Title: D-Day Stories from Washington State: A Tribute to the Heroes of World War II.
Introduction: In Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary.
In this article, we pay tribute to the heroes of World War II and their unwavering commitment to preserving liberty. We share firsthand accounts from D-Day veterans who lived in Puyallup, Washington, our hometown, as they recount their experiences on June 6, 1944 – a day that changed the course of history. As we mark the 80th anniversary of this heroic moment, it is essential to remember and express immense gratitude for those who sacrificed much for the greater good.
Private First Class Douglas Scott’s Account: Navigating the Channel on D-Day.
When Private First Class Douglas Scott, an Army engineer, arrived on Utah Beach during the early hours of June 6, 1944, the channel was filled with explosions. He recounted, “All of the sudden you’re trying to get out of sight in a hurry.” His experience began with swimming and wading through water as they attempted to aid the wounded, who were more than the medics could handle at that time. Unfortunately, the tide came in and washed some of the wounded out to sea.
Bob Leonard’s Glider Detachment Experience on Utah Beach.
Medic’s aide Bob Leonard was part of a glider detachment of the 101st Airborne, landing on Utah Beach during the D-Day operation. His glider missed its target and came in near the water, making it his first combat experience. The first realization I had of what war was—was a body rolling back and forth in the water,” he shared with me.
Staff Sgt. Ed Porter’s Tank Unit Experience Awaiting Clearance to Move Ashore.
Another D-Day veteran, Staff Sgt. Ed Porter, a former semi-pro New York Rangers hockey player, talked about the tense holding period before his tank unit was cleared to go ashore. He and other servicemen watched as men like Douglas Scott and Al Gerstmann struggled on the beaches while they waited for clearance to join the fight.
The Horrors of War: A New Reality for D-Day Veterans.
All these veterans recalled the grim sights they witnessed during that first day of battle. As Porter shared, “The movies are gruesome, but not as gruesome as it really was.” He added, “Looking back, it was just like you were looking at a hell.
Life After D-Day: The Heroes’ Journeys Home.
After participating in the liberation of Europe from Nazi rule, these brave servicemen returned home to Washington State. Porter became a Tacoma police officer, Leonard a YMCA director, Scott a truck driver, and Gerstmann a Lutheran minister. They raised families and actively contributed to their community – continuing to serve long after the war ended.
Al Gerstmann’s Journey: Years of Silence before Sharing His D-Day Experience.
It took many years for Al Gerstmann to open up about his experiences on D-Day. As he shared with me, “I didn’t talk about it for years and years and years.” This sentiment is echoed by Tom Brokaw’s labeling of these men and their generational peers as “The Greatest Generation,” despite some having difficulty sharing the horrors they faced during the war.
Motivation for American Servicemen: A Fight for Righteousness.
Stephen E. Ambrose, a renowned historian, wrote in his book “Citizen Soldiers” about what drove these young American men to fight so hard and long – “At the core, the American citizen soldiers knew the difference between right and wrong, and they didn’t want to live in a world in which wrong prevailed. So they fought, and won.
The Importance of Sharing D-Day Stories with Future Generations.
Eighty years after these young Americans stormed the beaches at Normandy, it is crucial that we share their stories with the rising generation so that they may understand the sacrifices made to preserve freedom. We must ensure that their bravery and sacrifice are not forgotten as we continue to live in a world shaped by their actions.