June 6, 1944, D-Day, is
a very special day to my generation.
In June of 1944, the largest amphibious invasion in world
history took place. The allied forces invaded Normandy, France. It was called D-Day,
and also known by its code name ‘Operation Neptune’. The landings were
conducted in two phases, an airborne assault of 24,000 British, American,
Canadian and Free French paratroopers and an amphibious landing of allied
infantry and armored divisions. There were two airborne divisions, the 101st
and the 82nd, numbering 13,000 paratroopers delivered by 12 troop
carriers.
Among the beaches in Normandy, Omaha Beach was the most
heavily fortified. Hundreds of the invading soldiers were killed. These beaches
are still referred to on maps by their invasion code names.
There were many courageous men killed in action on that
fateful day. Many who survived have since passed away.
I have the privilege of having a good friend that survived the
war and is still in fit condition at the age of 88. His name is Richard ‘Dick’ Saggau.
Dick, a member of the 101st Airborne Division, dropped behind enemy
lines into Normandy at 1:22 am on June 6, 1944. He is one of the few
paratroopers who survived. Dick was later recognized for his heroism by
receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star as well as other medals.
I hope Americans will
always remember and honor men like Dick.
Dick lost his wife a few years ago and has become a regular
at the Jamieson dinner table every Monday evening. He doesn’t talk much about
D-Day, but I know he remembers it quite well. So, thank you to Dick, and to the
very few survivors, for the bravery you displayed on D-Day.
By Lois Jamieson
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