"I Designed This"
Tom Porcella explains the origin of his lapel pin (see image at right). "It is to pay tribute to the men of the 508th who died fighting for the liberation of Normandy."
(Photo courtesy Patrick Elie) |  Pin's Heraldry
a) The black background stands for the darkness of night.
b) The white parachute signifies the innocence of the untested troopers.
c) The gold star symbolizes their supreme sacrifice.
d) The names of St. Mere Eglise, Picauville, Chef du Pont and Le Port Filiolet are villages where important battles were fought in Normandy.
e) The four oak leaves denote the major battles of the 508th, Normandy, Holland, the Ardennes and Rhineland,
Tom had these made for the 40th Anniversary of d-Day and distributed them to his Normandy friends.
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Desperate Measures
photographer in rear ranks resorts to shooting over the heads of the crowd in hopes of recording the moment. Men of the 508th probably shot a few rounds in a similar manner 60 years ago (Photo courtesy Bill Nation) |
Camouflage
material was very fitting shroud for the yet to be dedicated sign
(Photo courtesy Patrick Elie) | 
Unveiling
with a simple tug of the cloth revealed the sign for all to admire
(Photo courtesy Patrick Elie) | 
Crossroads Named
Lt. W. W. Millsaps and Lt. L. L. Polette were honored with the naming of this Carrefour (crossroads)
(Photo courtesy Bill Nation) | 
Old Buddies
[L-R], Tom Porcella, Chet Graham and Howard Manoian smile for the cameras
(Photo courtesy Patrick Elie) |
