**Introduction:**
History has a profound way of unfolding through the stories of those who've lived it. Today, I had the unique opportunity to speak with a centenarian, George, whose experiences from the past brought history to life in a remarkable way.
**Setting the Scene:**
During my visit to my mom, I intended to have a conversation with a day supervisor named Carol, who happened to be downstairs. While at the breakfast table that once belonged to Nan and my mother, I encountered George—who introduced himself as the oldest resident in the facility at the age of 90.
**A Storied Past:**
Curiosity got the better of me, prompting my first question: was he a World War II veteran? To my surprise, he shared that he was born in 1924, meaning he is actually 100 years old. George recounted his military journey, beginning in North Africa, then moving on to Sicily, and eventually serving in England.
**Experiences at Normandy:**
George's stories took a dramatic turn as he recounted his experience on D-Day, specifically D-Day + 4, when tensions were still high on the beaches of Normandy. He described how, after the front of his landing craft opened, the soldiers jumped into the water. Being of shorter stature and burdened with a 60-pound pack, he found himself struggling to stay afloat. Luckily, a fellow soldier rescued him, despite the sergeant's commands to abandon him for self-preservation.
**A Brush with History:**
In the midst of our conversation, George urged me to look up General McNair on my phone. McNair tragically lost his life on July 25, 1944, in Saint-Lô, France, due to an errant friendly bomb. George revealed that he was in a nearby foxhole at the time and was struck by shrapnel from the same bomb that killed McNair.
**Conclusion:**
This encounter with George was not only enlightening but also humbling. I anticipate returning to share further conversations with him and to delve deeper into his rich tapestry of experiences during a pivotal time in history.