Rick Townsend

On the night of June 5-6, 1944, my father (then 27 and a C-47 radio operator) and a lot of other brave men saw combat for the first time. Many did not survive the new experience. My father did. His picture shows a confidence that was typical of that generation.

His diary entry notes, penned after the event, tell a subdued, matter of fact version of what may be the most consequential battle in history.

C/4C Rick Townsend with his Dad and Sister, Parent's Weekend, 1971