A memoir of SSG Robert Webb, Sr., member of the famed 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War II. This is his personal story of the parachute jump into Normandy, the jump into Holland, and being part of the force that held Bastogne against the Germans' "run to the sea." Altogether, 247 days of front-line combat from Normanty to HItler's hideaway in Berchtesgaden, Austria.
It takes Webb 50 years before he is willing to set it all down on paper. Very few veterans can talk about their war experience. Webb feels that when you are in combat and your life is on the line, there is no time for grief and sorrow. You have to stay alive and get on with the battle at hand. The grief is put away on a shelf to be considered later.
Over the years those memories stay in place and cause pain when they are looked at. The grieving starts all over again. Webb says that is the hard part. Learning how to cry for the ones you left behind. visiting the American Cemetery at Colleville sur Mer and finding that it does not matter who is in the grave; they are all Americans, and they all died for freedom.
The greatest feeling is when you find a whole nation of people, such as the Dutch, come up to you and thank you for their freedom. The Dutch children have been taught where their liberation came from, and they are so grateful!
Robert Webb, Jr. has donated 56 copies of his father's book to the 506th Association, with ALL income from the sale of these books being donated to the 506th Association Widows, Orphans & Wounded Soldiers Fund.
This British-made DVD features the WWII history of four English airfields that were used by British and American Forces. One of these airfields was used by the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment when they left England in June of 1944 and jumped into Normandy on D-Day. Within this 35-minute documentary is a five minute interview with Don Malarkey (E Company, 2nd BN, 506th PIR, 1942-1945) as he describes his journey from England to Normandy and the taking of the guns at Brecourt Manor Farm. Every one of the thirteen men in the assault was cited for valor. This action resulted in the awarding of eight Bronze Stars, four Silver Stars, and one Distinguished Service Cross.
