David survived the London Blitz in WWII and his late wife Sophie lived under Nazi occupation in France. Her school was taken over by the Germans for their local headquaters. This is the reason David has dedicated his book to the Americans & Allies who saved Europe from tyranny. The WWII veterans David has interviewed are named below as a token of his family's gratitude for their brave service. Sadly, many of them have passed away since publication. Over 500 WWII veterans are dying each day and there only about one million left for us to honor their sacrifice.
In fact, the whole world owes these brave souls a debt of gratitude that can never be sufficiently re-paid. The least we can do is to never, ever forget, the magnitude of their sacrifice or of their bravery.
Allan Pixton was a 24 year old Lt Colonel 5th Engineer Special Brigade (Big Red One) Ist Infantry Division June 6 th 1944 Normandy Invasion.Retired as Brigadier General. Was 94 in 2013.
James D. Hammet, based in Mayberry and Ramsberry UK Flew as co-pilot of glider for 436 troop carrier over Omaha Beach Normandy June 6 1944 Pilot was E.J. O'Donnel. They picked up 4 German prisoners on the way back to the beach.
Robert Lee Swofford: Was a 21 year old B24 pilot in the 445th USAAF Bomb Group and in the 700 Squadron when sent to England. He and his crew flew 30 missions beginning with the Normandy invasion bombing the bridges of Cairns. Robert received 2 DFC's & 5 Air Medals, The Freedom of Normandy & his Unit received the Croix de Guerre.Robert retired as Captain and then flew for United Airlines. He was 92 before Robert sadly passed away in November 2014 since this was published.
Joseph J. Turecky was a lieutenant pilot in the 440th Troop Carrier Group, 96th Squadron. He flew a C-47 with a designation Bristol "G" George, tail number 915.
Participated in the 4 airborne invasions; Neptune (Normandy, Second day), Dragoon (Southern France), Market Garden (Holland) and Varsity (The Rhine). After dropping paratroops in Neptune, Dragoon and Market he towed gliders, following the paradrops. Joe's airplane was hit by ground fire in Normandy and Holland. He helped deliver gasoline to General Patton's tankers in his relief of Bastogne.
Joe's awards were: Air Medal, with 3 Oak Leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, ETO Campaign Medal with 7 Battle Stars. Retired as a Lt. Colonel and is now 94 years old. (in 2016)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OF JOE'S BIO
James L. Miller: US Army 1st Division, 16th Regiment, E Company. Normandy Invasion Omaha Beach on D-Day.
Medals include Bronze Star, Purple Heart and in 2010 was Awarded the Legion of Honor by decree from French President Nicholas Sarkozy
Printis Sibley 2nd Infantry Division U.S.Army. Was a medic as a 1st responder to Normandy Invasion injured soldiers. Also involved in Battle of The Bulge, Brest, Crossing the Rhine and battles in Germany, Retired T5 aged 92 in 2013.
Robert Blatnik U.S. Army 26th Regiment - 1st Infantry Division. Was part of Omaha Beach Red Fox day 1 Normandy Invasion. He was also fought in Nigerian French Morocco, Tunisian & Sicilian Campaigns. He went on to fight in Belgium 7 Germany being wounded and returning to the USA to recover.
His medals include Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, French Citation Medal, Belgium Citation Medal, Expert Rifleman & Expert Pistol, French Fourragere, Belgian Fourragere, American Campaign Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one Bronze Service Star with one Silver Service Star with arrowhead, WWII Victory Medal Combat infantryman bade 1sr Award and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. Retired Sergeant Major now 97years old in 2016
Charles D. Morhle: Was a 2nd Lt Thunderbolt pilot in the
510th Fighter Squadron, 405th Group, 9th Air Force. Charlie flew 97 missions beginning on D-Day over Normandy. The Thunderbolt was certified to operate from 5000' all concrete runways, but, reality of war he flew from 4500' wire mesh in the UK, Christchurch and in Picauville France from 3800' Tar Paper. Was told once he flew so low he got grass stains on his plane, but really it was a wheat field and it stained his propeller tips!
He flew missions into Holland and Germany from his base airfield in St Dizier South of Paris. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and 16 oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation. He retired from Service as a Captain.He volunteered his time to the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. Sadly, Charlie passed away at 92 in 2014 soon after this was publshed.
Leon C. Sparkman: Was a 21 year old Lieutenant flying Thunderbolt fighters in the 510th Squadron, 405th Group 9th Air Force. He flew air cover over all the Normandy D-Day Beaches. Was hit 3 times but was never shot down. Like his fellow Thunderbolt comrades in the 510th Squadron he had to land and take off in a French field on Tar Paper runways until they were able to capture the airfiled at St Dizier where the could utilize concrete runways.
Went on to fly missions in Holland, Luxumbourg & Germany. Awarded the Air Medal with 16 Clusters, a Distinguished Flying Cross, Campaign Medals with 4 Stars. Retired as a Lt Colonel. Sadly, Leon passed away in September 2013 after this was published.
Charles (Chick) F. Bruns: lives in the East Central Illinois town of Champaign. A local athlete, Chick joined the Army in 1941.He was with the 7th Army, 3rd Division, 10th Combat Engineers, A Company. In October of 1942 he was sent to the European Theater.
He participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Anzio and Southern France.His final rank was T-Sergeant. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received on Anzio. He also received the French Croix de guerre twice and was recently honored by France with the French Legion of Honor. Chick was 96 at time of publication.
Ralph C. Jenkins: Was a 25 year old Flight Commander flying Thunderbolt fighters in the 510th Squadron, 405th Group 9th Air Force. Became Squadron Commander and flew 129 combat missions beginning on D-Day Normandy. After airfield estabished in Picauville near St Mere Eglise by demolishing an apple orchard on June 29th 1944, laying down tar paper on the grass.He remained there until 11th September 1944 and was happy when Germans left Cherbourg airfied so Thunderbolt squadrons could land on concrete runway.Almost all of his airborne missions were against the German Army and the roads , railroads, canals and airfields used by them.
They of course dealt with the Luftwaffe when the opportunity presented itself, but, by this time it was a much weakened force. German anti-aircraft fire made their missions extremely dangerous ! Some of the most severe casulties we suffered were launched from Picauville. They would initiate their attack from about 5000ft and ceased firing while they were literally at tree top level. Four of his fellow pilots Ralph believes are now buried at the American Cemetary:
2nd Lt William E. Varnes, Lt Col Bruce F. Parcell, 2nd Lt Clifford B. Russell and 1st Lt Benjamin F. Savage.
Ralph remembers attending their burial in a virgin field at that time. He understands that today it is now a most beautiful tribute to those who fell there.
When Lt Col Parcell was killed in action near St Lo, Ralph was given command of the 510th Fighter Squadron and retained that position at St Dizier France, Ophoven Belgium, and Kitzingen Germany until VE Day on May 8th 1945.
Flew combat missions into Holland,Arnhem, and Market Garden campaigns. Received Silver Star, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 24 Air Medals with Oak Leaf Cluster, and Croix de Guerre Etoile de Vermeil.
Retired as Lt Colonel and is now 97 years old in 2016.
Some other members of his old Squadron can be found here on this web site, namely; Charlie Morhle, Leon Sparkman & Arlie Blood.
Joesph W. Geary: Captain, US Army Air Corps. Navigator - B-24's 15th Air Force, 450th Bomb Group, &21st Bomb Squadron - Manduria, Italy.
Flew over 50 missions, including Ploesti,Vienna,Munich & Budapest. Awarded Air Medal & 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, America Campaign Medal.
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one silver (in lieu of 5 bronze) Service Star for participation in Normandy, North Apennines, Southern France, Northern France & Air Combat, EAME Theater Campaigns. WWII Victory Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, French Legion of Honor
Jack Bennett: 18 years old when drafted & after training was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One). At age 20 he landed on Omaha Beach in the Normandy Invasion. His platoon fought their way through the fortifications, and advanced through dairy farms & apple orchards while liberating a series of small villages in NW of France as well as Belgium.They were the first to enter Germany at AAchen where he was wounded Oct. 13 1944 near there, and spent 6 months in an army hospital in England before being returned to the USA..
Jack was awarded the bronze Star, Purple Heart w/Oak cluster, Good conduct, Atlantic Theatre, North Africa-Eurp w/arrow Head and 4 battle stars, CIB, French Saint Maurice. On Friday May 10, 2013, the Vice-Consul General of France from Houston came to Jack's house & on behalf of the French Government awarded him the Knight of the French Legion of Honor.
Today Jack was 89 in 2013 and lives with his wife of 54 years Dorothy
James Megellas:
James is a retired United States Army officer who commanded a platoon in Company "H" of the 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division during World War II.
Wikipedia He is "the most-decorated officer in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division"
Born: March 11, 1917 (age 98 2016, Fond du Lac, WI
Education: Ripon College
Rank: Lieutenant colonel
Service/branch: United States Army Allegiance: United States of America.
Books: All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe
Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star.
Robert N. Bray: Joined the Navy after college and trained as a Navy pilot. During the war he served for 2 years on anti-submarine duty in the Atlantic while based at NAS in Bermuda. German U-boats were creating havoc on Allied convoys to Britain and Russia. Robert played his part in helping to chase & destroy enemy submarines.
Robert served additional time on Kaneohe Marine base on Oahu Hawaii. He helped rescue and pick up Air Force pilots in the pacific Ocean from their downed planes.
Sergio A. Moirano : Army Serial Number l # 42015454
He was involved in the Day+2 landings on Utah Beach.
Originally he joined 357/F as a replacement. Then was transfered to Co G on June 23, 1944. Wounded on June 27 and sent to hospital. Returned from hospital December 26, 1944. Promoted to Private First Class January 3, 1945.Was re-hospitalized January 24, 1945. Currently living in Belgium 2013.
Arthur A. Kirscht: Was drafted out of college at age 17 and trained as an infantryman in the 100th Infantry in the 7th Army. Participated in the invasion of Southern France through the port of Marseilles. He fought through France up into the Rhone area where the 7th Army met up with the 3rd Army and the Free French Army.
At Strasbourg during a battle at St Blais where they fought for the possession of Hill 578 Arthur was wounded by a German 88 that ripped through both his legs severely damaging his right leg. He ended the war with a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and a Combat Badge. He was 91 years old at time of publication 2014.
Ray Halliburton: Joined Army in 1943. He trained in Texas & in Maryland. Served in Europe and awarded GCM, Expert Rifleman Medal and 4 Battle Stars. He was a member of K Company, 3rd Battalion, Tenth Infrantry Regiment, Fifth Infranrty "Red Diamond" Division, in Patton's Third Army. He was a corporal at Normandy France July 1944 after D-Day. After 3 months of combat across 500 miles he rose to staff sergeant & squad leader before his 20th birthday. Sadly Ray passed away at 92 years old in June 2016. A Smithsonian article
by Al Reinart on Ray and his wartime service can be seen here.
Arlie Blood: USAAF 510th Fighter Squadron 405th Fighter Group. As a Captain he flew as C Flight Commander on the Normandy Invasion missions from England. He then flew from airfields in Normandy on missions against German targets. His Thunderbolt was hit by enemy artillery which set his plane on fire. With 500 gallons of 100 octane fuel right behind his head, he had no choice but to bail out. Soon after leaving the aircraft it blew up. The Germans captured Arlie and put him on a Germany bound prison train. He cut a hole in the end of the box car and jumped off in the night. Arlie then joined the French Underground.
Ran into a German roadblock and was captured again. Escaped at night while guards slept. Re-joined French Underground. He located the new French base of his old squadron and re-joined them. Arlie was sent back to an Escape & Evasion School to teach new pilots how to evade and if captured, how to escape.
Arlie received the Air Medal-Distinguished Flying Cross as well as all the Campaign ribbons. He retired as Col., USAF with 23 years of service. Sadly Arlie passed away April 14, 2014. RIP
Click here to see a special page about Arlie & photos of his time with the French Resistance.
William (Bill) Singer: Navy Amphibious Assault Beach Battalion 3rd Class Electrician. Normandy Invasion-Omaha Beach. Also served at Iwo Jima, Okinawa & Osaka. Medals include IWO, Silver Star, Oak Leaf Cluster, Normandy Medal. 88 years old in 2013.
Roy A. Elsner: Entered USMC 1943 in San Diego. Made Corporal March 1944. 27th MarReg, 4th MarDiv. Attacked IWO JIMA , D Day, H Hour. Helped carry body of comrade John Basilone, CMH for burial on Day 2.
A mile from volcano & attacking main airfield when famous flag raising made on IWO JIMA.
Wounded in action 11th March 1945, lost tricep, left arm. Also head wound. Awarded Purple Heart with Star, Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, WW@ Victory Medal.
Dischargd as Cpl, 23 Feb 1946 Current age 89.
Often invited as a guest speaker on IWO JIMA.
Roy passed away February 2014.
Jeff Watkins: Was a British bomber pilot who had joined the Royal Air Force in 1940. He saw action in Africa and Europe eventually flying Lancaster and Halifax four engined bombers. He was part of the mission that sunk the German battleship Tirpitz. Jeff was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He left the RAF as a Flight lieutenant and went on to make a fine career in aviation engineering. At 94 years old Jeff is enjoying retirement in San Diego California. To see the full transcript of his remarkable career in both WWII and in aviation engineering please click here.
Richard Overton: Believed to be the oldest living American WWII veteran at 110 years old in 2016. Richard served in the Army and fought in the South Pacific campaigns from 1942 to 1945. He served in Hawaii, Guam, Palau and Iwo Jima among others. He has a number of medals to his name. Richard lives in Austin Texas and was still strong & spry when I spoke with him in 2013 at time of orginal publication!
See Dallas Mornng News Story on Rchard
Conrad L. Lohoefer: Drafted into the Army at 19 before being transerred to 8th USAAF & trained as a Gunner. Was switched to Flight Engineering before being assigned to a B17 crew in Bassingbourn AFB in England 1943. Flew 35 bombing missions including 3 over Berlin. Received the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters. Ended the war as a Technical Sergeant. He was 89 years Old at time of original publication but has since passed away in 2015.
Raul Trevino: Joined Army March 23, 1942 aged 17. 45th Infantry Div, 180 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Battalion, "G" Company. Rank at D-Day Sergeant. Landed Casablanca Oct 1943. Campaigned in Anzio & Rome, Italy. Campaigned at St. Maxime, Southern France. Aug 1944. Made amphibious landing at Epinal & on to Vosges (Rambervillers sector)
POW: Captured in Rambervilles-Fremifontaine Oct 1944; Transfered by Germans to St Die & Strassburg, Lienberg, & finally to Stalag 3-C in Krustruin, Germany. Liberated by Russians in February 1945.
MEDALS: Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, POW as well as 5 additional Campaign medals including another four Bronze Stars and numerous Bronze loops.
FINAL RANK: Discharged Oct 1945 as Sergeant; Re-enlisted in Air Force & retired Sr Master Sergeant Sep 1965
Aged 88 at time of publication in 2013.
A.G. Samaras upon his graduation from college in 1943, joined the V-12 program (12 weeks to turn a civilian into a Naval Officer).
Click here to read more about his time on Atlantic convoy, Normandy invasion & shooting down Japanese Kamikazis!
Registered for service 3/18/1943
Underwent basic training 12/27/1943 and was shipped out to Camp Kilmet in New Jersey on 2/23/1944
Boarded the Louis Pasteur French ship in New York Harbor 3/13/44 This was the ship the French had sent all their gold to Canada on at the beginning of hostilities.
On 3/14/1944 the ship sailed out of New York harbor and headed for England while evading U-Boats.
Celebrated 19th birthday on the 18th March 1944.
Arrived in Liverpool England on 3/22/1944 and was posted eventually to Air Force station #131 Nuthamstead in Hertfordshire on 4/17/1944. Volunteered for anti-aircraft gunnery training and sent to gunnery school in Ireland 5/18/1944. Began training on 50 caliber ack ack gun. On 6/3/1944 was attached to the 305 Complementary Squadron.
6/6/1944 D-Day
Certain duties required equipment checking on flights in B-17 Fortresses. Did three of these;
7/14/1944 Flew check flight with Lt Brown B-17 #unknown
7/18/1944 Flew check flight with Lt Albedoff B-17 #599
8/3/1944 Flew Flight check with Lt Searl B-17 (Note: Author Huntley not disclosing tail #)
8/14/1944
Became owner of a Diary of a B-17 crew member who died in a crash. (The Diary is now a subject of a new book by author David E, Huntley.)
5/8/1945 Germany Surrendered
5/9/1945 Base Party for VE Day
5/12/1945 Was given tour over France and Germany in a B-17
6/24/1945 Sailed for home from Durock Scotland on HMS Queen Elizabeth.
6/29/1945 Arrived in New York Harbor.
12/5/1945 Received Honorable Discharge at Drew Field in Tampa Florida 12;30 PM.
12/7/1945 Arrived home a civilian again!
Sadly Ed passed away 5/4/2019 at 93. R.I.P.
David's father served in both World Wars. He was in the Buffs Regiment of the British Army and fought in France in World I. He was wounded and evacuated at Dunkirk in World War II. He retired with a rank of Sergeant Major and received numerous medals. He acted as a Fire Warden each night of the London blitz outside our hous in Clapham, London. Click here to see where the bombs fell around our house.
