The Greatest Generations Foundation

D-Day Veterans — Normandy

We are conducting a survey to determine how many American D-Day veterans are currently known to be living.

Our organization is presently aware of twenty-three Normandy (with arrowhead) World War II veterans who served in the June 6, 1944, D-Day landings and whose military DD-214 discharge papers indicating participation in the operation.

FYI: For the Normandy invasion (D-Day, June 6, 1944), soldiers, sailors and airmen who took part in the initial amphibious landings, airborne jumps, or glider assaults could receive the Arrowhead on the Normandy landings campaign medal. Without it, they did not serve in the D-Day operation.

If you know of any American D-Day veterans, please contact lets us know.

“Every Day is Memorial Day”
The Greatest Generations Foundation
Web: www.TGGF.org

FOREVER IN OHR HEARTS — we are all deeply sad to learn the passing of DDAY veteran Ladislav Jindra of New York, who landed on Omaha Beach. He was 104.

Ladislav Jindra was born in June 1921 in Koňkovice near Světlá nad Sázavou. In 1938, as Europe moved toward war, he left for New York to live with relatives and adopted the name Leonard.

After an initial rejection, Jindra enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. Serving with the 115th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, he landed at Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Within weeks, he was wounded three times. The last, suffered during the liberation of Saint-Lô in July 1944, was severe and ended his front-line service. He spent the rest of the war in rear-area units. His decorations included multiple Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.

After the war, Jindra became a U.S. citizen. He married Věra in 1948, raised two children, Diana and Lawrence, and later lived in New York and New Jersey, settling in Floral Park, Long Island, in 1951.

The Greatest Generations Foundation
Web: www.TGGF.org

The memories of our veterans are treasures that must never fade. Help keep their voices, experiences, and sacrifices alive for generations to come through your support of The Greatest Generations Foundation.

Every Day is Memorial Day.

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FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS — Marine scout Helmut “Helm” Behlert, born in Salt Lake City in 1916, was laid to rest in San Bruno, California 81 years after he died in the Battle of Saipan.

Deployed to the Pacific Theater in 1942, Behlert served with courage during America’s campaign against Japan.

On June 15, 1944, he boarded a landing craft for Saipan’s beaches and was killed in action at age 27. His family was told he was lost at sea, leaving generations without answers.

Through DNA identification, his remains were finally returned from Hawaii to the Bay Area. His niece, Ruth Green, 94, welcomed home the uncle she never forgot. Behlert was honored by family, Marines, and local leaders.

Welcome Home.

“Every Day is Memorial Day”
The Greatest Generations Foundation
Web: www.TGGF.org

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS — with a heavy heart, we learn of the passion of Iwo Jima Marine, and Ambassador of The Greatest Generations Foundation, David Calvin Greene, he was 101.

Born March 8, 1925, in Waterloo, Iowa, lived a life of faith, family, and patriotic service. A 1943 graduate of Waterloo West High School, David enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a radio man with the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines during the Battle of Iwo Jima. His courage and sacrifice shaped a lifetime devoted to remembrance, education, and service. In 2014, he returned to Iwo Jima with The Greatest Generations Foundation, honoring the memory of those who served beside him.

After the war, he married Marian Carrigg in 1947, sharing 74 years of love, laughter, and devotion. David honored his country, cherished his family, and inspired generations with his story.

The Greatest Generations Foundation
“Every Day is Memorial Day”
Web: www.TGGF.org

Forever in our Hearts — Our nation mourns the loss of Diane Carlson Evans, a trailblazing U.S. Army combat nurse and veterans’ advocate, served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, providing lifesaving care under harrowing conditions.

Born in 1946 on a Minnesota dairy farm, she joined the Army Nurse Corps after becoming a registered nurse. In Vietnam, she served at evacuation hospitals in Vung Tau and Pleiku.

Returning home to silence and trauma, Evans refused to let women veterans be forgotten. In 1984, she founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation, leading the decade-long fight for the memorial dedicated in 1993 on the National Mall.

Diane Carlson Evans will forever be remembered and deeply loved by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

The Greatest Generations Foundation
“Every Day is Memorial Day”

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of L. David Kiley, proud World War II veteran of the 99th Infantry Division, at the age of 99.

David served his country with honor, courage, and dedication during WWII, representing the very best of the Greatest Generation. His legacy of patriotism, strength, and service will never be forgotten. We honor and thank him for his sacrifice and lifelong devotion to his country. RIP

The Greatest Generations Foundation
“Every Day is Memorial Day”
Web: www.TGGF.org

Forever in Our Hearts — Mildred “Millie” Cox decorated Marine of World War II has died at the age of 102.

Millie was among the first women to join the United States Marine Corps, enlisting at the age of 20 during World War II. She proudly served her country as a stenographer, contributing to the war effort with dedication and distinction. Her pioneering spirit, patriotism, and lifelong commitment to service will be remembered by all who knew her. RIP

The Greatest Generations Foundation
“Every Day is Memorial Day”
Web: www.TGGF.org