D-Day Statement
It also spawned a few of the better war movies of all time...
The Longest Day (1962)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
There were several Congressional Medals of Honor awarded that day. Here are a few of them.
First Lieutenant JIMMIE W. MONTEITH, JR.
Rank: First Lieutenant
Organization: U.S. Army
Division: 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division
Born: 1 July 1917, Low Moor, Va.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At: Richmond, Va.
G.O. Number: 20
Date of Issue: 03/29/1945
Place / Date: Near Colleville-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, near Colleville-sur-Mer, France. 1st Lt. Monteith landed with the initial assault waves on the coast of France under heavy enemy fire. Without regard to his own personal safety he continually moved up and down the beach reorganizing men for further assault. He then led the assault over a narrow protective ledge and across the flat, exposed terrain to the comparative safety of a cliff. Retracing his steps across the field to the beach, he moved over to where 2 tanks were buttoned up and blind under violent enemy artillery and machinegun fire. Completely exposed to the intense fire, 1st Lt. Monteith led the tanks on foot through a minefield and into firing positions. Under his direction several enemy positions were destroyed. He then rejoined his company and under his leadership his men captured an advantageous position on the hill. Supervising the defense of his newly won position against repeated vicious counterattacks, he continued to ignore his own personal safety, repeatedly crossing the 200 or 300 yards of open terrain under heavy fire to strengthen links in his defensive chain. When the enemy succeeded in completely surrounding 1st Lt. Monteith and his unit and while leading the fight out of the situation, 1st Lt. Monteith was killed by enemy fire. The courage, gallantry, and intrepid leadership displayed by 1st Lt. Monteith is worthy of emulation.
Brigadier General THEODORE ROOSEVELT, JR., U.S. Army
Rank: Brigadier General
Organization: U.S. Army
Company: Division:
Born: Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At: Oyster Bay, N.Y.
G.O. Number: 77
Date of Issue: 09/28/1944
Place / Date: Normandy invasion, 6 June 1944
For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.
CMOHS.org - Private CARLTON W. BARRETT, U.S. Army
Rank: Private
Organization: U.S. Army
Division: 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division
Born: Fulton, N.Y.
Departed: Yes
Entered Service At: Albany, N.Y.
G.O. Number: 78
Date of Issue: 10/02/1944
Place / Date: Near St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France, 6 June 1944
For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in the vicinity of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, France. On the morning of D-day Pvt. Barrett, landing in the face of extremely heavy enemy fire, was forced to wade ashore through neck-deep water. Disregarding the personal danger, he returned to the surf again and again to assist his floundering comrades and save them from drowning. Refusing to remain pinned down by the intense barrage of small-arms and mortar fire poured at the landing points, Pvt. Barrett, working with fierce determination, saved many lives by carrying casualties to an evacuation boat Iying offshore. In addition to his assigned mission as guide, he carried dispatches the length of the fire-swept beach; he assisted the wounded; he calmed the shocked; he arose as a leader in the stress of the occasion. His coolness and his dauntless daring courage while constantly risking his life during a period of many hours had an inestimable effect on his comrades and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army.
By: Brant
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