The invasion of Normandy was conducted in two phases – air and amphibious landings. Shortly after midnight on June 6, 1944, over 18,000 Allied paratroopers were dropped into the invasion area to provide tactical support for infantry divisions on the beaches. Allied air forces flew over 14,000 sorties in support of the landings and, having secured air supremacy prior to the invasion, many of these flights were unchallenged by the Luftwaffe. The invasion was code named Operation Overlord, and took place on June 6, having been delayed by 24 hours because of poor weather. American, British and Canadian troops were to land at five different beaches across the Normandy coast line: The Americans at Utah and Omaha beach; the British at Gold and Sword beach; and the Canadians at Juno. In all, some 7,000 vessels were used including 1,213 warships and 4,127 landing crafts. Some 23,000 airborne troops were dropped and 132,000 men landed on the beaches.
Choice Program Ending, Replaced by New Community Care Program
This week, the Veterans Choice Program is scheduled to be replaced by a new Veteran Community Care Program, which was created by the VFW-supported VA MISSION Act. Aimed at adopting lessons learned from the Choice Program and consolidating all community care (or non-VA care) programs, the Veterans Community Care program will have new criteria for accessing private-sector health care. The new program is intended to expand access to care for veterans, including urgent and walk-in care.
Important Days in June
June 6 – 75th Anniversary of D-Day
June 14 – Flag Day
June 14 – Army Birthday
June 16 – Fathers Day
June 23 – Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
June 25 – Anniversary of the start of the Korean War in 1950
June 27 – National PTSD Awareness Day
POW/MIA Update
Army Cpl. Earl H. Markle was a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, engaged against enemy forces near Unsan, North Korea. He was reported missing in action on Nov. 2, 1950, when he could not be accounted for by his unit following the attack. Interment services are pending.
Marine Corps Reserve Pfc. John T. Burke was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Interment services are pending.
U.S. Navy Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Leo Blitz was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft. The USS Oklahoma sustained multiple torpedo hits, which caused it to quickly capsize. The attack on the ship resulted in the deaths of 429 crew members, including Blitz and his twin brother. Interment services are pending.
U.S. Navy Fireman 1st Class Rudolph Blitz was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Navy Seaman 1st Class Edward Wasielewski was assigned to the battleship USS Oklahoma, which was moored at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Interment services are pending.
Till next week Praying for all Service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
