The Greatest Generations Foundation

Young boys bringing the lessons of World War II to life through hands-on learning and reenactment. Happy DDAY France — 82nd Anniversary.

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS — Bruce Crandall, a decorated Army aviator and Medal of Honor recipient, leaves behind a legacy of courage, service, and compassion. Born in Olympia, Washington, in 1933, he pursued his love of athletics and aviation before dedicating his life to military service. During the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam, Crandall displayed extraordinary bravery, flying repeated missions through intense enemy fire to deliver supplies and evacuate wounded soldiers, actions that later earned him the nation’s highest military honor.

Beyond the battlefield, he served with distinction across the world, mapping remote regions and mentoring fellow aviators. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he exemplified leadership, selflessness, and steadfast commitment to others. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the soldiers he helped save, and the enduring example of service he provided to future generations. RIP Bruce.

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS — America lost a true hero last week.

World War II veteran Stan Stanley of Fayetteville passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 28 at the age of 106.

Stanley’s remarkable wartime story included surviving the crash of his B-24 Liberator after it was shot down during a 1944 bombing mission. Protected by the Dutch resistance, he and fellow crew members evaded capture for 13 months before returning home.

Following his military service, Stanley devoted decades to the United States Postal Service, retiring in 1976 as postmaster of Chittenango. In recognition of his service and sacrifice, he was inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in 2014.

His life was a testament to courage, resilience, and dedication to country. RIP

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS — Tributes have been paid to one of the Isle of Wight’s last World War II veteran, who has died aged 101.

Alec Penstone, who lived in Shanklin, died in the early hours of Thursday.

He began his service in the Royal Navy in 1943 and served through some of the war’s most significant moments, including the preparations for D-Day aboard HMS Campania, before continuing his service in the far east until his demobilisation in 1946, said the Isle of Wight branch of the Parachute Regimental Association.

“From volunteering during the Blitz to serving with the Royal Navy through D-Day and beyond, Alec represented a generation whose sacrifice and commitment must never be forgotten.

“We remember him with deep gratitude and respect, and send our thoughts to his family and friends.”

“Every Day is Memorial Day”
The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation
Website: www.tggf.org

D-Day Veterans — Normandy

We are conducting a survey to determine how many American D-Day veterans are currently known to be living.

Our organization is presently aware of twenty-three Normandy (with arrowhead) World War II veterans who served in the June 6, 1944, D-Day landings and whose military DD-214 discharge papers indicating participation in the operation.

FYI: For the Normandy invasion (D-Day, June 6, 1944), soldiers, sailors and airmen who took part in the initial amphibious landings, airborne jumps, or glider assaults could receive the Arrowhead on the Normandy landings campaign medal. Without it, they did not serve in the D-Day operation.

If you know of any American D-Day veterans, please contact lets us know.

“Every Day is Memorial Day”
The Greatest Generations Foundation
Web: www.TGGF.org

FOREVER IN OHR HEARTS — we are all deeply sad to learn the passing of DDAY veteran Ladislav Jindra of New York, who landed on Omaha Beach. He was 104.

Ladislav Jindra was born in June 1921 in Koňkovice near Světlá nad Sázavou. In 1938, as Europe moved toward war, he left for New York to live with relatives and adopted the name Leonard.

After an initial rejection, Jindra enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. Serving with the 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, he landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Within weeks, he was wounded three times. The last, suffered during the liberation of Saint-Lô in July 1944, was severe and ended his front-line service. He spent the rest of the war in rear-area units. His decorations included multiple Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.

After the war, Jindra became a U.S. citizen. He married Věra in 1948, raised two children, Diana and Lawrence, and later lived in New York and New Jersey, settling in Floral Park, Long Island, in 1951.

The Greatest Generations Foundation
Web: www.TGGF.org

The memories of our veterans are treasures that must never fade. Help keep their voices, experiences, and sacrifices alive for generations to come through your support of The Greatest Generations Foundation.

Every Day is Memorial Day.

https://donorbox.org/the-greatest-generations

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS — Marine scout Helmut “Helm” Behlert, born in Salt Lake City in 1916, was laid to rest in San Bruno, California 81 years after he died in the Battle of Saipan.

Deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1942, Behlert served with courage during America’s campaign against Japan.

On June 15, 1944, he boarded a landing craft for Saipan’s beaches and was killed in action at age 27. His family was told he was lost at sea, leaving generations without answers.

Through DNA identification, his remains were finally returned from Hawaii to the Bay Area. His niece, Ruth Green, 94, welcomed home the uncle she never forgot. Behlert was honored by family, Marines, and local leaders.

Welcome Home.

“Every Day is Memorial Day”
The Greatest Generations Foundation
Web: www.TGGF.org