beg you that with months and years to come, when trouble(s) make of your nation and mine (to) try to cause desertion, suspicion and dislike between our people, that you think to the nice memories you have of the United States. Remember the good and warm hearted people you met and the affection and sympathy for France that you displayed. After the last war, bitterness arose between our countries and people forgot that we had fought and defeated the same enemy. I hope this will not happen again. Our nations need each others friendship, each of us, French and American can strengthen that friendship by remembering the good qualities of the other. I shall always remember you and Lieutenant Pineau as the finest type of young France, resolute, serious, and courageous… With all good wishes,”

-Margaret Mitchell Marsh (letter to Denis Barois, courtesy of Phillipe Barois, Vancouver, British Columbia, 2009)

Learning about my Great Aunt has been a wonderful lifelong pursuit. I have been more attracted to her personality and especially the huge variety of what she accomplished in such a short life. She truly enjoyed life and the people she was attracted to, she flirted and she joked…She saw problems—rather than talk about them-- she had the ability to take appropriate actions…in her own words, she displayed fierce “gumption.” Most people don’t know Peggy staunchly defended civil rights for minorities and women in the South. Her writing program for prison inmates in Georgia, or her anonymous donation of full scholarships for Black students aspiring to study medicine at Howard University are hardly ever mentioned. Her wartime hospital volunteering, christening of Navy ships, and support of military efforts demonstrates her patriotism. I so appreciate her intellect and her choice to write for newspapers where she met my great Uncle John. Otherwise, I would not be able to testify to her life. Her life illustrates, when you do good deeds they can outlive your existence and continue to benefit society for many years to come. I thank God for this wonderful woman and my privilege of sharing this information with you.

Our days there brought out the desire to do more and to see Vimoutiers grow beyond what it is today: it’s hospital, it’s schools, businesses and government, most of all it’s people. Barrowing from the prime line of the story, frankly Mitchell did “give a damn,” and the people of Vimoutiers remembered. _______________________________________________________________________

**Sidebar: Margaret Mitchell Marsh is well known for writing a book that sold more copies than almost any other, with exception of the Bible. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1937. By 1976, 20 million copies of the book had been sold. It was printed in 27 languages and 37 countries. The movie version is still the most popular film of all time. It was recently reported that box office sales when adjusted for inflation, would amount to $1.4 billion dollars placing “Gone with the Wind” at film number one of all time ahead of “Titanic.” And other more recent films.

Peggy Mitchell and her husband John were private persons who tended to be private about other aspects of their lives which can reveal significant lessons for today’s world. Many observers have a distorted version of the person who created “Gone with the Wind.” Successful writers and film producers today often define their existence through possessions: homes-cars-planes. Margaret and John Marsh never owned a home. The Mitchell-Marshes were true life examples of individuals who “gave back.”. She did not drive a car. Her needs and priorities were different. With those things in mind:

“Vive la difference”