It seemed appropriate on this 36th anniversary of the nuptials for Mr and Mrs THC to bring readers attention to this piece from Messy Nessy, a website which often features fascinating travel photos. In April 1947, ex-GI Ernest Kreiling, took his new bride, Jean Vonachen, on a honeymoon tour of war-ravaged Europe, including the battlefields in France, Belgium and Germany on which he'd fought in 1944 and 1945. It's a powerful reminder of the devastation that remained two years after the end of WWII. Life Magazine ran a photo essay on their trip.
Ernest Kreiling served from 1941 until 1945 and was awarded a Bronze Star for bravery in action. Ernest and Jean met in junior high school in Peoria, Illinois and remained married until Ernest's death in 2008.
Below are a sampling of photos. One of them is of a visit to the grave of Ernest's best friend. You can view them all at
Messy Nessy.
Fascinating, well done. dm
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