No invading army had braved the English Channel
since the 17th century. But in June 1944, a massive
armada crossed the formidable
military barrier. George
Narozonick, an 18-year-old
shipfitter from Central New
Jersey, stood topside on a ship
longer than an American football
field. On D-Day and in the
ensuing weeks, his USS LST 501
ferried men and machines to the
beaches, and the casualties back
to England
Top: Narozonick stands in the second row, third from the left, as a
young recruit at Sampson Naval Training Station in Seneca, New
York. Narozonick Family Collection
Bottom: Secretary of State Kim Wyman relives D-Day with
Narozonick at his home in Olympia, Wash. “Veterans like George
are humble, but they are true heroes,” Wyman says. “To learn
from their stories is a gift.” Laura Mott