OLIVIER COULON

Olivier joined Overlord Tour as a guide in 2005. He was born in Beziers, in the south of France in 1965. His father’s bravery and service honored France during WWII, having served proudly in 1939, for his country in the campaign against the German invasion.

Olivier’s heritage is also enriched by his father’s service in the French Air force, where his father Pierre earned his wings in 1936, and piloted a plane in the Potez 63/11, 1/33 group, which performed reconnaissance missions in enemy territory during the German invasion of Belgium, and the tragic invasion of France as well.

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Phone: +33 (0) 670 214 342
Email: AChesnel@wanadoo.fr

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Olivier was immersed in a world of interest in military history at an early, impressionable age. When he was eight (8) years old, he discovered his father’s military uniform in his grandmother’s attic. The experience of finding this family treasure, so deeply immersed in history, gave Olivier the incentive and passion to begin collections of more military artifacts, including uniforms like his father’s.

Like his father, Olivier also served his country in the service of the Gendarmerie de l’Air, following which he traveled to the United States, a country that he had always dreamed of seeing. He initially stayed in the United States for a year, and then returned to France, intending to return again.

Like many young French men, Olivier has developed a deep passion about the history and the men who came to liberate France during WWII. This interest was instilled in him by the many recounted stories, and visions of his parents, their perspective and expression of gratitude toward the United States, and also because of his own connection with America, only years before.

Olivier spent an additional five (5) years more in the United States, and developed a keen understanding and command of the English language. This has been a valuable asset to the clients of our tours. Possessing a French background, and intimate knowledge of the era, combined with his command of the English language has been an important aspect of his guiding. It has given depth to his insight, and to the quality of our tours.

Olivier also worked as a manager and executive at the opening of the Euro-Disney Center. Following this, he returned to the United States, where he established an antique importing business in Sarasota, Florida. He most recently returned to France following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, which forced the closure of his business there.

In 2003, Olivier met Alain Chesnel, the owner of Overlord Tour, at Omaha Beach, during the re-construction phase of the famous Mulberry Port, where both were involved in the project. His common passion with Alain Chesnel has put them on the path of a common mission- to allow you to discover the past in Normandy with the most intimate details and knowledge of the events of this time.
We are pleased that Olivier has joined Overlord Tour’s team, and has brought his expertise to you through his tours!

Olivier’s father, Pierre, aboard his plane with his navigator. This photo was taken in Bone (Algeria) after the retreat from France.
Summer 1940.

The Potez 63/11 was a French twin engine airplane boasting two impressive, seven hundred horsepower, Hispano Suiza engines. This plane was used predominantly for reconnaissance missions and air support for ground troops.

Pierre getting an award for the highest French Distinction of “Légion d’Honneur” in 1950.
The man on the right is WWI pilot René Fonck. Captain Fonck was the “Ace of Aces” of French and Allied pilots. He valiantly shot down an unprecedented confirmed 75 German planes, with an additional unconfirmed 52 more kills on top of this. His record is only exceeded by Germany’s Baron Von Richthofen, who allegedly shot down 80 Allied planes.

Olivier shown in his Gendarme of the Air.