PLEASE SUPPORT AMERICA’S LEGACY OF FREEDOM

Robert T. Frederick, received 8 Purple Hearts in WWII — more than anyone in the war; all of them as a Colonel and General. He was legendary for leading his men into battle. Winston Churchill called him "The Greatest Fighting General of All Time." I just called him grandpa.

Communities across southern France now want to honor this remarkable American who gave them their freedom. This is your chance to help make sure America’s contributions to freedom in Europe are never forgotten.

WHAT HE DID:

At age 37, as the youngest two-star general in the Army and the recipient of two Distinguished Service Crosses for extraordinary heroism in combat, he led the airborne invasion of Southern France in August 1944.

He and his First Airborne Task Force parachuted in the dark of night behind German lines and liberated the French Riviera. The people there still celebrate August 15 as their Liberation Day, and they still consider General Frederick their Liberator.

WHAT THIS IS FOR:

People across Southern France now want to erect a statue of General Frederick 1) to honor him and the men of the First Airborne Task Force, and 2) to ensure future generations in France never forget the American solders who gave them their freedom.

We can be proud and grateful that the sacrifices they made for freedom in France have not been forgotten. This project ensures they will not be.

WHEN AND WHERE:

The unveiling is planned for August 15, 2024 — the 80th Anniversary of the airborne invasion.

The General Robert T. Frederick statue will be a bronze life-size sculpture, erected in the Parachute Memorial Park near his first command post in La Motte, France.

To honor all the soldiers who took part in the liberation, the units that comprised the First Airborne Task Force during the liberation will be engraved on the base: 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion (USA), 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team (USA), 550th Airborne Infantry Battalion (USA), 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion (USA), 2nd Parachute Brigade (UK).

THE ARTIST:

Renowned French sculptress, Barbara Ballester, has been commissioned for the work. Ms. Ballester’s remarkable bronze sculptures of world leaders and cultural icons are on display across France and Spain.

She works with bronze because its tactile nature encourages people to touch her sculptures, and thus connect in a way with the individual who is the subject matter.

THE FUNDRAISER:

The cost of the commissioned statue is $65,000. French citizens have already donated $55,000! They’re counting on Americans to pitch in and help them reach the finish line, so they asked me to start a GoFundMe for the project. Please be part of this rare opportunity to honor America’s legacy as a Champion of Freedom.

THE SPONSOR:

The chapter of non-profit Rotary International in La Motte, France is overseeing this community project and fundraising campaign.