D-Day

Today, June 6^th, marks the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, one of the most historic dates in our Nation’s history. In remembrance of those who served so valiantly, I share with you a photo known as “into the jaws of death,” one of the most reproduced photos from June 6, 1944, and a copy of which is among the many historic items archived within the Coast Guard Historian’s Office.

A recent article published in MilitaryTimes.com explains:

The photograph was captured by Coast Guard Chief Photographer’s Mate Robert F. Sargent, a veteran of the invasions of Sicily and Salerno. He took the photo from his landing craft at sector “Easy Red” of Omaha Beach around 7:40 a.m. local time.
 
Operation Neptune, the naval assault phase of Operation Overlord, was the largest single combat operation in which the Coast Guard had ever taken part. During those initial days of the liberation of Western Europe, the service demonstrated its expertise, versatility and value as a maritime service in a number of ways: combat operations; ship and small boat handling; loading and discharging cargo at sea and ashore; directing vessel traffic; and search and rescue operations – in most cases under enemy fire.

Supporting and constructing the National Coast Guard Museum is about more than creating a building.  It is about preserving and honoring Coast Guard history so that stories and images such as this, along with thousands of other operations and memories, can be shared with our Nation.

To learn more about this moment in history, the full story found at https://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/06/coast-guard-photographer-captures-d-day-sights.html

To learn more about how you can support the Museum, I encourage you to visit our website.

Semper Paratus!

CAPT Wes Pulver, USCG (Ret.)
President