The Invasion of Normandy on D-Day June 6, 1944, was the site of many fierce battles, death, and heroic actions. Thousands of American Soldier’s lost their lives on this day, including our beloved Uncle Matty, and many of his 508th PIR buddies. Monica and I visited the sacred grounds of The American Cemetery at Normandy and the sites of the 508th PIR Drop Zones and battles. It is very emotional to visit these sacred grounds, I believe every American should do it at least once in their lifetime.
General Milley Walking to Uncle Matty's Grave site - American Cemetery in Normandy
Telling The Story of Uncle Matty's Rifle to Lt. General Stephen Townsend at Lucien's Wall in Picauville Normandy
LT. General Stephen Townsend saluting Lucien's Wall in Picauville Normandy
Monica, me, and the General Milley. General Milley & his wife Holly would go out of their way to make our trip special. Holly would invite us to tour with her and General Milley visiting the cemetery, Omaha, and Utah beaches. Notice General Milley’s coin on the right side of his grave. The coin will be passed down to future generations of our family to preserve Uncle Matty’s memory.
Uncle Matty's French Angel Valerie Gautier Cardin kissing Iwo Jima Survivor Bill Schott - Sainte-Mère-Église
WWII Heroes Erwin Davis, Robert Essler,Henry Poisson being honored in Carentan
On our tour with General Milley and his wife Holly, we collected some sacred sand from Omaha Beach. Notice my smile; I was smiling the entire time with General Milley.
WWII Legends Jack Hamlin and Cliff Goodall at Uncle Matty French Angle's Valerie Gautier Cardin School in Portbail Normandy
Picauville Normandy – Me, owner of house, Monica. General Collet took us for a tour of the area where Uncle Matty landed, and the 508th PIR fought. This house was a makeshift hospital on D-Day, Uncle Matty’s dead body was brought here. I was allowed to go inside, extremely emotional and spiritual feeling.
General Mark Milley saluting. As we walked to Uncle Matty’s grave, unrelated to our visit, taps started playing. Instinctually everyone stopped, snapped to attention, and saluted. Very spontaneous and outstanding moment. American Cemetery at Normandy.
Carentan Normandy (1st row left to right) WWII vets, unknown, Erwin Davis, Robert Essler, lady taking a picture, Henry Poisson, (2nd row) behind Henry - Emery Horne, behind Erwin - Vincent Hagg, behind lady taking picture Cliff Goodall, (upper left) Uncle Matty’s French Angel Valerie Gautier Cardin talking to Bill Schott. During this ceremony, all of the vets received medals; a few received the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award.
George Shenkle (508th PIR), and Bill Schott (Marine Iwo Jima Survivor) In a very touching moment both George and Bill wanted to be brought over in wheelchairs to comfort me at Uncle Matty’s Grave. They are two of the greatest generation, that is what they do. American Cemetery in Normandy
WWII Hero Jack Hamlin getting kisses from Valerie Gautier Cardin & Stéphanie Pépin
Monica and I at Uncle Matty's Grave - American Cemetery at Normandy
Sainte-Mere-Eglise Normandy (Left to right) WWII vets Erwin Davis, 2 active duty soldiers, Bill Schott, Sigrid Van Eck, active duty soldier, Jack Hamlin, Cliff Goodall, and sitting George Shenkle. Heads turn on the streets of Saint-Mere-Eglise as the vets walk the streets, they are rock stars!
Colonel Collet with Monica and Jim - Picauville Normandy - Where Uncle Matty Landed and was Killed in Action
Lt. General Stephen Townsend (Commander XVIII Airborne Corps), Susan Eisenhower (Ike’s Granddaughter), Lucien Hasley, Command Sgt. Major Benjamin Jones. Lucien’s Wall is a tribute to the American Airborne Soldiers, all names on the wall are hand-sculpted by Lucien. On D-Day an American Medic saved Lucien’s brothers life, it haunted Lucien for 72 years not knowing his name. At this ceremony, Susan Eisenhower would reveal his name as Frank Mackey, a medic for the 508th PIR who was bayonetted and bled to death the day after helping Lucien’s brother