Escape from Paris: A True Story of Love and Resistance in Wartime France

Join the Alliance Française and the WWII History Round Table for a discussion of Stephen Harding's novel Escape from Paris!

Presented by Stephen Harding
Moderated by Mark Copeland with support of Mark Wiens

Stephen Harding will present the true, yet unbelievable story of the bravery of the French Citizens and Resistance in the rescue of American bomber crews that were shot down in the preparation for the invasion on D-Day.

It features the story of 4 B-17 bomber crews that were shot down on a mission on July 14, 1943, Bastille Day, while on a mission over Nazi-occupied France after rescue the Airmen were taken to Paris, which was occupied by thousands of German troops.

The French took the crews to the Hotel des Invalides, near the Eiffel Tower, swarming with Nazi troops, and the site of the tomb of Napoleon.

The book, Escape from Paris is based on interviews and documents based on the repatriation of crews.

John Alden Clark

1st Lt. John A. Clark

Co-Pilot - 418th Bomb Sqdn. - 100th Bomb Group.

USAAC - Eighth Air Force

Veteran of 32 Combat Missions - 1944-45

John is in excellent shape for almost being 99 years old and is a treasure. He is very excited to be a part of the program!

Don Patton

Edina resident and 30-year veteran Colonel Donald G. Patton channeled his devotion for service and passion for history in a way that would reach people young and old. For 33 years, the WWII History Round Table has preserved the factual history of World War II through historians, veterans and travel opportunities for its members.

Stephen Harding

Stephen Harding is the author of nine books, including the New York Times bestseller The Last Battle, which is in production as a major motion picture, and The Castaway's War, optioned as a major motion picture. He is currently the editor-in-chief of Military History magazine and lives in Northern Virginia.