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"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...
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
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
D-Day
WWII World War Two
Remembrance
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 23
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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.
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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
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SSG Thomas Barry
thank you for upping my confidence level and reassuring me that deep down I would give it my best
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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
War should only be the very last resort.
Rich
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SSgt Scott Ezra
I agree with everything you said. I always loved the "Vietnam" guys, but I grew up with a lot of them around. Then when I enlisted those were the guys that trained me and were my mentors and they will always be my favorite!
The VA has sure made me feel absolutely worthless and still does so I just don't go anymore. I get the same level of care in my bed without the stress of dealing with them.
The VA has sure made me feel absolutely worthless and still does so I just don't go anymore. I get the same level of care in my bed without the stress of dealing with them.
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COL Jon Lopey
Richard & Scott: You bring up some great points about Viet Nam and the way our troops were treated. I was a Viet Nam Era veteran of the Marines ('72-'74). I served in the Philippines and did not get to go to Viet Nam. I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and when I went home we did not have the support we deserved and even some of my long-term friends asked me if we were really "baby killers," which is absurd. Jane Fonda showed up once at the front gate of Travis AFB (Fairfield, CA). However, history tells us there were more volunteers fighting in Viet Nam than during WW II percentage-wise (over 62%). History also tells us that nearly all of the American people eventually discovered the Viet Nam Era veteran fought with extraordinary courage, skill, loyalty, perseverance, and were successful in virtually all major battles and most recognize we didn't lose that war, we weren't really there when Saigon fell (advisors, trainers, and other support personnel for the most part). I later served during Desert Shield/Storm and in Bosnia, Haiti, Afghanistan, and Iraq. We were treated extremely well by American citizens and we still are, which is amazing considering how long the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) has persisted. I firmly believe the reason the military and veterans are treated so well Post-Viet Nam, especially during GWOT, is because Americans learned the lessons from Viet Nam and realized from that era that our military deserves our utmost respect, love, and support. I lament about Viet Nam Era movies as well because there are few that depicted our service members as they really were for the most part. While in the USMC, I was never in a bad unit and my NCOs and Officers were outstanding leaders. I think most would agree we lost the "public relations-relates aspect of the war" after the Tet Offense (which we won) and it is certainly true that many of our politicians (and media) abandoned us and S. Viet Nam, especially after President Nixon became embroiled in Watergate and for all intents and purposes was eventually "combat ineffective" as a leader. I think Viet Nam was a just cause because its aftermath (mass killings and internments in Laos, Cambodia, and Viet Nam) (millions) demonstrated the evil that the communists represented to the region and world. Had we fought that war without so many restrictions we could have easily prevailed, in my opinion. The NVA almost surrendered after the Linebacker II bombing missions over North Viet Nam and Hanoi but we threw in the towel at the Paris peace talks too soon. Thank you for the commentary! Semper Fi, COL L
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COL Jon Lopey
LTC Urban spent a lot of time in the hospital after his last serious wound. He was leading troops in combat even after being wounded but as I recall, his last wound was in the neck and almost killed him. I still think had he not received the MoH late (I read the recommendation was lost) he would have been heralded as one if not the most-decorated Soldier of WW II along with heroes like Audie Murphy. His exploits were so incredible that they are almost unbelievable. While a number of great leaders made rank fast during WW II, going from lieutenant to LTC was still relatively rare. A number of captains in the Army when WW II started rose to general rank. One classic example is "Jumping' Jim Gavin from the 82nd Airborne. He was a captain at West Point teaching when he was rejected for Airborne by his commander. He persisted, traded places with another officer, attended jump school and long before the war ended was the Commanding General of the 82nd and one of the most revered leaders in the Army at the time (and now). You may recall General Eisenhower was a very new LTC when WW II started but earned 5-stars before it was over! It is not unusual when you consider the Army was very small when the war started but we had somewhere around 89-divisions when the war ended, which required a lot brass to lead the various units. Great history - Thank you for remembering such an icon of WW II! COL L
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CWO3 (Join to see)
COL Jon Lopey - In reference to promotions, I believe Gen MacArthur skipped LTC. Could be wrong, but thought I read that once. In our early/previous wars the affluent sometimes received commissions as Colonels and were given a Regiment.
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COL Jon Lopey
Chief: I know he catapulted into the higher ranks after being heavily-decorated during WW I. I believe he was by far the youngest Army Chief of Staff. As I recall, General Pershing was a senior captain with over 18-years in and he was promoted to BG and led the Punitive Expedition in Mexico. After that he led the Armed Expeditionary Force in Europe during WW I and I believe that involved 42 U.S. divisions and Marine brigade. I remember General Eisenhower as a new LTC at the start of WW II was summoned to Wash DC by Gen Marshall. His first task for the LTC? He was asked what to do about the Philippines. Ultimately, the decision was made to write-off the PI for the time being, secure Australia as a base of operations in the Pacific and to attack in North Africa because we didn't have the firepower, manpower, or logistics to hit Europe or save the PI. Great commentary! Thank you, COL L
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CWO3 (Join to see)
COL Jon Lopey - From my limited reading that all makes sense, as many skipped ranks or walked in the door at VIP or above. Temporary and battlefield promotions - even reverting backwards a lot if one chose to stay. Thanks for the share. I had only once read about MacArthur. It mentioned his mother and family history, and that she helped his career along.
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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
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Sgt (Join to see)
COL Jon Lopey Lopey, it was my pleasure to have written this in commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day... and thank you for your great comments...
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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.
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COL Jon Lopey
MSG: My brother, a former member of the 509th Airborne (now 173rd Abn Bde) in Vicenza, Italy attended the celebration with his family and being a Viet Nam Era paratrooper, he got a kick out of riding the bus with some veterans of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, along with other Soldiers from that epic battle. Great post - Thanks you! COL L
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Thank you for the wonderful history and tribute to our previous generation, Sgt (Join to see).
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.
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.
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