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Ernest Washington

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He managed to earn a master's degree after the Vietnam War, but Ernest Washington still felt driven to reach out to troubled veterans, such as a friend who lived thirty years on the streets. He can't imagine what it must be like for today's vets serving multiple tours. He barely survived one. (9:09)

Ernie Heaton

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Ernie Heaton shares his first-hand experiences with the "Four Chaplains", four officers who selflessly sacrificed their lives after the USAT Dorchester was hit by a German torpedo during World War II. Provided by Sal Strom. This interview is audio only. (1:52)

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Ernie Heaton recalls the tragedy that struck hundreds of service members aboard the USAT Dorchester after it was hit by a German torpedo in the North Atlantic in February of 1943. Provided by Sal Strom. This interview is audio only. (2:46)

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Ernie Heaton shares the social difficulties his son experienced after coming home from the war in Vietnam. Provided by Sal Strom. This interview is audio only. (2:07)

Eugene Deibler

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After high school, Deibler went to enlist in the Army at Fort Niagara. However, when he failed his eye exam, he chose a different path and found himself in basic training at Camp Toccoa. (3:06)

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After breaking his left ankle during his first jump, Deibler was instructed to be moved out to Texas. However, Deibler was determined to get to Camp McCall with his company, and he made sure the medical staff knew he was fit to go with them. (0:57)

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After waiting a day and much deliberation from General Eisenhower, Deibler and the other paratroopers finally jumped into Normandy. Deibler and his company were not shy about jumping out of the plane as heavy anti-aircraft fire was coming from all directions. (3:46)

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Upon landing in Normandy, Deibler and his company were assigned the task of taking the bridges that led to Carentan. The bridges were heavily surrounded by the Germans, so the men took the lochs in order to gain an advantage over them. When Colonel Johnson called upon Major Allen’s troops in Abbeville to help take the bridges, Deibler and his company were fired upon by 88’s. (3:35)

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Deibler describes the power of German tanks as well as the Sherman tanks. He compares the technology and weaponry of the Germans with that of the Allies. (1:10)

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During his approach to Normandy, Deibler decided to keep his reserve chute in his musette bag. He sent the chute to his girlfriend back home, and she had it made into something beautiful. (1:40)