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Exactly 61 years ago, Joseph P. Barrett, of Haverford Pa., landed on Omaha Beach as part of an anti-aircraft battalion. Luckily for me, he made it. Joe is the Godfather of two of my sons and he introduced me to my wife.
He never talked much about the death and mayhem that took place on the beach, but he related a priceless anecdote about an U.S.Air Force fighter pilot who was shot down by friendly fire.
The pilot who was told that he was going on a "milk run" had a date with an English nurse that night. But when he entered to forbidden "no fly zone' the crew next to Joe's started shooting at him. They hit his plane causing him to parachute to the beach below.
He landed-- all dolled up in his class 'A' uniform-- yelling. I gotta get back to England; I have a date tonight.
Joe says he doesn't think he made it.
Joe trudged through France and Germany, crossing the bridge at Remagen before coming home. He landed a job as a police reporter on the late beloved Philadelphia Bulletin. I met him while covering the cop house for the Daily News. I later joined him at The Bulletin.
Joe is now in his middle 80s and creaks a little but he still holds a good conversation.
God Bless people like Joe Barrett.

Thanks for sharing this touching story from one of our true American heroes.

I also know a man who participated in the liberation of Europe, parachuting into France behind enemy lines.

I thank God for all who made it back from the hell that was "D Day", and for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and didn't. I shutter to think where we would be today without the bravery and sacrifice of these courageous men.

God Bless all who were there that day. My heartfelt thank you to all of them. Prayers for our fallen heroes and their families.

"Luckily for me, he made it. Joe is the Godfather of two of my sons and he introduced me to my wife."
Temple Owl, thank you for sharing about your friend Joe. (I am guessing Joe is more like family to you all) Bless Joe, give him a big hug and a thank you from this N.Y. gal.

LadyX, thank you for sharing your memories.

Mrs.Tank, my prayers are with your friend and his family, I am very sorry.

"American cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, northwestern France, Monday, June 6, 2005.
Veterans and dignitaries gathered in the French region that perhaps best symbolyzes
the fallen Allied soldier to honor the thousands of fighting men who gave their lives in the D-Day landings 61 years ago."

"Florida, Herb Suert, center, 84, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Don Malarkey, 84, of
Salem, Oregon, pose during ceremonies to commemorate the Allied D-Day landings of
World War II, on Utah Beach, northwestern France, Monday, June 6, 2005."