SAN DIEGO — On June 6, the world remembers one of the deadliest invasions during World War II. It has been 80 years since Americans and Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in west France which was a turning point that helped turn back the tide of Nazi Germany.
Retired U.S. Naval Commander Joseph Robert Wilson, Bob Wilson, 104, tries to forget the pain of D-Day but not the men who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“We were lucky, we’re no heroes about that but we are lucky people. The heroes were the unlucky people, they didn’t get back,” said Wilson.
He was 21 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. “As soon as I heard about the invasion it was time for me to get in,” said Wilson.
By February 1942, Wilson enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on landing ship tanks (LST). He served on LST 383, which was the first LST to cross the Atlantic during World War II.
He fought in the North Africa campaign and the Invasion of Sicily before he arrived for the deadliest invasion in 1944.
“On June the 6th we left the harbor heading for Omaha beach,” added Wilson.
What is now known as D-day, is the day ships, planes and troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in western France to rid Europe of Nazi Germany.
“All you could see were ships as far as you could see overhead, there were hundreds of airplanes all flying towards Europe,” said Wilson.
Wilson says the ship hit the bottom at high tide and they couldn’t offload troops until low tide.
“Bombs were dropping on shore, mines were going offshore,” said Wilson.
Wilson says the mess table on the ship was used to treat wounded soldiers. “This was a real war,” said Wilson.
He says through his binoculars he saw troops who were pinned down behind the seawall and recalls a general who helped break through the German line.
“He said, ‘OK men we’re dying on this side of the seawall let’s start dying on the other side’ and they broke through the German's line,” said Wilson.
He was thankful the ship wasn’t hit and they were able to pull out and head to England to offload troops and equipment.
“I’m glad it’s over and I hope nobody else has to go through it again,’ said Wilson.
Wilson retired as a U.S. Naval Commander, he is 104 and his memory about some things has faded by not D-Day where 160,000 Allied troops including 73,0000 Americans were killed.
“Too vividly, I try to forget but it’s kind of hard,” said Wilson.
WWII veterans who fought in France, including Bob Wilson, will receive the Legion of Honor, its highest and most prestigious award in France.
WATCH RELATED: World War II heroes share message on D-Day's 80th Anniversary