Major General John Raaen, Jr: Part 1

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance to honor and mourn those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, to preserve our freedom and defend our Constitutional Republic. Kim is extending this special day into a week by interviewing three courageous men who served during World War II. Each soldier’s story is unique and deserves to be heard. We must never forget these heroes as “We stand on the shoulders of giants.”

Today is the first of three interviews Kim had with 98 year old Major General John Raaen, Jr. General Raaen takes us step by step to his eventual landing on “Bloody Omaha,” June 6, 1944. His story begins as an Army brat and his graduation from West Point in January, 1943. Today’s segment ends as he describes the growth of ancient hedgerows that impeded military artillery travel and the Allies’ advancement into Normandy. Major General Raaen served as a captain with the 5th Ranger Battalion at this time. His recollections are clear and distinct and not to be missed.

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