Walter Ehlers is a veteran who served as staff sergeant in the U.S. Army’s First Infantry Division during World War II. Here, Ehlers is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor because of the amazing courage and heroism he showed on June 9, 1944, just a few days after D-Day. Ehlers … Continue reading
“All of our leaders were gone. It was just — just a bunch of privates and sergeants and corporals trying to, you know, get something going and trying to get it to succeed…Nobody could possibly be trained for what we found that day. But you learn fast, you know. It’s … Continue reading
“The most horrible was when we landed at the beachhead that so many dead were still floating in the water. They had already turned black, and decay had set in. The stench was awful.” Clarence William Dotson was a technical sergeant in the 343rd Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S. … Continue reading
Veteran Edward Farley describes his experience as a member of the 463rd amphibious truck company and other African-American veterans recall their experience as they stormed the beach on D-Day. These interviews were conducted by makers of the 2008 Emmy-nominated documentary, “A Distant Shore: African Americans of D-Day,” produced by the … Continue reading
“I landed under heavy small arms fire in a dry field near a farmhouse. I cut my way out of my harness and dashed for the nearest hedgegrow…” Frank E. McKee was a Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, 508th Paratroop Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. … Continue reading
“My athletic foot is coming along alright but I also got a little ring worm…” Dear Ma, Well this should be one of a whole passible of letters that you will receive at one time. Because we won’t see a helicopter land until the 10th of this month. So, I’ll … Continue reading
Alex Bennet remembers entering the service and joining the 457th Bombardment Group. He recalls his experience in World War II, and also his experiences after the war. Next, Harry Campbell talks about joining the 457th Squadron, and discusses some of his interesting missions. The 457th Bombardment Group was activated on … Continue reading
Veteran Harry Boland describes the atmosphere in New York City on V-E Day and recalls the fancy dinner he was invited to in celebration of the German surrender.
U.S. Veteran Tony Basciano details his celebration of V-E Day in Belgium on May 8, 1945 and discusses his what he did in the military and after the war was over.
U.S. Army Air Corps Veteran Joseph C. Beyer recalls his experience of dropping paratroopers in the town of Carentan in the Cherbourg Peninsula on D-Day. A few weeks later, the Americans had cleared the air fields so that Beyer and others could land in France and bring-in supplies and haul … Continue reading
