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In 1943, while stationed in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Joe befriended a British family that had fled France during the war. The father was serving with the Royal Air Force in North Africa, and the family eventually settled near Joe’s base.

One of the children was a 7-year-old girl named Sophie Woodhouse.

Joe often brought the family chocolates and small gifts sent by his parents back home in America. A photograph was taken of Joe and Sophie together in 1943.

After the war, they stayed in touch through letters and Christmas cards. The family eventually returned to France, and the correspondence continued for decades.

Joe told one of our team members, @maydaymalone153, he had recently written Sophie to let her know he would be returning to Normandy, he knew this was a story that deserved to continue.

Upon hearing their story, our team immediately began working with Sophie and her family to make the reunion possible. Preserving our veterans’ stories and reconnecting them with the people and places that shaped their wartime experiences is one of the most meaningful parts of our mission.

Earlier this month at the Pegasus Bridge 82nd Anniversary Commemoration in Normandy, Joe and Sophie were reunited for the first time in more than 50 years.

Later, during the ceremony, Joe shared their story and invited Sophie to join him at the podium. Then, just as he had done more than 80 years ago, Joe presented Sophie with a box of chocolates. #takingcareoftheoneswhotookcareofus @delta

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