Joint Task Force D-Day 71 visits D-Day sites [Image 4 of 27]

NORMANDY, FRANCE

06.02.2015

Photo by Capt. Saska Ball 

U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne)

Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. The citation for his actions reads, “For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on June 6, 1944, in France. After two verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France.” Service Members of Joint Task Force D-Day 71 visited historic D-Day sites June 2, 2015, as part of the events to commemorate the 71st anniversary, one of which was the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. The cemetery is one of 14 permanent American World War II military cemeteries on foreign soil; it's the final resting place of 9,387 service members. Over 380 service members from Europe and affiliated D-Day historical units are participating in the 71st Anniversary as part of Joint Task Force D-Day 71. The Task Force, based in Saint Mere Eglise, France, is supporting local events across Normandy, from 2-8 June, 2015 to commemorate the selfless actions by all the allies on D-Day that continue to resonate 71 years later. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Saska Ball, USACAPOC(A) PAO)

• Date Taken: 06.02.2015
• Date Posted: 06.17.2015 15:31
• Photo ID: 2008162
• VIRIN: 150602-A-DI144-004
• Resolution: 4288x2848
• Size: 1021.28 KB
• Location: NORMANDY, FR