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...the man behind the Wings of Liberation Museum.
by Ron Kilber (rpknet@aztec.asu.edu)
During early September, 1944, Mr. Driessen served the US Army, 30th Infantry Division Counter Intelligence Corps, and at one point gathered intelligence about bridge crossings, troop strength, tank numbers and disposition of the Nazis in and near Maastricht behind enemy lines, which the Division was able to easily take afterwards.
At the time, Jan was already fluent in English, French, German, and of course his native tongue, Dutch. These skills proved invaluable to the Detachment Commander, Captain Melvin Handville, who used Jan as an interpreter and intermediary in relations with the Dutch authorities. These responsibilities continued while serving under First Lieutenant, Richard G. Denlinger, whose CIC Detachment was assigned to an area near Stuttgart, Germany. Although Jan was not a member of the US Army, he served without rank, pay or other benefits until after the end of the conflict.
Since WWII, Jan Driessen has been awarded many honors. He received during May of 1970, a TRIBUTE OF APPRECIATION from the US State Department for meritorious service to both the people of the United States and The Netherlands towards the annual commemoration ceremonies of both Market Garden and the US 101st Airborne Division in Veghel, Holland each year.
During September, 1975, Jan Driessen received the US Army CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR PATRIOTIC CIVILIAN SERVICE for his contributions to the continuing friendship between the US and Holland, and for his efforts to keep alive for thirty years the role of American involvement in the liberation of The Netherlands. His efforts continue today.
In 1984, Jan Driessen founded the "Museum Bevrijdende Vleugels", which was dedicated by His Royal Highness Prince Bernhard in honor of those Americans who fought for the Liberation of the Netherlands. Since then, the museum has served to commorate the liberation and to educate the Dutch youth.
During the ceremonies of the 50th Anniversary of WWII, Mr. Driessen's Museum Bevrijdende Vleugels was presented the US Department of Defense's COMMEMORATIVE COMMUNITY award for activities honoring WWII veterans, their families, and those who served on the home front.
During September, 1994, Jan Driessen was awarded the 101st Airborne Division Air Assault HONORARY MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE for his service and friendship.
Source, WOL Archives, Ron Kilber
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