HEROES OF WORLD WAR II

The legacy of our organization stands as a powerful reflection of the vision and leadership of those who came before us. Their steadfast commitment laid the groundwork upon which we continue to grow. We honor their loyalty and dedication, which remain a source of inspiration in our ongoing pursuit of excellence.

LEST WE FORGET:

  • Micky GANITCH

    Born in 1919, a Pennsylvania native, served on the USS Pennsylvania during the Attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

    Elderly man wearing a white military cap with pins, sunglasses, and a blue Hawaiian shirt with a lei, smiling broadly. "The Greatest Generations Foundation" logo in bottom left corner.

  • Wilson COLLWELL

    Born in 1925 in Kentucky, joined the 101st Airborne and witnessed war horrors in Normandy, and Holland during WWII.

    101st-Airborne-Division-Normandy

  • Joe SCIDA

    A Pennsylvania native born in 1925, served as a Coxswain LCVP on Omaha Beach during the crucial D-Day invasion.

    Elderly man wearing a "US Naval Amphibious Forces WWII" cap with glasses and a white jacket.

  • Lucky MCGINTY

    Born in Philadelphia in 1923, trained as a waist-gunner and completed 29 bombing missions in Europe with the 95th.

    Elderly man wearing glasses and a black leather jacket with patches, including "95th Bomb Group" and a World War II Veteran cap, standing against a cloudy sky.

  • Clayton NATTIER

    Born in Concordia, KS, joined the US Army Air Corps as a B-17 Pilot with the 306th Bomb Group. POW.

    Black and white photo of an elderly man wearing glasses and a military-style hat with emblems, smiling gently. He wears a bolo tie and a suit. The image has a "The Greatest Generations Foundation" watermark.

  • John CIPOLLA

    Born in Rochester, NY, drafted into the US Army and served with the 501st PIR, 101st Airborne Division in Normandy.

    Elderly man in glasses and military jacket holding framed photo of a young soldier in uniform, black and white.

  • Joseph REILLY

    Born in Wisconsin, drafted into the US Army with the 501st PIR and 101st Airborne Division in major European battles.

    Elderly man in military uniform with badges and a hat, outdoors with greenery in the background.

  • Arthur MEYERS

    Chicago native, youngest of eleven brothers, he was a navigator with the 446th Bomb Group in Bungay, England.

    Elderly man wearing a hat labeled 'World War II Veteran,' standing outdoors with a neutral expression.

  • Donald COBB

    Born in Evansville, IN, rendered his service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Murphy during the pivotal DDAY invasion.

    Elderly man wearing a USS Murphy DD-603 cap and jacket, outdoors. "The Greatest Generations Foundation" logo in the corner.

  • Eugene DEIBLER

    Born in North Carolina, saw intense combat during the D-Day as a member of the 501st PIR, 101st Airborne Division.

    An older man wearing a black cap with a white eagle emblem, the word "Airborne," and a parachute pin. He is also dressed in a black jacket with military-inspired patches.

  • Robert FERNANDEZ

    Born in California, served on the USS Curtiss during the Pearl Harbor attack when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor.

    Elderly person wearing a hat with "Pearl Harbor" and "Life Member" patches, standing near water.

  • Thomas KILKER

    Born in Holyoke, MA, served as the second glider pilot in Normandy as part of the 437th Troop Carrier Group.

    Black and white portrait of an elderly man wearing glasses and a baseball cap decorated with World War II imagery.

  • Floyd WIGFIELD

    Born in 1917 in Maryland, served in the infantry with the 4th Infantry on Utah Beach during the DDAY landings.

    An elderly man in a vintage military uniform stands smiling, with a stone building and greenery in the background. The uniform features patches, medals, and a cap.

  • Thomas BRADLEY

    Born in Monticello, Georgia, he joined the US. Army, before transferring to the 3104 QM Service Company.

    Elderly man wearing a World War II veteran cap, with a patterned sweater and scarf.

  • Stuart HEDLEY

    Born in Palm Beach, FL, a Pearl Harbor survivor has served in the Navy for twenty years during World War II and Korea.

    Elderly man wearing a U.S. Naval cap adorned with badges, glasses, and leis around his neck.

  • Max BROWN

    Born in Colorado, enrolled in the V12 Marine Corps program, went on to serve n the Battle of Iwo Jima.

    Elderly man wearing a "World War II Veteran" hat with "The Greatest Generations Foundation" text.

  • Homer GOODMAN

    Born in Colorado, drafted into the US Army Air Corps and served 26 missions with the 100th Bomb Group.

    Elderly man in a decorated cap and leather jacket holds a framed photo of a young pilot wearing a flight helmet and goggles. The image is associated with The Greatest Generations Foundation.

  • Greg MELIKIAN

    Born in New York, served as a radio operator, during the pivotal role in the unconditional surrender of Germany.

    Elderly man wearing a World War II veteran cap, standing indoors with a map in the background. "The Greatest Generations Foundation" logo is visible in the corner.

  • Seymour MERMELSTEIN

    Born in Miami Beach, Florida, served in the famous Black Devils, the First Special Service Force in Italy and France.

  • Darrell BLIZZARD

    Born in Maryland, served in the US. Army Air Corps and served as a B-17 bomber pilot during World War II.

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If you are interested in contributing to our mission, you have several convenient and cost-effective options to support our work preserving the legacy of our veterans. You can make either a one-time donation or establish a recurring monthly donation. Payment options include credit card, PayPal, Venmo, or direct bank transfer. Tax receipts will be promptly sent to your email address.

"Veterans have consistently demonstrated resilience in their battle."

Group of elderly men wearing jackets and caps gathered in front of Portsmouth International Port entrance.