Uncertain Loyalties

Although based in Verdun, Chaplain McDonald regularly traveled to the front lines to conduct religious services for the troops there. He also commuted every Sunday to Luxembourg, and passed by and through many French towns close to the German border, including Metz and Thionville. Sometimes American forces questioned the loyalties of recently liberated locals. In Metz, with the support of many townspeople, the Germans were able to hold out for some time using the city’s ancient forts.

Many of the people of Metz were pro-Nazi, as they were a German-speaking people, and there was none of the jubilation that marked other French cities when liberated.

–Fred McDonald