JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. –
June 6, 1944. Allied forces storm the beaches in Normandy, France to push back German forces occupying the area. Often referred to as D-Day, it is considered as one of the largest invasions in history. Seventy five years later, Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, honored the individuals who served and fought in World War II.
At a Memorial Day event held May 27 in Cambridge, England, Airmen from the 305th Air Mobility Wing payed respects to American service members who perished in World War II, which lasted from 1939-1945.
Honoring the events from 75 years ago, U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Robert Wood Johnson provided remarks and gave thanks to the service members who fought and gave their lives to defeat axis powers during the war.
“Well over one million Americans came to this country for the invasion to liberate Europe, and unfortunately many didn’t make it home,” said Johnson. “Many thousands are buried right here in Cambridge. And on the back of the headstones, there are many stories of courage and great sacrifice.”
The 305th Bomb Group, which has now become the 305th AMW based out of Joint Base MDL, was a group that suffered no casualties during the war while supporting over 100 flying missions. For their efforts, Chelveston, England, still recognizes the accomplishments of the 305th each year.
Apart from the many Americans that fought in the war, the 305th Bomb Group, which was based out of Chelveston was home to over 4,000 American service members that maintained and flew B-17 Flying Fortresses. Seventy five years later, England still honors the group for their efforts to deter and defeat axis powers.
“It is amazing to see how another county respects and honors traditions and still honors our wing so many years after the war,” said Senior Airman Alexander Cherville, 305th Maintenance Group maintenance analyst. “It was just a humbling and shocking experience to see how we played a role that would impact the rest of the world today.”
“You have to pay homage to the people who came before you,” said Cherville. “It makes me feel proud and patriotic because being here and being a part of this recognition is bigger than all of us. It feels good being on the outside and looking in for once.”