Storming the Beaches

Dear family,1

As I sit here, I wonder how all of you are doing; I hope you are well. I thank God I am alive and that you, as my loved ones, did not have to witness the horrid events that took place here in France.2

When the Allies stormed the beaches of France, we foresaw a quick victory in the future. I know what you could have heard on the radio or in the newspapers: the Allies were victorious. We were not at first. We underestimated the strength and fighting power of Hitler and the Nazis.3

Before the attack, I felt like throwing up. My stomach was in knots as I clutched the gun in my hand, unsure if I was ready to fight. All I could think of is you sitting at home, all the men sitting around me and wondering why in the world I had ever volunteered for this. I was nervous and dizzy; I didn’t even notice the men beside me as they threw up over the side of the boat or prayed to God that they would make it out alive. We were crossing into unknown land, facing an army that was taking over the world.4

Before anyone had time to think, the battled had begun. Shots were fired in all directions as we stormed the beach. The only thought on my mind was that some of the men next to me were going to die. The noise was an unbelievable roar; the high-pitched shrieks of the guns, the loud buzz of the airplanes above and the explosion of bombs hitting the ground. I saw many people die and yes, there were many. What would normally be five minutes felt like an entire lifetime, dodging bullets and bombs and avoiding the dead and wounded soldiers lying all over the place. There were so many dead. I saw friends being blown to pieces and shot several times in the chest. It was all that I could do to keep the tears from falling. Severely wounded soldiers were sprawled on the ground. Some were screaming out in agony; their voices still an echo in my mind. They called out to their mothers, their fathers, their wives and children, and to God, anybody in the last hopeless minutes of their lives. Many times, I shot men on the enemy side and wondered if there was a man on the other side, watching as I shot his best friend. I saw my life flash before my eyes a thousand times and only hoped I could stay alive and come home to you.5

Yes, the Allies have won the battle, pushing the Germans back. There is still more to go and I wanted you to hear of the men who died to keep you all safe…again. I hope you are well and that I will see you soon, alive and victorious. 6