D-Day - Page 2

Debo · 06-06-2013, 16:14

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loadsmasher

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

Dusty · 06-06-2013, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Enlisted pilots, though.

TR

Gypsy · 06-06-2013, 20:26

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loadsmasher

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Reaper

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.

Stobey · 06-06-2013, 23:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah Bob

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah Bob

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.

FILO · 06-07-2013, 11:14

A few photos from the June 6, 1984 celebration.

FILO · 06-07-2013, 11:16

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.

Flagg · 06-07-2013, 16:07

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.

SPEC4 · 06-10-2013, 08:31

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.

I asked if he had served

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.