Sixty eight years ago, on this date, hundreds of thousands of American and allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, as they tried to liberate France and end the threat of Adolf Hitler's attempt of world domination. Those who were part of that invasion force are fewer each year, but in north Florida, two survivors of the assualt spoke to WUFT-FM.
Lionel Capoldo of Lake City, Florida, seaman first class was in an aquatic support boat in the waters off the coast of Normandy on D-Day 68 years ago. WUFT-FM's Clint Holzapfel talked with him about his experience.
Also, Clint talked to Rufus Broadaway, a first lieutenant during WW II, who was part of the D-Day invasion force. Rufus has called Gainesville home for the past eight years.
Both veterans are part of a survivor's group that has been holding meetings at a restaurant in Alachua.