[June 6, 2021] Today is, of course, the anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944 when allied forces stormed ashore at Normandy and began the long march to defeat Nazi Germany during WW2. One of those men was Sergeant and medic Bernie Friedenberg. I wrote about him in an earlier article.1
Yesterday, several veterans and a retired FBI special agent were being interviewed locally by a newspaper reporter. The reporter Michelle Brunetti was interested in the story of veterans, especially those who demonstrated unusual bravery on the battlefield on D-Day. This morning, the article appeared in the Press of Atlantic City.2 Listen to a short interview on YouTube.3
Bernie Friedenberg was awarded his first Silver Star medal on D-Day at Omaha Beach for making five trips into a minefield under withering enemy fire to rescue downed men and carrying them to safety. Again at Achen, he “fearlessly moved up and down exposed roads and, at great risk to his life,” calmly assisted wounded GIs as well as civilians and German soldiers out of harm’s way. Stories like this can be found his Bernie’s book, “Of Being Numerous: World War II As I Saw It.”
The interview involved a small group of men determined to honor a specific WW2 vet (who came ashore on D-Day and participated in several other critical WW2 European battles). These folks are honoring all medics and all veterans by funding a monument in an Atlantic City park. This is a worthy cause. Departing from my usual way of doing business of not soliciting funds, I highly recommend contributing to their fund. Instructions can be found at this link.
A monument to a WW2 medic? A worthy cause? Yes, undoubtedly so.
Study this man’s accomplishments, study his bravery, and get to know the obstacles he overcame to enlist in the U.S. military shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. We can learn to be more humble through the actions of a modest Army soldier who demonstrated the greatest thing a man can do – save the life of a fellow human being while putting their own life in grave danger.
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Great project, congrats to you all for honoring more of our Greatest Generation. Like many here that comment in your forum, my uncle was in Viet Nam. We are fortunate he came home alive and well. He experienced no problems – at least that he would admit. And, he was an all-around great person. So, the idea that all combat vets are crazy, is simply untrue.
Well said, Guns. Thanks for saying what many of us already know. Our vets are great people and remain the bedrock of our communities.
I don’t know about you guys but I think this is a great cause. We can never honor our combat men and women enough. Just my simple opinion. Donate if you can afford it and I think you can afford it.
Just do it. IMHO, this is a great mission for so few to undertake. I’m sure they have the full support of their community (except for the anti-Americans who permeate our institutions).
Thanks for the article and highlighting your efforts to bring this memorial to your city.
Wonderful story of a great hero, Bernie Friedenberg. Gen. Satterfield, thanks for highlighting the fact that your community wants to honor this man, soldier, and leader in his community. Wonderful !!!!!!!
👍👍👍👍
All thumbs up for this effort.
Keep up the great work you are doing here, Gen. Satterfield. Keep this blog going and I wish you the best of luck with the fundraising for this statue.
Once again, Gen. Satterfield hits one out of the park. I went to read the article in the Atlantic City Press newspaper online. You actually get to see Gen. Satterfield speaking (for me that is the first time I can see and hear him discuss what he thinks is important). Those 4 men are doing their community a great service.
https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/remembering-bernie-friedenberg-on-d-day-and-into-future/article_1204d342-c535-11eb-9dd6-2ffb500565d3.html
Yep, and only if all our citizens were so visionary as these gentlemen.
Great comment. I agree!!!!!!
Gen. Satterfield, I want to again thank you for your effort to never forget D-Day and those who served. Today is indeed very special and must be recognized for what it is. This was the day 77 years ago that the end of Nazi Germany began in earnest.
Correct JT, and we should never ever forget. Let’s also wish Gen. Satterfield and his “team” a great success on building this monument to all vets, esp the medics of WWII.
We are all fortunate to be where we are today but our today was earned by the loss of the tomorrows by those who died fighting for us.
We are fortunate to have known and been in the company of so many men who were part of what we now call the Greatest Generation. But before the war, they were not so great. In fact, the nation had begun to refer to them as lazy and socialist-like. The war changed all that. Good news for us all to know that even those who are lazy and timid can change.
I will be honoring June 6th (today) with my family. Two uncles served in WW2 and one in Korea. And, my cousin served in Viet Nam. While the history of my family is often unclear, what we do know is that when necessary, we stepped up and did our duty.
If only we all would do what is right and that is to make our selves, our families, and our communities better. That is the primary responsibility of a good person. And, for those leaders who encourage such positive action, I say thank you. 👍
Yes, Kenny. and top notch article.
My grandfather was in the war and he came back okay. He was with the 82nd Airborne. He was always proud of his service.
There are only a few WW2 vets left. If you know one, you are fortunate. Talk with that person and ask what they remember from those events so long in our past. You will regret it if you do not speak with these men and women who were there.
Right. When our nation’s leaders called upon the citizens of the US, they stood up and joined in the millions. Those who stayed home helped produce the materiel needed to conduct the war.
Today, so many of the many citizens we have are too scared to come out of their basements. Just watch as many still drive their cars with their stupid masks on.
Wow, great monument you folks have planned. I only wish that you have complete success.