Eugene Bonzom was born in Marseilles, France on October 2, 1908.

 

Before the war, Bonzom served as a reserve lieutenant in the Train Squadron. Once war was declared he became a lieutenant in the 65th division, and was captured by the Germans in 1941. Following his service in the French Army and his release, Bonzom became a French Art Expert in Austria. He investigated works of art and other cultural objects stolen from France by the Nazis, interrogated suspected dealers of looted art, and made inspections of known art repositories near Vienna and Salzburg. Bonzom accepted many restitutions on behalf of the French Government, including two Gothic wall paintings and a marble fountain figure from the home of an Austrian professor as well as a chest of drawers discovered by the Monuments Men at Schloss Klesshein.

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Eugene Bonzom passed away in the city of Nîmes, France on November 12th, 2000.

 

The Foundation is very interested in learning more about Bonzom’s life, as well as his military service as a Monuments Man. If you have any information, please contact abottinelli@monumentsmenfoundation.org.

 

Photo taken from Bonzom's French military identification card.