D-Day – 2019 The 75th Anniversary

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:37:12 -0400

On June 6, 2019 we will commence the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Allied Invasion of Normandy. It is a momentous and historical occasion to celebrate reconciliation, liberty, and most of all Peace. Peace and liberation from the, then, NAZI Occupation of North-West Europe.

My name is Kerry Harkins and I am a USAF Veteran from the Vietnam Era… As such, I cannot provide, you, the reader with first hand knowledge of how D-Day came about or what happened when men stepped off their Navy landing craft into the temperate waters of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword Beaches…, but like all of you I must study its History… I am 76 years old and retired but strive to do my best for Veterans as a Massachusetts Commander of DAV Chapter #90, Norwood, MA.

At 76 years old, I was only a child of two on June 6, 1944, so I never knew much about D-Day until many years later… The average age of the men on that fateful D-Day was 26, which would make most of the Soldiers, Marines, Navy, Airmen and Coastguardsmen about 101 years old today. Granted that some men may have been 18-years old when they enlisted and that would make them 93-years old this year… One can easily draw the conclusion that there are very few WWII former military men still alive today… Sad but true… In a few more years there will be no one from WWII remaining… We shall have only the History of that very sad, but necessary, WWII occurrence in Europe.

I was honored recently by One of our RP Members, CW4 Craig Urban , who provided me with a report that His Uncle “Matt Urban” the ghost, as the Germans called him “Stormed Normandy”. After his Executive Officer and Battalion Commander were killed in battle, He took over as the Battalion Commander. Because of His heroic action, over and above, He received three (3) Silver Stars, Seven (7) Purple Hearts, and the Medal of Honor. CW4 Craig Urban’s Uncle, Matt Urban, died at the ripe old age of 93 in Holland, Michigan.

“Matt Louis Urban was a United States Army lieutenant colonel who is best known for being one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II. Urban performed valiantly in combat on many occasions despite being wounded in action several times.” Wikipedia
Matt Louis was born on August 25, 1919, Buffalo, NY, and was a graduate of Cornell University. He died on March 4, 1995, in Holland, MI. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. In WWII, He participated in Operation Overlord (Normandy), the North African Campaign, and the Allied invasion of Sicily.

D-Day, June 6, 1944:

Twelve allied Nations were part of a broad coalition of forces in the invasion of Normandy. These Coalition Forces included Australia, Canada, Belgium, France, Czechoslovakia, Greece, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, the United Kingdom, and the United States… This coalition and the Normandy invasion became known as “Operation Overlord”.

This Operation was an extremely important component of the Allied invasion of Normandy and Continental Europe… It became the impetus for defeating Hitler’s 3rd Reich throughout Europe.

During the initial landing, some 13,000 American paratroopers for both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions parachuted out of the sky, early on June 6, 1944, and were followed by 3,937 glider troops flown in during the daylight hours… From the Navy landing craft came some 112 tanks from the 741st & 743rd Tank Battalions and included both Sherman tanks and Sherman bulldozers for clearing debris and major obstacles.

On the Air side of the battle, there were some 12,000 allied aircraft available in support of the Beach landings in Normandy… Amazingly, some 14,674 sorties were flown on D-Day and a small number of aircraft were lost during the air bombings. Over 100,000 Allied and German troops were killed during the battle of Normandy as well as approximately 20,000 French civilians. Many of those killed were deemed to be a result of Allied Bombing…

For the record, casualties at Utah Beach were a bit lighter, in the range of 197, and that included about 60 reported as missing. Omaha Beach was a different story, however, as the U.S. 1st & 29th Divisions reported something in the order of 2,000 casualties.

One of the questions most often asked is: How many died at Normandy on D-Day? It is all about the odds. It has been reported that over 425,000 Allied and German Troops were either killed, wounded, or missing. The 425,000 figure includes more than 209,000 Allied casualties. Ground based troops were hit

hard, with close to 37,000 dead, while the Allied Air Forces attributed about 16,700 deaths. It was said that a paratrooper had about a 25% of survival during the Normandy invasion…

The approximate cost of Operation Overlord, in human lives lost was high on both sides of the grid. It is amazing to learn that from D-Day to August 21, 1944, that the Allies landed more than 2,000,000 men in Northern France with more than 226,000 casualties. In addition, there were some nearly 73,000 either killed or missing and upwards of 154,000 wounded.

Did you know that in the Normandy American Cemetery, there are 9,387 Americans buried there and most who gave their lives in the landing and invasion on D-Day? This cemetery is located on land that France bequeathed to the United States in perpetuity. It is also one of the fourteen (14) permanent WWII military cemeteries that was constructed on foreign soil.

To conclude this 75th Anniversary Tribute, it is important to note that if this day, this D-Day had not transpired as it unfolded on June 6th, 1944, the outcome of WWII in Europe might have been different. However, it was the collective strength of a strong coalition of Nations who dug in, worked almost seamlessly together to overthrow the radical regime of Adolph Hitler and his attempt to wipe out the Jewish population and run rampant over Europe.

Summary:
In the months and years leading up to D-Day, Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party decimated the Germany the world knew in the 1930’s and early 1940’s! Any freedoms that existed were soon eliminated by his radical approach to governing… Germany was taking over Europe and faced a tough Russian opponent to the East…and a war between Germany & Russia became a single front war against Russia!
The Allies saw that there was an opportunity to squeeze Hitler’s Armed Forces if they could hit them from the West… Thus, the military powers devised a plan of attack on the west coast of France on the beaches of Normandy… Germany, however, had fortified their front on the west, basically taking over France up to the Atlantic’s English Channel and building huge armed fortifications to protect themselves from forces at sea.
D-Day, June 6, 1944 was the beginning of the world’s fight against Nazi Germany and would lead to ultimate victory over Hitler and His ravaged Country.
On this 75th anniversary beach heads of Normandy we reflect on the the sacrifices made & the many strategic and tactical plans and achievements that resulted in a change to the balance of power in this region.

Notes:

1) The included video #1 is the Hymn of the Fallen, by John Williams and the backdrop images delineate WWII burial locations of our Fallen Military men and Women who died in combat and the numbers at each location…

2) The included video #2 is from the National Archives help one understand, in part, what occurred prior to and during D-Day, June 6, 1944. (Cont’d)

Accompanying Videos for 75th Anniversary of D-Day by requested order of use. Kerry F. Harkins

1) Video – “Hymn to the Fallen”, by John Williams - https://youtu.be/Omd9_FJnerY

2) Video – National Archives – hosted by YouTube - https://youtu.be/9gwLfdLOmgM

"Hymn to the Fallen" by John Williams

In honor of the soldiers who give us the freedoms we have today. American Cemeteries around the world and the number of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice...

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Jun 4 at 2019 9:40 AM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:40:06 -0400

Very complex day with a lot of history.

Response by CWO3 Dennis M. made Jun 4 at 2019 9:47 AM

CWO3 Dennis M. — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:47:16 -0400

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member It would not have been possible without the Greatest Generation...

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jun 4 at 2019 3:03 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 15:03:50 -0400

I would like to add a tribute to my wifes uncle...W.O. Wright. He was on the first wave that hit the beaches and he survived...one of the few. We never knew he hit Normandy until he was close to death. He never talked about it but after his death we read his paperwork and his correspondence with others that verified it. We knew he served in the European theater but not to that extent. He was a humble man when it came to stuff like that and was an active member in the VFW. Before his death we asked and he verified when asked if he stormed the beaches and he went with a one word answer...Yes. THen he moved on to another subject. Don't know if it was the humility of just doing his job or PTSD or the fact that he just tried to forget. Either way he was a hero and on June 6th every year I stop and remember his name and his willingness to step up and step off that boat. Thanks for the share.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jun 4 at 2019 3:23 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 15:23:05 -0400

What an incredible story and share Sgt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by Col Carl Whicker made Jun 4 at 2019 3:45 PM

Col Carl Whicker — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 15:45:41 -0400

Always Remember, Never Forget! Thank you, Kerry.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 4 at 2019 3:48 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 15:48:54 -0400

Tomorrow would have been my brother SPC Wayne Edward Groth's birthday.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jun 4 at 2019 4:28 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 16:28:03 -0400

Excellent tribute Kerry, thanks.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jun 4 at 2019 5:24 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 17:24:55 -0400

Outstanding.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 4 at 2019 7:17 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 19:17:21 -0400

I have a hard time grasping D-Day to the Battle of the Bulge do to so many units, actions, and places.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 5 at 2019 3:49 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 03:49:50 -0400

Thank you, for posting my friend Sgt Private RallyPoint Member As an avid student of military history including WWII I am very familiar with Operation Overlord as well as supporting operations

1. Deception Operation Fortitude. "For months prior to the invasion, the Allied forces executed a brilliant and extensive deception campaign that convinced Nazi military leaders that the real landing site would be near the French port city of Calais. Codenamed Operation Fortitude, the deception tactics included a dummy army led by famed U.S. General George Patton, hundreds of inflatable decoy tanks and airplanes to trick German spy planes, fake radio transmissions and planted German double agents. Even after Allied troops landed in Normandy, Hitler was convinced that it was a feint to draw Nazi defenses away from the real invasion site in Calais."

2. Naval Operation Neptune [6-30 Jun 1944]

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2019 8:21 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Jun 2019 08:21:33 -0400

LTC Urban went from LT to LTC in 3 years.

Response by SSgt Scott Ezra made Jun 6 at 2019 3:02 PM

SSgt Scott Ezra — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 15:02:05 -0400

My grandfather was born in Sept 1923. He had 6 brothers of which he was the youngest and 5 sisters. On Dec 10th 1941, he and 5 of his brothers enlisted in the U.S. Army. My grandfather was rejected because he had flat feet, but every one of his brothers, except the oldest who stayed to help the family work, enlisted went through training and eventually on to the war. Later on my grandfather was drafted and was an Army engineer and went to see combat throughout the European theater and was in Germany when that part of the war ended.
All of them made it home and they stuck together and took care of each other and pulled our family out of poverty by working hard and some had pretty bad injuries for the rest of their lives.
My family really isn't even that special. The majority of the American people were willing to make personal sacrifices for the good of their country and the world. Most people did what they could.
It's not like that anymore, but this is more about those brave people that answered the call 75 years ago. Thank G-d for all of them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 6 at 2019 7:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:54:21 -0400

Today marks the incipient stage o when our military and industrial might was going to defeat Germany even though we were fighting in the Pacific as well.

Response by SPC Brandon Hamilton made Jun 7 at 2019 11:47 AM

SPC Brandon Hamilton — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 11:47:01 -0400

https://youtu.be/tT_1iOWO7L0

Ghetto Mafia - I Can Feel It (Straight Country Remix) Full Version

Ghetto Mafia - I Can Feel It (Straight Country Remix) Full Version. This is the Dirty or Full Version. Enjoyed!!!

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Jun 7 at 2019 7:14 PM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 19:14:45 -0400

Indeed during this entire war, those who served are indeed the Greatest Generation! FYI this was the last time that Congress declared war. Korea was a "Police Action" and is the forgotten conflict. I too served during the Vietnam Conflict (1969 to 1973). It is the most detested, despised, and protested conflict. Sadly, the more recent conflicts are "invisible". So, so many lives lost and devalued!
War should only be the very last resort.
Rich

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 8 at 2019 5:55 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 08 Jun 2019 17:55:27 -0400

It took a few weeks for the allied armies to break out of the Normandy area as the Germans kept counterattacking. The Germans retreated as attrition set in due to our air power, their bad logistics capability, and the kinetic force from our divisions. We turned the table on them and became a fast moving meat grinder. Battle of the Bulge became the last great counterattack by the Germans as success would require the enemy forces to find our fuel points.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 9 at 2019 7:40 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 19:40:16 -0400

More meat grinding would follow after D-Day. The US had to fight its way to expand the area of operations from the beaches. Germany sent heavy armored divisions to fight us. Then we had to fight through French farms which had hedgerows which were used like fences marking the boundaries of fields. The hedgerows contained trees and brushes making it almost impossible to go throught them. This was definite slow-go territory as German tanks hid behind the hedgrows and destroyed many American tanks and vehicles in the open.

Hitler forbade Rommel from centralizing the German tanks so Rommel threw tank units after tank units at us. I beleive after the hedgerow terrain the Allied Forces picked up steam manuevering to Germany, then the Battle of the Bulge became our next huge obstacle.

Response by CPL William Spence made Jun 11 at 2019 9:50 AM

CPL William Spence — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:50:26 -0400

I live in Holland, Michigan. Mr. Urban worked in the Holland Police Department and is a local legend. I share an office with an engineer that worked with Matt. A great man was he.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2019 11:02 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 11:02:42 -0400

I had the pleasure of attending the 70th Anniversary. I would say that it is the most humbling experience I’ve had my whole career. True hero’s.

Response by SGT Kevin Foley made Jun 14 at 2019 6:19 PM

SGT Kevin Foley — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 18:19:39 -0400

Great post Kerry

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jul 6 at 2019 3:56 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 15:56:07 -0400

I am grateful for the badasses who stormed the beaches of Normandy.

Response by SSG Thomas Barry made Aug 31 at 2019 6:37 PM

SSG Thomas Barry — Sat, 31 Aug 2019 18:37:16 -0400

I wonder if I had my meddle tested, if I could hold my own as all the battle tested Military has over the years since the birth of our country. I salute you and all our Brothers and Sisters

Response by SFC Steven Schafer made Dec 8 at 2019 12:46 AM

SFC Steven Schafer — Sun, 08 Dec 2019 00:46:26 -0500

My mother was part of a Gold Star family having lost her kid brother in the hedge rows near Normandy by a German sniper's shot. She told me that he was more than happy to make the sacrifice. My grandfather was never the same, but he did give my mom permission to name my brother after him.

Response by COL Jon Lopey made Apr 9 at 2020 9:44 PM

COL Jon Lopey — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 21:44:36 -0400

Thank you for the tribute! I read about Matt Urban many years ago. He received the MoH late as I recall. He may have been the most-decorated US Soldier in WW II had he received his MoH during or immediately after the war. He was severely wounded the last time and was in recovery for many months and years. What a hero! He is definitely on par with Audie Murphy and a national treasure - He should never be forgotten. God Bless and THANK YOU for sharing such an incredible story and narrative of a costly war and the Greatest Generation that fought it! COL L

Response by PO3 Lynn Spalding made Jun 6 at 2020 1:44 PM

PO3 Lynn Spalding — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 13:44:44 -0400

An amazing article Kerry! Thank you for writing and sharing this.

Response by SSG Franklin Briant made Jun 6 at 2020 7:28 PM

SSG Franklin Briant — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 19:28:55 -0400

Excellent share brother.

Response by SGT Mary G. made Jun 6 at 2022 7:14 PM

SGT Mary G. — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 19:14:24 -0400

Thank you for the wonderful history and tribute to our previous generation, Sgt Private RallyPoint Member.
Things moved fast after the D-Day operation which lasted close to three months, until the end of August. It paved the way in mid December for the Battle of the Bulge, i.e. Operation Autumn Mist, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, which lasted close to six weeks. It was launched by Germany as the last major offensive of the war. My Uncle Floyd was injured at Ardennes and grateful to have been found by a medic after five days which is how he managed to survive the war.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2022 7:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 19:56:12 -0400

Thank you for remembering.