Just two weeks ago, I began research for my third book, the cadets of PMC in World War II. I traveled to the Normandy Beaches for about 10 days, with a special interest in establishing some contacts there and locating where some of our PMC brothers fought and died.
MAJ Richard O'Malley, PMC '38, known as the "Iron Major" of the 12th Infantry, 4ID died on 16 July. You can read much more about him here: http://pennsylvaniamilitarycollege.org/iron-major/ While I am at it, Ron Romanowicz has done a wonderful job in a PMC Remembrance page. You can check it out here: PMC Remembrance . I was able to find the major's grave at the American Cemetery @ Omaha Beach.
His brother, Thomas O’Malley, was killed on D-Day 6 June off Utah beach when the LSD (Duplex Drive) he DD tank was in was struck by enemy fire. He is buried in Cambridge, England.
So here is the dilemma. How to narrow the list of cadets down to a manageable size. If I research and write about them all, that would be a piece well over 1,000 pages. How do I cut it down? Those that died in the war? Still too large a number. Those that died in combat? A more manageable number but still an extremely large book (400+ pages I would suppose). Branches? Most were Army, but all branches were represented. How about by awards? Which awards for bravery? You can see my dilemma, I am sure. Any suggests would be greatly appreciated.
I had the distinct pleasure be being accompanied on this trip by Jim Timmerman (SGM-R) and good friend.
Also met Jean Paul Pitou, a local historian who has done a good bit of work on O'Malley and with his family.
A few last pictures from Normandy.
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| Pegasus Bridge |
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| Pointe du Hoc |
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| Omaha Beach at low tide, kinda cool to walk in my father's footsteps 70 years later. |
