Friends of the National World War II Memorial

06/02/2026

We say goodbye to another one of our treasured heroes!

World War II Veteran Roger Desjardins of North Providence, RI, passed away on May 21, 2026. He was 101 years old.

Desjardins served as a machine gunner in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged and went on to be a pipe fitter and plumber in North Providence.

After retiring, he joined the Narragansett Bay Bicycle Club and rode more than 40,000 miles over 25 years — a true testament to his passion and dedication.

He and his sister also brought joy to countless people as “Pete & Dottie the Clowns,” volunteering together for more than five years.

Three years ago, Desjardins took part in a Rhode Island Honor Flight alongside his close friend, North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi. During the trip, he had the honor of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while wearing the same uniform he wore in 1946 — a powerful full-circle moment of service and remembrance.

Rest in peace, Sir! We thank you for your service!

06/02/2026

You don’t have to be in Washington, D.C. to experience this powerful D-Day program.

Join Friends of the National World War II Memorial virtually on Thursday, June 4 at 4:00 p.m. ET for "The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate D-Day Sacrifice", featuring New York Times best-selling author and Friends’ Resident Historian Alex Kershaw.

Kershaw will share the extraordinary and heartbreaking story of the young National Guardsmen from Bedford, Virginia, who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day—and the small American town forever changed by their sacrifice.

Virtual attendance is now available, but registration is required. Zoom access will be emailed to registrants the day before the event.

Reserve your virtual spot today:
https://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/the-bedford-boys-at-ngm-virtual-registration

06/01/2026

We say goodbye to another one of our treasured heroes!

Leroy Guard, of Rising Sun, Indiana, passed away on May 22, 2026. He was 101 years old.

Guard graduated from Dillsboro High School in 1943. Prior to his graduation in May of 1943, he was drafted into United States Army/Air Force on March 20, 1943. He was part of the 719th Bomb Squadron 449th Bomb Group in the European Theater.

He spent time in Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Normandy and Rhineland during his service.

Guard started working at Seagram’s in Lawrenceburg after returning home from the war and retired from there in 1987.

He was married to the late Katherine Marie Guard (Calvert).

Rest in peace, Sir! We thank you for your service!

06/01/2026

Celebrating 100 Years of Norbert Wilhelm “Bill” Ellmann

At just two years old, Norbert Wilhelm “Bill” Ellmann crossed an ocean with his mother and older brother, leaving Bodenwöhr, Germany, to begin a new life in America. His father was already here, working to help build a future for their family. They eventually settled in Chicago, the city Bill would call home as he grew up, went to school, and came of age during one of the most consequential periods in world history.

Today, we celebrate Bill’s 100th birthday and honor a life that has spanned continents, war, service, family, love, loss, resilience, and a remarkable century of memories.

When World War II was raging, Bill made the decision to serve his adopted country. At only 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Ocean throughout 1945 aboard LST-888, taking part in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, among other actions. Like so many of his generation, Bill stepped forward while still so young, helping defend freedom at a moment when the future of the world was at stake.

After the war, Bill returned home and continued building a life defined by determination and purpose. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and later an MBA. His career in the international division of various pharmaceutical companies took him around the world again and again, a fitting path for someone whose own life began with a journey across the globe.

One of the most beautiful parts of Bill’s story began with a simple act of kindness. He met Klara Scheopko, a young German woman who was having difficulty buying groceries because of the English language. Bill helped her, and from that moment came a life together. Bill and Klara raised three children, and today his family includes nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

After Klara’s passing, Bill later found love again with his wife, Macrina. They have now shared 25 years of marriage and live in Illinois, where Bill remains surrounded by the love of family.

Happy 100th Birthday, Bill.

Your life is a reminder that history is not only found in great battles and world events, but also in the courage of a 17-year-old sailor, the kindness of helping someone in need, the devotion of a husband and father, and the legacy of a family strengthened across generations.

Please join us in celebrating Bill’s 100th birthday by signing his digital birthday card:
http://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/birthday-card/norbert-bill-ellmann

05/31/2026

U.S. Army soldier Furman L. Smith of Six Mile, South Carolina, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on May 31, 1944, near Lanuvio, Italy.

Smith joined the Army in July 1943, and by May 31, 1944, was serving as a private in the 135th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. During a battle on that day near Lanuvio, Italy, his group came under intense German attack and began withdrawing. Smith voluntarily stayed behind with the wounded and protected them until he was overrun and killed. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in January 1945.

Smith was just 19 years old when he died.

His Medal of Honor citation reads:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. In its attack on a strongpoint, an infantry company was held up by intense enemy fire. The group to which Pvt. Smith belonged was far in the lead when attacked by a force of 80 Germans. The squad leader and one other man were seriously wounded and other members of the group withdrew to the company position, but Pvt. Smith refused to leave his wounded comrades. He placed them in the shelter of shell craters and then alone faced a strong enemy counterattack, temporarily checking it by his accurate rifle fire at close range, killing and wounding many of the foe. Against overwhelming odds, he stood his ground until shot down and killed, rifle in hand."

05/30/2026

This month’s Friends of the National World War II Memorial Top 10 series features Friends Resident Historian Alex Kershaw’s list of must-see D-Day sites in Normandy.

From the invasion beaches to the cemeteries, and landmarks that still bear witness to June 6, 1944, Alex’s list offers a powerful guide to the places that continue to tell the story of courage, sacrifice, and liberation.

Read the full list: https://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/blog/top-10-d-day-sites

05/29/2026

U.S. Army officer, William Wylie Galt of Geyser, Montana, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on May 29, 1944, near Villa Crocetta, Italy.

Galt enlisted in the Army, and by May 29, 1944, he was serving as a captain and operations officer (S3) of the 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division. On that day, at Villa Crocetta, Italy, he personally commanded an attack against German positions. He manned a machine gun on a tank destroyer at the front of the assault force, staying at his post in the vehicle’s turret and continuing to lead his men despite intense hostile fire. He was killed while still manning his machine gun and, on February 1, 1945, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Captain Galt was 24 years old at the time of his death.

05/29/2026

Celebrating 100 Years of John Donald Munro, Sr.!

Today, we celebrate the 100th birthday of World War II veteran John Donald Munro, Sr., affectionately known as “Bud.” His remarkable century of life reflects service to country, devotion to family, deep faith, love of community, and the enduring joy of a life well lived.

Born on May 29, 1926, at home in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, Bud was one of four siblings and the firstborn son of Elmer and Madeline Darby Munro. Nicknamed “Buddy Don,” later shortened to “Bud,” he grew up in a family where faith, hard work, and athletics were cherished traditions.

While still in school, Bud enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces at just 17 years old, entering military service following his graduation from Roman Catholic High School. He proudly served his country for two years and was especially proud to fly aboard B-29 Superfortress aircraft, receiving training at locations across the United States. Like so many of his generation, Bud answered the call to serve with humility, courage, and purpose.

After the war, Bud returned home and built a life of skill, devotion, and steady service. He worked as a television repairman, adapting through decades of technological change as the industry moved from black and white analog sets to color television and digital projection. He later retired from Bryn Mawr TV Shop.

In 1946, Bud married his sweetheart, Mary G’Danitz. Together, they raised three children, Rosemarie, Butch, and Bill, and built a life centered on love, faith, and family. This November, Bud and Mary look forward to celebrating an extraordinary 80 years of marriage.

Bud has also given generously to his parish and community through St. Titus Church and the St. Titus Athletic Club, where he served as president for many years. A lifelong athlete and sports fan, he played baseball throughout adulthood and continues to enjoy following Philadelphia-area high school, college, and professional sports.

Most of all, Bud is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Known lovingly as “Opa,” he is cherished by his six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Across a century, Bud has built a legacy rooted in service, faith, family, perseverance, and love. His life stands as an inspiring example of humility, dedication, and purpose.

Happy 100th Birthday, Bud! Thank you for your service to our nation and for the remarkable example you continue to set for all who are fortunate to know your story.

Please join us in honoring John Donald Munro, Sr. by signing his digital birthday card and sharing your gratitude for his extraordinary service, sacrifice, and life well lived:
https://www.wwiimemorialfriends.org/birthday-card/donald-munro

05/29/2026

On Thursday, June 4, join the National Guard Educational Foundation for a special D-Day program with acclaimed author and Friends of the National WWII Memorial Resident Historian Alex Kershaw.

Alex will discuss "The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate D-Day Sacrifice", the unforgettable story of the young men from Bedford, Virginia, who were among the first Americans to land on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Nineteen of Bedford’s sons were killed in the first bloody minutes of D-Day, and three more later died from wounds suffered in the Normandy campaign.

Their story is one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and loss — a powerful reminder of the human cost of freedom and the enduring responsibility we share to remember.

📅 Thursday, June 4, 2026
🕓 4:00 p.m. ET
📍 National Guard Memorial, Montgomery Room
1 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC
💻 Also streamed online

RSVP: https://www.ngef.org/the-bedford-boys-one-american-towns-ultimate-d-day-sacrifice/

Join critically acclaimed author of The Bedford Boys, Alex Kershaw, on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 4 pm. Presented by the National Guard Educational Foundation. This discussion will take place in the Montgomery Room at the National Guard

05/28/2026

Happy Belated 102nd Birthday to World War II Veteran Frank Weber of Scappoose, Oregon!

Born on May 25, 1924, in Kansas City, Kansas, Weber joined the U.S. Navy at just 17 years old — beginning boot camp days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. His training was cut short by the outbreak of war, and he was assigned to the USS Colorado, the only battleship in the Pacific Fleet not at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Weber served through some of WWII’s fiercest battles, including Tarawa, Kwajalein, and Eniwetok. The USS Colorado endured repeated attacks during the war, including heavy shelling at Tinian in 1944, a kamikaze strike off Leyte, and friendly fire in the Lingayen Gulf in 1945.

Despite the dangers and devastation he witnessed, Weber rose through the ranks to become a Chief Bosun’s Mate. The USS Colorado earned seven battle stars for its service during World War II.

Happy Birthday Sir! We thank you for your service!