3rd Air Force commander, 24 Airmen visit Normandy

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Hollis Dawson
  • 3rd Air Force Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  Airmen from 3rd Air Force here relived history by retracing the footsteps of American Soldiers in Normandy who orchestrated one of the most epic battles in U.S. history -- the D-Day invasion.

Lt. Gen. Robert D. Bishop Jr., the 3rd Air Force commander, and 24 Airmen from 3rd Air Force walked the Normandy countryside during a staff ride in late October to explore the intricate details of the battle, the great sacrifices and the critical decisions that ultimately led to the U.S. victory.

The Airmen were guided on the two-day excursion by retired Army Col. Peter Herrly. They visited Pegasus Bridge at Benouville, Omaha, Fox Green, Easy Red and Utah beaches, and other historical sites.

Armed with their workbooks in hand, the group discussed strategy, political environment, and the successes and failures as they walked the hollowed grounds.

"I didn't realize the magnitude of the entire operation," said Senior Airman Keven Morse, a 603rd Air Operations Center intelligence analyst. "Our leaders lay out strategies, but the individual execution of their piece of the plan is what determines success or failure."

"I learned that the D-Day invasion didn't start on the 6th; it started months prior," said Airman 1st Class Ashleigh Krein, a 3rd Air Force information manager. "Standing on Omaha Beach, where thousands of men fought, made me realize that one day I may be called upon to do the same."

During the walk, the group was given vivid accounts of the individual battles, heroism and bravery.

"I will never forget the story of how a young Soldier named Pender repeatedly went back through enemy fire to retrieve radios," said Airman 1st Class Jeffery Marino, a C-130 Hercules electronic environmental specialist assigned to the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "That was a very courageous thing to do."

On the last day of the walk, the Airmen had lunch with Henri Milet, the mayor of Sainte-Marie Dumont.

"The French people have a great sense of appreciation for the young men that came to free us," Mr. Milet said. "Seeing your faces today reminds me of the brave young men from that time. My heart is with you always, wherever you are."

"I've been on six or seven staff rides during my career, but this is by far the best one I've ever been on," General Bishop said.

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