“The skies lit up like it was day,” he said of the would-be dark night 73 years ago today, June 6, 1944, aboard the USS Hambleton off the Normandy coast.  It was his first of two invasions (in both European and Asian theaters), one of many significant battles that Radioman First Class John P. Leicht, then 21 years old, participated in.  His victor’s spoils of war included the helmet pictured above, upon which he painted all ports of call, battles and achievements, underscored by what kept him going through it all: “Ye Olde Peter’s Tavern or Bust,” his survival call to make the next cold beer at his parent’s bar and grill in Jamaica, Queens NY.  Yet he bore the greatest respect for the soldier who wore that helmet before it was surrendered and became but a souvenir and curio at many a subsequent celebration; he never belittled the courage or conviction of his contemporaries on the other side of the line. When we were kids, Dad often gave us lectures against the flippant humor of one of our favorite shows, “Hogan’s Heroes.”  Though emotionally torn as a first generation American citizen returning to battle peers in his paternal homeland, he served without hesitation.  Fear? Maybe. Courage? Always.

Whatever freedoms we enjoy today we – your family, your countrymen, your fellow citizens of the world – owe in great part to that “greatest generation,” the example they set, and those who boldly followed – and follow – in their footsteps.

Thank you.

USS HambletonJPL Sailor