Alvin’s war: Quilcene man recalls horrors of Europe 59 years after D-Day

QUILCENE — On June 6, 1944, more than 130,000 American, Canadian and British soldiers, supported by 5,000 ships, landed on French soil known as Normandy.

A month later, Alvin Ackerman of Quilcene was there.

By the time Ackerman arrived, the Germans had been pushed deeper into Europe, and the beachhead was safe.

It wouldn’t be long before he was transported closer to the front.

Ackerman, 78, still lives in Quilcene. with his wife, Laverle.

He was honored May 3 with a congressional Jubilee of Liberty Medal in ceremonies in Poulsbo, where he gathers regularly with other World War II veterans.

On Thursday, he delayed baling hay on his property to recall memories of war 59 years ago.

———–

The rest of the story appears in the Friday/Saturday Peninsula Daily News. Click on SUBSCRIBE, above, to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.

More in News

Two dead after tree falls in Olympic National Forest

Two women died after a tree fell in Olympic National… Continue reading

The aurora borealis shines over Port Townsend late Monday night. Ideal conditions to view the event are from about 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. with clear skies and away from city lights or higher locations with northern views. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Northern lights

The aurora borealis shines over Port Townsend late Monday night. Ideal conditions… Continue reading

Jefferson County board sets annual goals

Discussions include housing, pool, artificial intelligence

Clallam commissioners to continue policy discussions on RVs, ADUs

Board decides to hold future workshop before finalizing ordinance

Port Angeles School District community conversation set Thursday

Individuals who want to talk to Port Angeles School… Continue reading

Sue Long, left, Vicki Bennett and Frank Handler, all from Port Townsend, volunteer at the Martin Luther King Day of Service beach restoration on Monday at Fort Worden State Park. The activity took place on Knapp Circle near the Point Wilson Lighthouse. Sixty-four volunteers participated in the removal of non-native beach grasses. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Work party

Sue Long, left, Vicki Bennett and Frank Handler, all from Port Townsend,… Continue reading

Portion of bridge to be replaced

Tribe: Wooden truss at railroad park deteriorating

Kingsya Omega, left, and Ben Wilson settle into a hand-holding exercise. (Aliko Weste)
Process undermines ‘Black brute’ narrative

Port Townsend company’s second film shot in Hawaii

Jefferson PUD to replace water main in Coyle

Jefferson PUD commissioners awarded a $1.3 million construction contract… Continue reading

Scott Mauk.
Chimacum superintendent receives national award

Chimacum School District Superintendent Scott Mauk has received the National… Continue reading

Hood Canal Coordinating Council meeting canceled

The annual meeting of the Hood Canal Coordinating Council, scheduled… Continue reading