Adoption of S/Sgt. James F. Hochadel's Grave
at Normandy Cemetery near Colleville-sur-Mer, France
by Stéphane St. Martin
On April 17, 2007, Stéphane St. Martin contacted me regarding his adoption of the grave of S/Sgt. James F. Hochadel, the Ball Turret Gunner on the Robert L. Hopkins' crew. The Hopkins' crew was shot down on 8 August 1944 and two members of the crew that day were killed, S/Sgt. James F. Hochadel, Ball Turret Gunner and 2nd Lt. Charles A. Arnold, Bombardier. As follows is Stéphane St. Martin's note regarding his adoption of S/Sgt. James F. Hochadel's grave under the auspices of the Les Fleurs de la Mémoire. Stéphane has also provided the photo of the grave which follows the text on this page. I am also happy to report that Stéphane has made contact with Jeff Hochadel, a relative of James Hochadel.
Dave Jordan
Dear Dave,
Thanks a lot to answer me. I didn't know if someone could help me.
About James HOCHADEL, we live at 15 kms from The AMERICAN CEMETERY in Colleville-sur-Mer ( Normandy ). And I go there many times each year to pay tribute to all who gave their life and youth for the freedom of Europe.
And each time, I stopped at James HOCHADEL's grave.
I decided to ask to the Les Fleurs de la Mémoire ( Flowers of Memory ). French association to be godfather of his grave. So, I looking for on internet for information about him.
In your great website, I learnt than he was killed when his parachute didn't open the 8 August after bombing CAUVICOURT (south of Caen) 30 kms from us.
I've seen many photos about him on your site, with HOPKIN's crew.
so, it's for that, i will be enjoy if someone of his family or relative, could be in touch with me.
Your Sincerely
Stéphane
