Dillo's trip to D-Day (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 6/6/2014 6:06:50 PM EDT
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This is a shameless re-post of something I put up two years ago. I wrote it from the perspective of the Dillo trying to have some fun with it. I hope you enjoy...
My friend, the Dillo, decided he was going to go on an adventure this year. He’s requested some help posting this latest adventure, as his talents include opening beverages and he’s not too internet savvy. For this post I’ve let the little guy take over my account. D-6 This was the day I made the decision. I’ve been on many adventures, but this one will top them all. I finally made my mind up... I am going. 
And when I go, I go in first class… or not. I almost choked when I saw what people pay for front row seating 
D- 5 With my passport in hand, I head to the airport and get checked in. 
Exit row seating! Bonus! 
Everyone’s favorite; security. I feel so violated. 
But I made it to my gate with plenty of time. 
And my seat had plenty of leg room. 
Really dude? Socks and sandals? 
The inflight entertainment was pretty awesome. 
The food wasn’t too bad either… 
I retract that previous statement. 
D-4 Getting bags at the Paris airport. This fella is holding on to a hairstyle I can’t even begin to describe. 
After a quick cup of espresso to shake off the jet lag, I’m feeling ready to go. 
A short train ride later… 
and I’m exploring Paris. 
One of the first sights I see is a French babe sunning herself on the edge of the La Seine River. 
Now it’s off to some major land marks. First up is the Notre Dame Cathedral. 
Here I am at the Louvre. 
This is a place that Dillos can truly appreciate art. 
Just think if that were aluminum. How many dillos could it make? 
A view from the top. 
Last stop in Paris, the Palace of Versailles. This place is HUGE!!! I’m glad I don’t have to mow the lawn. 
The tour of Paris is done and I finally make it to my hotel room in the northwest of France. The real reason for my adventure will officially begin tomorrow. 
D-3 That’s right folks, I’ve made it to Sainte Mere Eglise, France. 
Sainte Mere Eglise is the start of the Liberty Road. These markers are all over the place. This particular marker is in front of the Town Hall. 
Inside the town hall is a relatively unknown treasure. The placard reads: This flag was raised in front of this building at 4:30 AM 6 June 1944 D-Day by LT COL Krause C.O. 3rd BN. 505th P.I.R. 82nd ABN DIV US Army. It was the first American Flag to wave in liberated French soil during World War 2 at Sainte-Mere Eglise. 
This is the La Fiere bridge. It was one of the most important objectives in the Normandy invasion; it was essentially the 82nd’s first objective. Such a quaint, peaceful bridge over a babbling brook; it's difficult to wrap my head around the fact that thousands of men died taking this bridge. 
Poor John Steele (his likeness, anyway) still hangs on the steeple of the church. He hung for hours playing possum since he was helpless hanging way up there. 
The village of Sainte Mere Eglise and the surrounding villages are filled with people who, to this day are still thankful for what America did for them 68 years ago. My perception of “The French are a**h****” has completely changed. They are genuinely nice people… except this guy. 
We had a small confrontation. 
But I quickly expressed dominance. 
D-2 First stop the next day was Pointe de Hoc. 
The Germans had an emplacement of six 155mm gun on these high cliffs. 
The task fell on a few companies from 2nd Ranger Battalion to scale these cliffs and silence the guns. These pictures do not do the climb justice. It is a long way down, and most likely and even longer climb up. 
A short ride later we arrive at Omaha Beach. The sight at the beach was unlike any I’ve ever seen. It was a warm sunny day with light winds, what most would call a good beach day. Instead of sunbathers and beachgoers, this beach was filled with American soldiers. All those dots on the beach you see in the background are our men and women in uniform. Some were taking sand, others were taking pictures, but all seemed to be taking in the gravity of the events that took place here 68 years ago. 
I made my way onto the beach. Here is a view looking to the east. Just beyond the cliffs is Pointe de Hoc. 
Standing on this beach is an experience. It is big. The beach is long and wide, the bluffs are tall. What rests on top of these bluffs behind me are the hallowed grounds of the Normandy American Cemetery. 
These men laid down their lives not to conquer a land, but to liberate. They came here knowing they would make a difference. Sadly, they never got to see what a difference they made. 
D-1 I took an opportunity to return to Omaha Beach in the early morning, just about sunrise. It seemed like a perfect place to take a stroll. I was struck by the beauty of this place, while trying to comprehend what it must have been like all those years ago. I can’t grasp how it must have been for those brave men stepping off the landing craft. I was able to enjoy the sunrise here only because of their sacrifice. 
The wind-blown beach shores of Utah Beach. The spots that look like dust on the lens are bits of sand caught by the flash. 
The allies from Britain had the task of taking the Pegasus Bridge across the Caen canal. 
Here is the original bridge. It has been moved off the canal and replaced by a bigger bridge. 
D Day Dillos have always been resourceful little critters and I’m no exception. Getting on to the airfield was no easy task. 
These fine men recognized my warrior spirit and welcomed me on board their C-130. 
Don’t mind if I do. 
I’ll just be here out of the way. 
I got a window seat for the flight high above the French country side. This is one way to see the Normandy region. 
The ramp opened up. 
A dillo gets a bird’s eye view of Utah Beach. 
Here is the eagle’s eye view of the drop zone right next to La Fiere bridge. You can see Sainte Mere Eglise in the background. Oh, did I forget to mention I jumped? Well I did. 
My photographer failed to get a shot of my actual jump, so a MS Paint version will have to do. 
But we got a shot of the fellas. 
God bless our troops… 
Especially these fine soldiers 
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Good Job, thanks for taking the time NRA Life of Duty has a clip on Perozzi the Paratrooper on the right from the 82nd Hopefully this link will work http://www.nralifeofduty.tv/home/video/frontlines-normandy-a-hero-returns/list/todays-popular-videos |
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| Outstanding job! Thanks for sharing this! Did you stay at the La Fiere Manor? May of 2012 my wife and son and I stayed there for 3 days. Was a great location to use as a home base and it had lot's of history. Looking forward to going back!! |
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Originally Posted By Thunderchicken21:
Very cool! Thanks for sharing! A Ranger buddy of mine who was originally in the 82nd made their anniversary jump a few years back. Great story. My grand dad went over right after Normandy (13yrs old the lying bastich  ) ... Retired a decade ago after 60 +years (30+ active duty retiring as a two star then transitioning to GS). He was planning to attend the events this year but his health has caught up with him and he wasn't able to go.
There is such great history there in Normady and the surrounding area. We must remember. |
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Originally Posted By freefaller:
With the D Day anniversary coming up, I thought I'd give this a bump. 
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Let's don't let a little old Indian raid break up a good barbeque and a rodeo.
Thanks for reposting this! Damn now I wanna go back! In 2012 we (my wife, son and I) spent 3 days in Ste Mere-Eglise, actually stayed at the B&B at la Fiere bridge. Took a 2 day guided tour of the U.S. portion of the D-Day beaches and battlefield sites! So much history, already planning my next trip!
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Excellent posting. I somehow missed it the first time around.
My Dad and my Uncles were on the other side of the pond. My Dad in Alaska, on the islands, my one Uncle's aboard a ship, and the other was readying for the invasion of Japan. |
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Great pictures.....I was there in early May....my Dillo was shy and stayed in my back pack....          |
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I don't know how I missed this thread, I could have sworn I posted in it before. Thanks for the pics, and your service! Maybe someone can do something with this pic for you. 
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I stand with Israel
Guns have 2 enemies, rust and politicians
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Great post!
I have been to fortunate enough to travel Normandy 4 times over the years...most recently last month. The enormity of the sacrifice for freedom that was made there has always left me in awe of the courage of that generation of patriots... 
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When I went, we had a guide. They showed us several famous graves.
Did you check out the Niland brothers graves while you were there and can anybody guess who they are(no google)? If I can figure out how to post pics I might put some on here later. Another interesting thing our guide told us about the cemetery. Almost all of the graves there are crosses which identify the person with the Christian faith. You see some occasional stars for the jewish faith. I believe she said there has not been one muslim identified there yet and that is why you do not see any graves with the crescent. |
