Normandy

Killed in battle, Walter Knapp was respected by his men and inspired a legacy of military service in his family.

Walter A. Knapp, remembered by his daughter, Mary Jean Houlahan

Band leader Herman Giersch helped liberate the concentration camp at Dachau.

Herman C. Giersch, remembered by his grandson, Jason Giersch

Bronze star recipient Cornelius “Neil” Christiancy was known as a “wonder” among infantrymen.

Cornelius “Neil” Christiancy, remembered by his great niece, Heather Perry

During WWII, Dick Wolfe’s grandmother had three sons and a son-in-law serving in the Navy.

Pete Wolfe, remembered by his son, Dick Wolfe

He wrote a lot about how scared he was of the Japanese submarines in the waters that were chasing the ship.

Gerald Houston Helms, remembered by his son, Houston Helms

Helping to change the way artillery is deployed, W.D. Williams rewrote the artillery manual in two languages.

Colonel W.D. Williams, remembered by his grandson, Steve Williams

Ethel Dillon’s six brothers served in WWII; two came home in coffins.

Ethel Dillon’s brothers, remembered by her daughter-in-law, Shelia Dillon

Chemist Homer Hunter was relocated to a “Secret City” near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to work on the Manhattan Project.

Homer Hunter, remembered by his great-grandson, Adam Foster

Douglas Filbeck made his mark in WWII driving a tank-destroying M18 “Hellcat” in France.

Douglas Filbeck, remembered by his granddaughter, Amber Filbeck Hoyem

Quick-acting Angelo “Kayo” Mandarano saved the lives of several fellow soldiers.

Angelo “Kayo” Mandarano, remembered by his son, Patrick Mandarano