Comments on: Soldiers of Fortune - The Hesse Jewel Heist

By: Phil Hanson

Phil Hanson — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:13:42 +0000

Is there any way to get in touch with article author, Stephen Harding? I'd like some information on getting closure on the Durants, following their release from prison. Kathleen "Vonie" Nash Durant was a good friend of my parents, both decease, before and during her ordeal. I'd like to know where she settled and where she died.

By: Ron Kassel

Ron Kassel — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:58:42 +0000

My father was a member of the guard detail of U.S. Army Military Police that escorted the jewels back to Germany. He was also stationed at Ft. Myer, VA

By: Eric L Lucas

Eric L Lucas — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 23:14:41 +0000

I am reading the transcripts of the Court-Martial on Fold3.com. http://www.fold3.com/image/#28966441 for example. It seems that every document the Government had regarding this incident is available there.

By: R M Merrill

R M Merrill — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:27:43 +0000

My grandfather col.Raymond Marsh was one of the 10 colonels on the panel.

By: Todd

Todd — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:23:37 +0000

They call these type of people "white trash"……..

By: Phil Hanson

Phil Hanson — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:22:24 +0000

Vonie – I tried once before to get an answer from you, without success, so I'll try again. Kathleen "Vone" Burke Nash Durant was a good friend of my parents when she and her husband, Kenneth Nash, were managers of the Phoenix County Club. My Dad, Phil Hanson Sr, was the long time greenskeeper of the Phoenix Club. I remember, as a child, spending time in their apartment while Dad was busy on the gold course.

I have had no success in finding out what happened to Vonie after her release from prison in 1952. Who were your parents? To the best of my knowledge Vonie had no children. Can you help me?

By: Frank Harris

Frank Harris — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:05:12 +0000

I served as a member of the military guard from Fort Myer, Va. responsible for the stolen property (Hesse jewels) during the portion of Col. Durant's trial conducted in the Pentagon Building in 1947. The Col, was a regular army officer and a AUS one star general. I have an inventory of the Hesse property which was displayed each day before the court reflecting the appraised value of each item.

By: Phil Hanson

Phil Hanson — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:56:40 +0000

As a child I knew Kathleen "Vonie" Nash, married to Kenneth Nash, Manager of the Phoenix Country Club. I lost track of her after her release from prison. As far as I know Kathleen had no children.

By: michael reagan

michael reagan — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:35:10 +0000

Dear Ms. Wilcox,

I am the great-nephew of Ralph Pierce. I would be interested in getting more information about your grandmother's story. I've always been interested in the case but haven't been able to find much reliable information on the principal characters. Please reply if you would like to contact me.

Michael

By: Vonie Wilcox

Vonie Wilcox — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:47:41 +0000

Where did Stephen Harding get his infomation. I can tell you one part that was in error. When Kathleen Nash died. I am her grandaughter.