D-Day

Pinned Down by Enemy Fire by Keith Rocco

Suddenly, all hell let loose. The beach was under fire from shells, mortars and machine guns, we dived for cover. The sea was covered in blood and vomit and flies began to arrive by the thousands, which created another nightmare. We continued all night and the following day without a break. Slowly, slowly we overcame all the nightmares. There was no lack of humor. A soldier coming ashore asked, 'Is this a private beach? I was promised a private beach. If not, I am not staying.' And we heard, 'My mother told me not to travel by air, she thought it was much safer by sea.' — David Teacher