Elissa Slotkin Instagram – Today marks 80 years since U.S. and allied troops landed at Normandy on D-Day. Among them was my late grandfather, Ted Spitz, who was recognized for “gallantry in action” in the vicinity of Caumont, Normandy in the days following the initial landings. His story helps me get my arms around the enormity of the sacrifice that was made on this day eight decades ago.
My grandfather landed on Omaha Beach after what felt like an eternity at sea waiting in silence. I was young when he died, so the only story I remember him telling me was about how terribly seasick he was, and therefore how desperate he was to get to dry land, despite what was waiting for him at the beach.
Later, after the invasion, his unit set up camp, and he ended up discovering enemy outposts near his company. PFC Spitz “proceeded over treacherous and fire-swept terrain and routed the hostile patrols”, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his efforts. The story was published in the Detroit News.
As a teenager, I traveled to the village in Normandy where his medals were pinned on him. Today, I keep his medals, the story, the citation, and his photo in my office. It’s a powerful reminder of the many stories of bravery by American service members on D-Day and in the days and weeks that followed.
D-Day was the first step in a long march through Europe that freed millions from fascist occupation. It was made possible by the incredible courage of the heroes who landed on that beach – courage that lives on in the generations of American service members that have followed them. Today is also about recognizing the individual stories of the hundreds of thousands who risked everything for something bigger than themselves. | Posted on 06/Jun/2024 22:00:56
