The captain said to him as they came closer "Mike, get in the back and make sure everyone gets off this boat." So he did.
A few minutes later, the steel ramp of the LST comes down and they are decimated by German machine gun fire; the captain and many others were killed immediately. Mike became the unit commander and they all hit the beach. He and his men were pinned down by machine gun fire for 2 days and eventually fought their way off the beach.
He never wanted to speak of the war but because of my interest and the relationship we had he eventually told me a bit of what went on (he went through the Battle of the Bulge and was captured and escaped). Rest his brave soul.
We civilians are hard pressed to ever find the words to express our gratitude for these men.
My uncle would only talk about that day after a couple of shots when we would stay up late talking. He was very reticent- but my interest was keen and he would tell some parts. He also went on to the Battle of the Bulge. Years later when he was dying and knew he had but a few months left- my cousin traveled with him to Normandy and they traced the route across France.
Extraordinary men, all.
What a disgrace to have this appeaser, who loathes the military, representing our brave veterans.