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Remembering South Dakotans who died at Normandy
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Eighty-one years ago on Friday, allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, to try and liberate western Europe from Germany during World War II.
A local historian has made the trip to Normandy a few times to remember the South Dakotans who played a role in the historical invasion known as D-Day.
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The landings at Normandy involved a massive amphibious assault, with nearly 160,000 troops who were under heavy fire.
'It's hard to believe that anybody would have been able to step out into that,' local historian Rick Tupper said.
Tupper has traveled to Normandy three times. His most recent trip was last year.
'It's very moving and emotional especially when you get on the cemetery. I wish every American could go there because it is an experience,' Tupper said.
Tupper says the invasion was a turning point in the war, as it allowed the Allies to gain a foothold on the Continent and eventually defeat Nazi Germany.
Tupper says South Dakotans can be proud of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
'While I was there I had the opportunity to research some of the South Dakotans who are buried in the Normandy cemetery. One of them was 19-year-old Glenn Dow of Sioux Falls,. So 50 minutes after the invasion started he landed on Omaha Beach. Unfortunately he stepped on a landmine and was killed, so he's buried at the Normandy American Cemetery,' said Tupper.
There are still 51 South Dakotans buried in the Normandy Cemetery, but some were brought home and laid to rest here.
Like soldier, Harvey Henle, who is buried in the St. Michaels Cemetery.
'Harvey was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, so probably in the early morning hours on June 6th, he jumped into Normandy, unfortunately on June 7th he was killed,' Tupper said.
So, as Americans commemorate the 81st anniversary, Tupper is reminded of the three times he traveled to the hallowed grounds where so many Americans lost their lives.
'So to stand there and know what went on there 81 years ago, it's meaningful and I think we as Americans it's important that we remember that,' Tupper said.
There are more than 9,000 Americans still buried at the Normandy American Cemetery.
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