View Full Version : D-Day
Team Sergeant
06-06-2013, 10:55
D-Day Airborne and Beach Assault
http://www.army.mil/d-day/beaches.html
I was listening to radio this morning, rock and roll station and one of the hosts mentioned today was D-Day. The other without missing a beat said "Yeah, that's the day we "Beach Slapped" the Germans......"
Never forget.
CHILLICOTHE — As Americans mark yet another solemn anniversary of the D-Day invasion, those who fought in World War II, including the ones who stormed the beaches of Normandy 69 years ago today, continue to slip away.
http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20130605/NEWS01/306050039/Remembering-D-Day-WWII-veteran-ranks-thin-those-who-remain-recall-invasion?nclick_check=1
Some interesting information here...honor and remember...
National WWII Museum
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/learn/education/for-students/ww2-history/d-day-june-6-1944.html?
They should do a specific video archive of D-Day survivors explaining what they did in their own words. I think something similar to Spielberg's Holocaust remembrance videos. I would hate for the next generation to not have some living history to hear rather than just textbooks or the same old history/nat geo documentaries we've all seen 100 times. I know there's tons of video footage already, but perhaps something specifically geared to capturing the stories of the remaining survivors, in their own words, would go a lot further in helping future Americans understand exactly how miraculous those days in June were.
Badger52
06-06-2013, 11:44
I was thinking of them last night while logging a radio contact in Z time. "Hmmm, there are some really young & overloaded guys being helped onto C-47s right now." Unleash the LGOPs.
I salute their memory, and the lesson of their resolve.
Last one on the left leaning forward. PFC Joseph Milford Cupp, 325 Glider Infantry Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. Gone but not forgotten. RIP Grandpa.
Team Sergeant
06-06-2013, 12:48
Last one on the left leaning forward. PFC Joseph Milford Cupp, 325 Glider Infantry Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. Gone but not forgotten. RIP Grandpa.
Great photo!!!
Popcorn popper set to full auto and The Longest Movie qued up (BW WS version), I'm going to be busy for a few hours.
Great photo!!!
Thank you TS. Here's another one. He could still fit in his uniform till the day he passed.
Team Sergeant
06-06-2013, 13:30
Thank you TS. Here's another one. He could still fit in his uniform till the day he passed.
Love tha Glider patch! I used to wear that same "hat"......
One very cool thing I did while assigned to the 1-505 was eat breakfast with General James M. Gavin, shook his hand and forgot to purchase his signed book.....(I was a PFC and we can do stupid stuff....)
miclo18d
06-06-2013, 14:19
Some pics of Normandy Oct 2006
1. Bunker WN73 at Vierville-sur-Mer exit. Manned by members of the 352nd division, a well equipped and well trained Wehrmacht Infantry division.
2. Same as 1. looking over Dog Green and Dog Red Sectors of the Beach.
3. Pointe du Hoc.
4. 155mm Gun Emplacement on Pointe du Hoc. Either #4 or #5.
5. One of the missing 155mm Guns that 2nd Ranger Bn found about a half mile inland
BMT (RIP)
06-06-2013, 14:54
http://www.foxnews.com/us/slideshow/2013/06/06/ruins-normandy-unpublished-photos-from-france/#slide=1
BMT
"We're here to mark that day in history when the Allied armies joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty. For 4 long years, much of Europe had been under a terrible shadow. Free nations had fallen, Jews cried out in the camps, millions cried out for liberation. Europe was enslaved, and the world prayed for its rescue. Here in Normandy the rescue began. Here the Allies stood and fought against tyranny in a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history.
We stand on a lonely, windswept point on the northern shore of France. The air is soft, but 40 years ago at this moment, the air was dense with smoke and the cries of men, and the air was filled with the crack of rifle fire and the roar of cannon. At dawn, on the morning of the 6th of June, 1944, 225 Rangers jumped off the British landing craft and ran to the bottom of these cliffs. Their mission was one of the most difficult and daring of the invasion: to climb these sheer and desolate cliffs and take out the enemy guns. The Allies had been told that some of the mightiest of these guns were here and they would be trained on the beaches to stop the Allied advance.
The Rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers -- the edge of the cliffs shooting down at them with machineguns and throwing grenades. And the American Rangers began to climb. They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up. When one Ranger fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut, a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again. They climbed, shot back, and held their footing. Soon, one by one, the Rangers pulled themselves over the top, and in seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs, they began to seize back the continent of Europe. Two hundred and twenty-five came here. After 2 days of fighting, only 90 could still bear arms.
Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them there.
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war.
Gentlemen, I look at you and I think of the words of Stephen Spender's poem. You are men who in your ``lives fought for life . . . and left the vivid air signed with your honor.''
I think I know what you may be thinking right now -- thinking ``we were just part of a bigger effort; everyone was brave that day.'' Well, everyone was. Do you remember the story of Bill Millin of the 51st Highlanders? Forty years ago today, British troops were pinned down near a bridge, waiting desperately for help. Suddenly, they heard the sound of bagpipes, and some thought they were dreaming. Well, they weren't. They looked up and saw Bill Millin with his bagpipes, leading the reinforcements and ignoring the smack of the bullets into the ground around him.
Lord Lovat was with him -- Lord Lovat of Scotland, who calmly announced when he got to the bridge, ``Sorry I'm a few minutes late,'' as if he'd been delayed by a traffic jam, when in truth he'd just come from the bloody fighting on Sword Beach, which he and his men had just taken.
There was the impossible valor of the Poles who threw themselves between the enemy and the rest of Europe as the invasion took hold, and the unsurpassed courage of the Canadians who had already seen the horrors of war on this coast. They knew what awaited them there, but they would not be deterred. And once they hit Juno Beach, they never looked back.
All of these men were part of a rollcall of honor with names that spoke of a pride as bright as the colors they bore: the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, Poland's 24th Lancers, the Royal Scots Fusiliers, the Screaming Eagles, the Yeomen of England's armored divisions, the forces of Free France, the Coast Guard's ``Matchbox Fleet'' and you, the American Rangers.
Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys of life before you. Yet, you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was faith and belief; it was loyalty and love.
The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead or on the next. It was the deep knowledge -- and pray God we have not lost it -- that there is a profound, moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you were right not to doubt.
You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One's country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people of your countries were behind you.
The Americans who fought here that morning knew word of the invasion was spreading through the darkness back home. They fought -- or felt in their hearts, though they couldn't know in fact, that in Georgia they were filling the churches at 4 a.m., in Kansas they were kneeling on their porches and praying, and in Philadelphia they were ringing the Liberty Bell.
Something else helped the men of D-day: their rockhard belief that Providence would have a great hand in the events that would unfold here; that God was an ally in this great cause. And so, the night before the invasion, when Colonel Wolverton asked his parachute troops to kneel with him in prayer he told them: Do not bow your heads, but look up so you can see God and ask His blessing in what we're about to do. Also that night, General Matthew Ridgway on his cot, listening in the darkness for the promise God made to Joshua: ``I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.''
These are the things that impelled them; these are the things that shaped the unity of the Allies.
When the war was over, there were lives to be rebuilt and governments to be returned to the people. There were nations to be reborn. Above all, there was a new peace to be assured. These were huge and daunting tasks. But the Allies summoned strength from the faith, belief, loyalty, and love of those who fell here. They rebuilt a new Europe together.
There was first a great reconciliation among those who had been enemies, all of whom had suffered so greatly. The United States did its part, creating the Marshall plan to help rebuild our allies and our former enemies. The Marshall plan led to the Atlantic alliance -- a great alliance that serves to this day as our shield for freedom, for prosperity, and for peace.
In spite of our great efforts and successes, not all that followed the end of the war was happy or planned. Some liberated countries were lost. The great sadness of this loss echoes down to our own time in the streets of Warsaw, Prague, and East Berlin. Soviet troops that came to the center of this continent did not leave when peace came. They're still there, uninvited, unwanted, unyielding, almost 40 years after the war. Because of this, allied forces still stand on this continent. Today, as 40 years ago, our armies are here for only one purpose -- to protect and defend democracy. The only territories we hold are memorials like this one and graveyards where our heroes rest."
"We in America have learned bitter lessons from two World Wars: It is better to be here ready to protect the peace, than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost. We've learned that isolationism never was and never will be an acceptable response to tyrannical governments with an expansionist intent.
But we try always to be prepared for peace; prepared to deter aggression; prepared to negotiate the reduction of arms; and, yes, prepared to reach out again in the spirit of reconciliation. In truth, there is no reconciliation we would welcome more than a reconciliation with the Soviet Union, so, together, we can lessen the risks of war, now and forever.
It's fitting to remember here the great losses also suffered by the Russian people during World War II: 20 million perished, a terrible price that testifies to all the world the necessity of ending war. I tell you from my heart that we in the United States do not want war. We want to wipe from the face of the Earth the terrible weapons that man now has in his hands. And I tell you, we are ready to seize that beachhead. We look for some sign from the Soviet Union that they are willing to move forward, that they share our desire and love for peace, and that they will give up the ways of conquest. There must be a changing there that will allow us to turn our hope into action.
We will pray forever that some day that changing will come. But for now, particularly today, it is good and fitting to renew our commitment to each other, to our freedom, and to the alliance that protects it.
We are bound today by what bound us 40 years ago, the same loyalties, traditions, and beliefs. We're bound by reality. The strength of America's allies is vital to the United States, and the American security guarantee is essential to the continued freedom of Europe's democracies. We were with you then; we are with you now. Your hopes are our hopes, and your destiny is our destiny.
Here, in this place where the West held together, let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for. Let our actions say to them the words for which Matthew Ridgway listened: ``I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.''
Strengthened by their courage, heartened by their value [valor], and borne by their memory, let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.
Thank you very much, and God bless you all."
President Ronald Reagan - June 6, 1984
The History Place - Great Speeches Collection
Loadsmasher
06-06-2013, 15:26
Some pics of Normandy Oct 2006
2. Same as 1. looking over Dog Green and Dog Red Sectors of the Beach.
Just looking at that beachhead and imaging the defenses that those men were facing puts a ball of lead in my stomach. I cant imagine what it was like to have the ramps drop and look into that swirling maw of death. And then they charged right into the face of it and conquered it. Unbelievable bravery.
Beat me to it Dusty. I was about to post that same speech. The complete video is on Youtube as well.
D.
The Reaper
06-06-2013, 18:00
Just looking at that beachhead and imaging the defenses that those men were facing puts a ball of lead in my stomach. I cant imagine what it was like to have the ramps drop and look into that swirling maw of death. And then they charged right into the face of it and conquered it. Unbelievable bravery.
Left door only, no ramps in the C-47s.
No loadmasters either, IIRC.
Enlisted pilots, though.
TR
Enlisted pilots, though.
TR
:D
Dusty, good to read that. I was listening to the radio while doing some errands at lunchtime today and they replayed that...still gives me chills.
Lest we forget.
Ghost_Team
06-06-2013, 20:32
Just looking at that beachhead and imaging the defenses that those men were facing puts a ball of lead in my stomach. I cant imagine what it was like to have the ramps drop and look into that swirling maw of death. And then they charged right into the face of it and conquered it. Unbelievable bravery.
Island Hopping. North Africa. The Phillipines. D-Day. Pick your theater, name your battle, and you will find a piece of history cementing the reputation "The Greatest Generation." I'll forever be in awe of their accomplishments.
Utah Bob
06-06-2013, 21:37
Left door only, no ramps in the C-47s.
No loadmasters either, IIRC.
Enlisted pilots, though.
TR
I think he was talking about the ramps on the Higging boats...from a Leg perspective.;)
Utah Bob
06-06-2013, 21:38
Another good spech. Imagine being handed this as you waited to board the aircraft.
I think he was talking about the ramps on the Higging boats...from a Leg perspective.;)
Did you mean "Higgins" boats - or have I remembered it wrong?
Loadsmasher
06-07-2013, 10:59
I think he was talking about the ramps on the Higging boats...from a Leg perspective.;)
Since I am a filthy leg, yes I was.;)
A few photos from the June 6, 1984 celebration.
The CH53 photo was the last on my roll and is one of the chase birds arriving prior to Marine 1 with RR at PDH.
I know some US/UK/Canadian veterans that get together and jump in groups such as the Liberty Jump Team.
Including a few who jumped this year in France.
They often use a couple C47s, including 1 or 2 that are actually WWII and D-Day veteran airframes from what I've heard.
It sounds like next year's 70th has potential to be a big one from groups such as those.
Hopefully there will also be a big official presence next year from the US and UK Airborne/SF units that jumped or trace their lineage to that history.
I hope the sequestration/budget cuts don't take away from putting on an awesome show next year.
Unfortunately, the actuarial tables on life expectancy probably mean that most of the D-Day vets who are still around next year, probably will not be there for the 75th. So hopefully it's a display that properly pays homage to their effort and sacrifice.
I remember reading about President Reagan's speech at the 40th Anniversary event when I was a kid.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEIqdcHbc8I
So I'll just leave this right here :)
I've seen a few really scenic photos(French castle/monestary/church in background) of what looked like a few SF fellas on the ground who jumped last year.
Does anyone know what kind of numbers jumped at the 40th or 50th D-Day Anniversary events?
Do you reckon there will be a big active duty/official turnout for jumping next year?
mojaveman
06-09-2013, 19:06
Only met one D-Day veteran in my life and I used to drink beers with him at the American Legion that I was a member of. He had plenty of pictures so I knew he was legitimate. Anyway, I'll never forget the time when he told me that both the Germans and Americans were shooting at each others medics. Guess the fighting was pretty nasty for awhile.
When I met my wife's "Uncle Pete", he was impressed that I had been a paratrooper and he had lot's of questions regarding my service.
I proudly described my exciting, though brief, military career. :D
I asked if he had served :eek: he was with the 90th infantry, made two amphibious assaults, north Africa and Normandy.
I was impressed with this mild mannered man that had not discussed his experiences with his family. We had a lasting bond until he passed away ten years ago.
rest easy "Tough 'Ombre"
Dreadnought
06-19-2013, 17:51
While reading the book "D-Day" by Antony Beevor (which I recommend to everyone), he makes mention of at least a few different chalks where confused pilots had given the green light and the entire stick burned it at way too low of an altitude. Mentions at least one instance of finding an entire stick, laying dead on the ground in a line in the order they exited, because of this failure. I can't imagine it.
I really regret not being able to meet Len Lomell. I missed the opportunity because of either a deployment or some school.
Visiting the beaches of Normandy, specifically Pointe du Hoc, is up high on my list of things to do before I die, hopefully.
ghp95134
06-19-2013, 18:07
Love tha Glider patch!
http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=25561&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1370546528
AND the glider wings!
--ghp95134
On the morning of June 5, 1944, U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe gave the go-ahead for Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious military operation in history. On his orders, 6,000 landing craft, ships and other vessels carrying 176,000 troops began to leave England for the trip to France. That night, 822 aircraft filled with parachutists headed for drop zones in Normandy. An additional 13,000 aircraft were mobilized to provide air cover and support for the invasion.
:lifter
x SF med
06-06-2015, 21:29
http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=25561&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1370546528
AND the glider wings!
--ghp95134
We have a member (QP) who passed a couple of years ago, who did earn his Glider Wings in WWII, then fought at Chosin as a Ranger, and served during VN. RIP Trip_Wire, my friend.
Trapper John
06-07-2015, 05:03
https://vimeo.com/128373915
This graphical presentation of the scale of losses in human life during WWII really puts things into perspective! Well worth watching IMO.
Vin Scully tells a D-Day war story while doing play-by-play: LT COL Mad Jack Churchill (http://m.mlb.com/video/v148684383/stllad-scully-tells-story-of-world-war-ii-soldier)
Pat
Pulled up this old thread as it seems to be the best place to post this.
Got this from a friend that jumped in during the 75th Anniversary. Here is his AAR:
Badger52
06-25-2019, 04:55
Pulled up this old thread as it seems to be the best place to post this.
Got this from a friend that jumped in during the 75th Anniversary. Here is his AAR:Wow, thank you for posting the PDF. I saved it; it's written that well, one of the finest things I've seen. Many would do well to look afresh at the notion that people in a formerly-oppressed foreign country would 'adopt' a Soldier & their grave by name and learn all they could about them - and think hard about what that means.
Well done to your friend Rick.
bblhead672
06-25-2019, 08:13
Pulled up this old thread as it seems to be the best place to post this.
Got this from a friend that jumped in during the 75th Anniversary. Here is his AAR:
Very touching tribute. It is heartening to hear that young people over there are interested in true history and freedom.