JAC Sailors Accompany WWII Navy Vet to Utah Beach Memorial Dedication

  • Published
  • By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle S. McCloud and Petty Officer 3rd Class Kurt Pierce
  • JIOCEUR Analytic Center
RAF MOLESWORTH, England --  Chief Radioman Joe Pearson had been to Utah Beach, In Normandy, France once before -- but last time he approached it from the sea and under intense enemy fire.

On June 6, 1944 as a 22-year old and already battle tested sailor he was aboard Landing Ship, Tank (LST) 306 as part of Operation Neptune, the U.S. Navy portion of Operation Overlord, the D-Day Normandy invasion.

For JAC Deputy Commander Navy Captain Henry J. "Harry" Babin, Chief Petty Officer Steven L. Schultz of the Regional Support Center, and three junior JAC sailors from RAF Molesworth, England participating in the Dedication of the U.S. Navy Memorial right on Utah Beach was a memorable event. As Petty Officer Kyle S. McCloud noted: "Walking the hollowed grounds where thousands of men lost their lives was amazing. We were blessed to do so with one of the men that had been there -- retired Chief Joe Pearson reminded me of what it is to be a sailor."

The memorial dedicated on September 27, 2008 was the result of several years work by the Naval Order of the United States, Speaking at the dedication, Captain Kenneth Johnson of the order said: "Five years ago, we learned that among all the armed services of France's allies that fought here, the U.S. Navy alone had no tribute on the beaches of Normandy," At long last this statue will be a fitting tribute to the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Navy at Normandy." JAC sailors joined other U.S. European Command members, dignitaries and the crew of the USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) at the ceremony. 

Seeing the name of his ship engraved at the base of the memorial was an emotional moment for the 86 year old retired chief petty officer. As Chief Pearson wearing his old uniform pointed out LST 306 on the granite, a crowd of participants and French citizens - including two who as small children were present on June 6, 1944 -- snapped his photo, and thanked him for his role in liberating their country. 

Being at sea in the U.S. Navy was a large part of the Chief's life. Asked by JAC Petty Officer Kurt Pierce what was his favorite port, he replied with a grin on his face: "I have two favorite ports - The one I just left and the one I'm going to next." 

Touring the USS The Sullivans the day after the ceremony, Petty Officer Pierce said that Chief Pearson was in his element  "...climbing the brow of the ship; going down the ladder wells and hatches as if he was in his twenties again. He talked about how he was ready to come back on duty!, and some of the current Chiefs on the ship told him they were to ready work with him!" 

Petty Officers McCloud, Pierce, and Petty Officer Morgan D. Olson who was also on the trip will long remember the day. McCloud said it best: "Our visit definitely strengthened my Navy pride ... this experience will help me instill pride into the sailors I mentor and work with."