This is my second cousin on my Mother’s side.
KIA on 22 June 1944.
Thirty-four years old.
Bet the teen privates called him”Pop”.
My Grandfather on my Father's side was awarded the Bronze Star for service in France during the invasion (my understanding was that he came ashore after the initial June 6 invasion). I haven't been able to find a citation or any details, but my Father has told me that he was in transportation and the medal was for keeping supply chains moving under fire. I haven't been able to find any information about the "Break Through" pin either, but assume it's a campaign/operation associated with the push towards Germany. His Bronze Star and ribbons/pins are one of my most prized possessions.
A good friend and I visited Omaha Beach in 2018, and it is truly hallowed ground. I was very proud to see some many American flags being flown at private residences in the area, and someone played the Star Spangled Banner at Les Braves Memorial. We got there too late to visit the American Cemetery, but the tidal conditions were essentially identical to those at the D-Day landing, so we got the opportunity to see things from the perspective of both the Allies and the Axis, including from inside a bunker.
I had long believed it, but actually being there at Omaha really reiterated how much they deserve the title "The Greatest Generation."
That's the unit crest for the 117th Infantry Regiment. It's not an award, it's an item you wear on your dress uniform or headgear to show which unit you're a part of.
Last edited by john c; 06-07-2021 at 06:41 PM.