South Norfolk Memories

Edward was my oldest brother.  He was born in 1923 in Portsmouth.  He graduated from South Norfolk High School around 1941.  He was 16 years older than me so I don't know much about his early years. 

I have lately learned quite a bit about his tour of duty in the Army mostly from my brother James who was the second oldest and closest to Edward.  Brother James and wife Esther are history buffs and know a lot about family history.

Edward had his training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. and more training in England.  He was a member of the 5th

Ranger Batallion and was in on the Dday landing at Normandy.  His company was in the second wave that landed at Omaha Beach under heavy fire.    I remember him telling me that his best friend was killed before they reached shore.  From what we learned on the internet, his company and companies from the 2nd Rangers moved inland eliminating several Geman positions on the bluffs which allowed  the entire batallion to advance.  The fighting at times was hand to hand combat.  Nearly 2000 men lost their lives to the German guns on that beach. 

The 2nd. and 5th. Rangers along with remnants of the 116th. Infantry were credited with saving the allied invasion on Omaha Beach.  His unit received a Presidential Citation He continued fighting through France and on Dec. 2nd. 1944 they entered Germany and he was injured from a shell explosion.  He was severely wounded in his left leg and side and was in the hospital for many months. He lost a kidney and some  use of one foot.  I remember him wearing a brace on his leg for many years. He would never talk much about the war.    He received a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantryman's Medal. 

It is hard for me to imagine the strain on men caught in these situations.  How do you think you would cope living days on end under combat, not knowing if you would live another day? 

Edward and many many more were true heros.  He and his wife Virginia lived in Portsmouth for many years.  He died of a heart attack in 1968 at the age of 44. 

Below is Edwards boy scout shirt and sash.  He was in troop 54 in South Norfolk in the 1930's.