THE FINAL REUNION
NORMANDY | D-DAY
80TH ANNIVESARY NORMANDY
The D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, was a significant event during World War II, involving troops from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Operation Overlord, led by Nazi Germany, involved around 156,000 Allied soldiers landing on the Normandy beaches. Despite the success, around 4,000 Allied troops were killed by German soldiers. This unprecedented military operation involved a massive deployment of troops, vehicles, and equipment, resulting in the liberation of northern France in August 1944. By spring 1945, the Allies had achieved victory over the Germans, making D-Day considered the turning point in World War II.
THE FINAL REUNION OF VETERANS
The Foundation is diligently coordinating the official delegation of DDAY veterans to France, generously covering all expenses to ensure a proper farewell to a generation that profoundly altered the course of history. The journey begins with the annual Queen Mary 2 transatlantic voyage from May 22 to June 01, followed by four private charter flights from June 02 to 09. This is a heartfelt tribute to the brave World War II veterans. Representing Nations are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. The Foundation is collaborating with Connecting Generations to offer leadership opportunities for wounded veterans from Viet Nam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. These veterans will have the honor of accompanying World War II veterans on their journey back to France.
Remembering D-Day
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Eugene Diebler
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Arthur Meyers
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Floyd Wigfield
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Thomas Hope
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George Shankle
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John Cipolla
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Clayton Nattier
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Donald Allen
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Wilson Colwell
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Quinten Milton
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Glenn Angle
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Keith Hereford
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Harold Steinbuger
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Harold Angle
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Jack Goldstein
"The waiting for history to be made was the most difficult. I spent much time in prayer. Being cooped up made it worse. Like everyone else, I was seasick and the stench of vomit permeated our craft."
--Private Clair Galdonik
Battlefield Repatriation
RETURN TO VIETNAM
Dien Bien Phu
Program: Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam
Unit: Dien Bien Phu: | French Far East | North Vietnam
Brief Summary: The Vietnamese military achieved a decisive victory in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, which lasted from March 13 to May 7, 1954. This triumph effectively terminated the French colonial regime in Vietnam. The subsequent development was the partition of Vietnam into North Vietnam and South Vietnam, which established the political groundwork for protracted hostilities and, ultimately, the Vietnam War.
Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam - USMC 1/1
Program: Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam
Unit: 1st Battalion, 1st Marines | USMC | I-Corps
Brief Summary: The USMC 1st Battalion, 1st Marines was deployed to Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam in August 1965. Later, they were reassigned to the 3rd Marine Division. Serving in or near Da Nang, Đông Hà, Con Thien, Quảng Trị, Huế, Phu Bai, and Khe Sanh, they stayed in Vietnam until May 1971. In May 1971, they made their way back to Camp Pendleton in California. 7,012 men from the division were killed in action in South Vietnam.
Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam - Combat Nurses
Program: Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam
Unit: Combat Nurses | US Army Nurses | II-Corps
Brief Summary: A group of young women from all over the country selflessly offered their services as nurses in the hospitals and medical facilities of South Vietnam. They had a variety of motivations for volunteering, such as a sense of duty to their country, a desire to assist injured servicemen, the opportunity for training and education, the chance to advance their military careers, and the excitement of embarking on an adventure. They have experience in a range of military units, from Navy ships to Air Force airlift helicopters and Army hospitals. Regardless of their level of experience, nurses who were more confident and experienced were able to handle the stress and treat numerous casualties on a daily basis more effectively. The nurses' experience varied from newcomers to seasoned veterans, highlighting the significance of a nurturing and encouraging environment for young women in Vietnam.
Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam - USMC 3/4
Program: Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam
Unit: 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines | USMC | I-Corps
Brief Summary: The USMC 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines known as the "Thundering Third" participated in numerous operations, beginning in the Chu Lai region (1965-66) south of Da Nang and progressing to the DMZ in subsequent years (67, 68, 69). After November 6, 3/4 was the last infantry battalion of the 3rd Marine Division left in South Vietnam. On November 24, 1969, the battalion sailed from Vietnam to Okinawa.
Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam - USMC 2/1
Program: Battlefield Repatriation Vietnam
Unit: USMC | 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines | I-Corps
Brief Summary: The USMC 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines was deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in November 1965, where they were assigned to the Fleet Marine Force's 3rd Marine Division. took part in the Vietnam War, which lasted from November 1965 to May 1971 and saw intense fighting in Lien Ket, Da Nang, Quang Tri, Thua Thien, Quang Nam, and Hue/Phu Bai. They were transferred to the 3rd Marine Amphibious Brigade, Fleet Marine Force, after being detached from the 1st Marine Division in April 1971. They were reassigned to Camp Pendleton, California, in June 1971 after the war, and they were assigned to the 1st Marine Division of the Fleet Marine Force.