THE CAMP TYSON STORY
 Camp Tyson soldiers running maneuvers on Steele Road. Photo is the property of Bettye and Lou Carter. |
Local writer Shannon McFarlin has been hired by the Tennessee
River Resort Act (TRRA) board of Henry Co. to write the first
comprehensive history book about Camp Tyson. Camp Tyson was the only WWII barrage balloon training facility in the United States and was a massive facility, encompassing hundreds of acres. Within the camp were numerous barracks, a theater, medical facility, library, two churches, a huge balloon hangar, motor pools, and army headquarters. Camp Tyson transformed the city of Paris and Henry County, making it more modernized and cosmopolitan. The camp was significant in another way: it was the training facility for the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the all-black regiment that was the first to land at D-Day on the Beach of Normandy. McFarlin already has interviewed William Dabney, a member of the 320th who received the Legion of Honor in a special ceremony in Paris, France, earlier this year and he had wonderful stories about the landing and his training at Camp Tyson. McFarlin is seeking information and memories about Camp Tyson for the book. She is especially needing more information about the black soldiers and the WACs who were stationed there and the German and Italian POWs, as well as memories from people who live outside Henry Co. |
| McFarlin has been a professional writer all her life. She writes
now for TriCountyStar.com and Paris! magazine. She also has a master's
degree in public history from Murray State University. To contact her, call 642-3372 or email shannonmcfarlin@hotmail.com. |
Webmaster's note: This is your opportunity to contribute to
the known facts regarding the history
and function of Camp Tyson. Or if you know of another who may have information
please let Shannon
know. It would be great if the folks that visit the Grove site can
make a contribution to the book.