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I wrote this essay to be my contribution to remembering D-Day. I had much more contact with such men growing up than my peers, because about age nine my dad began taking me out golfing on the weekends. Parts of conversations about the WW II would occur as asides to a main subject. There were no war production plants in McMinnville Oregon, so it seemed everyone had served. Without exception I remember they regarded that time as no more exceptional than attending high school. Of course though I was not privy to the more private discussions they had with other veterans.

I can’t remember any paratroopers, but I often ended up as a dishwasher at Michelbook Country Club. I noticed the chef always limped as he moved around the kitchen. When he saw my puzzled look, he said he got the limp from a wound received when he was with the Rangers at Pointe De Hoc. He said it might not have been so serious if they hadn’t been able to get any medical help for two days.

This is just one story among so many I remember and so many more I have forgotten. As a result when the time came I volunteered for the Navy officer program and ended up in Vietnam. It was simply my turn.

As a prelude to the essay here is Eisenhower’s speech.

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security to yourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have in¬flicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Al¬mighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.

Thank you sir.

We bought the home we live in from the widow of a close family friend who was in the 101st Airborne. He was dropped behind enemy lines during the Normandy Invasion (I think by glider), he parachuted into Holland and was trucked into the Bulge. He was a fine man and a good friend, as was his widow. She is gone now too.

I still have my father, he served under Patton and Gen. Patch. Was in Germany, Belgium and CZ. He saw Dachau not long after liberation and spent that winter overseeing German POW’s cutting timber from around Dachau to be used as firewood for those who lived in Munich.

Dad and I went grocery shopping together this morning. He is still very sharp, will be 90 in a few months. He saw Fascist up close and personal, we talk almost daily about the same thing existing here now. Headshake.