D-DAY ANNIVERSARY

In the early hours of D-Day, June 6, 1944, John Raaen was among the first to land on Omaha Beach, serving as Headquarters Company Commander of the 5th Ranger Battalion.

Today, the Army Rangers of World War II are one presidential signature away from receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, following a bipartisan effort in Congress to recognize their bravery and sacrifice.

Nearly 7,000 Rangers fought in campaigns across the world during the war. Today, just 13 survive.

The Senate approved a bill awarding the medal last October, while the House followed on May 11 with a vote of 418-0. The legislation now heads to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.

"Giving the Past a Future, One Story at a Time."

WWII Veterans History Project