Author discusses parents’ role on D-Day at Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum event

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Thursday hits home for many local veterans and their families. Its the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the air and sea invasion that would mark the beginning of the end of World War II.

Ceremonies are being held in France and around the world to mark that momentous victory, including here in our area.

The Mighty Eighth Air Force played a crucial role in World War II and D-Day.

According to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth the Air Force accomplished a two-part mission that it paved the way for the D-Day invasion.

Thursday, the museum hosted a veteran and author sharing his mother and father’s experience during the invasion.

Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Steve Pedone told the story of his parents, who were both active in Operation Overlord.

Pedone’s father flew paratroopers over France on D-Day. His mother, a flight nurse, flew wounded soldiers back to England.

He said the landings in Normandy were a key hinge in the history of World War II.

“Obviously at that point in our history it was critical that we take out Hitler and the other thugs that were dominating the world, and we had one shot at doing that correctly, and were able to pull it off,” said Pedone.

Pedone said talks like this are important in keeping the story alive for future generations.

Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.