First Hand Account of Omaha Beach on D-Day

Last week, I wrote about the book War Letters I am rereading and shared some sweet letters that soldiers throughout American history sent home to their families. This week, I have to share with you one more letter I found from the book recalling a soldier’s memories of D-Day to his wife Mildred. His name is Dom Bart. He was a part of the 29th Infantry Division and in the first wave of soldiers to arrive on Omaha Beach. Read his words and honor the men who fought for our freedom now 70 years ago.

    “The elements were at their worst and our landing craft was half filled with water. We used our helmets to throw it overboard and I never thought we would make it. Some of the boats never reached shore. It was a horrible sight. 

    Finally the word came – Let’s go – and there we were in combat, something new in my life. But oh, what an experience.

    We didn’t have a chance to fight back, as we were dropped in water over our heads. No one’s fault as the entire beach was strewn with mines. With a stream of lead coming towards us, we were at the mercy of the Germans and we had all to do to reach shore and recuperate. I floated around in water for about one hour and was more dead than alive. Tried to land at several places, but always had to withdraw. It was impossible to get ashore.

    I lost all hopes and said my last prayer to the Good Lord. The prayer was a passage to safety, but I sure was in a bad way. Got to the beach half frozen and almost unable to move and then I passed out. How long I remained there, I don’t recall, but when I came to, the fighting was at a climax. Pulled myself together and sought a rifle and around I went trying to locate my outfit. It didn’t take long to spot them and was I glad. But gracious Lord, what was left of them, just a handful, about 25 out of the 160. The battalion was almost wiped out, 800 casualties out of 1,000 men.

    Our position was desperate, but with sheer will, fear and luck we overcame all obstacles and pushed inland to capture Vierville-sur-Mer, our first town. The price was high but covered ourselves with glory and for that we received the Presidential Citation. Later on we received another at Vire, France.

    Yes darling, our outfit can be proud for the part it has played in helping to win the war. Whenever there was a tough nut to crack, the 1st BN., 116th Infantry, 29th Division was called on and always came through with flying colors. I’m very proud of it.”

Pfc. Dom Bart

War Letters

I am rereading a wonderful book. It is War Letters edited by Andrew Carroll. The book is a collection of letters, giving special insight into the Civil War, World War I and II, Vietnam, Korea, the Cold War, and the Persian Gulf. It contains priceless, first-hand accounts of the Battles of Antietam and Gettysburg, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Port Chicago explosion, and many more. What struck me this week in the midst of all the tragic stories were the tender letters sent home by soldiers to their families. Here are a few of the best! They will touch your heart.

“Patience what shall I write you? Shall it be more word of friendship? Oh no, my heart prompts my pen to the most wedded love. If I had never known you that flame would have been unkindled in this bosom but once set burning it will burn forever. You are associated with every thought and every action of my existence. Last night while lying on the parapet (for I slept there) viewing the starry heavens, I almost lived over the last two years. They were associated with many happy recollections. There was but one solitary cloud to mar my future happiness (this bloody war) and I hope very soon it will be dissolved. I will then be the happiest of the happy.” Sgt. Maj. James Black, Civil War soldier, writing to his wife Patience. After the war, he returned home to his family.

“My girl, my girl, how I do miss you. I didn’t think it possible for one to be possessed of the longing I have for you. At night I lay awake and think and think of you, the roar of the big guns, giving way before the press of mental pictures of you. I go back and retravel again the entire road that we have known together.” 2nd Lt. Francis M. Tracy, World War I soldier, writing to his wife Gertrude. He was killed in action September 27, 1918.

Momie & Dad: It is pretty hard to check out this way with out a fighting chance but we can’t liveforever. I’m not afraid to die. I just hate the thought of not seeing you again. Buy Turkey Ranch with my money and just think of me often while your there. Make liberal donations to both sisters. See that Gary has a new car his first year of hi-school.” Lt. Tommie Kennedy, World War II soldier, writing to his parents. He died a prisoner of war in 1945.