I realized when I saw “D-Day” on my calendar today, that I never learned much about this historical day which turned the tide of World War II. So I embarked on some research which spiraled in several directions…
I personally have a deep connection to WWII and have done lots of research on Nazi Germany over the years, which led me to discovering the Catholic martyr, Fr. Alfred Delp. My father, named Joseph, was almost killed by a shrapnel bomb, as a recruit of the “Seabees”. I think he was performing an operation, disengaging these land mines, when this happened. I remember the horrifying scars on his back. I remember the dramatic blue and red tattoo on his arm. I remember his Navy hat in the hallway closet.
The Seabees (cleverly taken from “CB,” Construction Battalion) were Navy soldier engineers/builders/craftsmen, formed specifically for WWII and its unique challenges (they would also conduct clean-up in destroyed areas). The USA needed to establish infrastructure around the world and these were the highly qualified men to do it. Not only did they have to build, but build as covertly as possible. Many of these guys were both tough and intellectual, knowing how to wield a gun while doing calculus in their heads! Those who knew my father would laugh, as this is exactly who he was, perfect for the job, a macho Sicilian from Brooklyn who went on to design machines for factories. Apparently, he was recruited as an electrical engineering student of the Illinois Institute of Technology (this is what I have gleaned, as he passed when I was very young).
My father told the story of a little-known suicide mission in the Philippines, undertaken by his courageous fellow Seabees. If he had volunteered himself, you would not be reading these words. This was one war story which seemed to imprint itself indelibly upon his heart. And this may be the first time it has ever publicly been told. I won’t be able to get the technicalities right, so I won’t try. It was an effort to disrupt Japanese communication systems, which were electrically dependent. The engineer had to go into an electrical box and blow it up, dying in the process.
Here is a recent article honoring the Seabees, which are still in existence and also played a role in the D-Day invasion. Today, they do all the same work, only it’s more high-tech and they also are called to help after natural disasters…
“From erecting entire bases in the jungles of Vietnam to constructing floating causeways for D-Day landings, the Seabees have pulled off some of the most audacious engineering feats in military history. Their work has enabled some of the most crucial missions in modern warfare…Beyond the battlefield, former Seabees have gone on to revolutionize the civilian construction industry, carrying their skills and discipline into the world of infrastructure development. Despite their vital role, the Seabees often remain in the shadows of military history. Their contributions deserve more recognition, as they are the foundation—literally—of countless military victories. The Seabee ethos is one of resilience, innovation, and determination.”
Blood, Sweat, and Concrete: Inside the World of the Seabees
USN for Life ~ you can get cool gear here too!
Moving on to another story, my father’s brother, Uncle Sal, was one of the survivors of the sinking of the “Sammy B” ship off the coast of the Philippines. Most of the crew survived, but had to swim in shark waters for 3 days. I should not have to tell you what my uncle and the other men witnessed and suffered in those 3 days. He was so traumatized, he lost his voice for a time. Salvatore went on to become Chief Architect of Walt Disney World in Florida, influencing a generation of architects. After seeing the absolute worst life could offer up, he dedicated himself to the creation of a fantasy paradise…also, a little-known story of American 20th-century history.
Back to D-Day, the largest sea invasion in history, here’s an article from yesterday, which includes video footage and a pep-talk by Eisenhower…
“By being able to get forces into Normandy, the Allies were able to begin their advance into northwest Europe. Though World War II lasted nearly another year in Europe, the success of Operation Overlord led to the liberation of France and allowed the Allies to fight the Germans in Nazi-occupied Europe. The US’ National World War II Museum says that a good way to appreciate the significance of D-Day is to imagine what would have happened if the operation had failed. According to the museum, another landing would have not been possible for at least a year. In this time, Hitler could have strengthened Nazi-occupied Europe’s coastal defenses, developed aircraft and weapons, bombed the UK even more heavily and continued his killing campaign.”
What is D-Day? How the Normandy landings led to Germany’s defeat in World War II
CNN World
Let us pray for those who lost their lives on D-Day, on both the Allied and Axis sides, and for their families who suffered with so much grief…and for all the souls touched by that terrible war. Let us pray for mercy for the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Let us seek to console Our Lord’s Heart for these crimes. Though this is said to have ended the war, we know as Catholics, civilians may never be targeted. I would also like to remember my husband’s Uncle Harry, a young man killed in Germany in WWII.
As we approach Pentecost…
“Come Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.”
May peace reign in Holy Church and throughout the world!