We are proud to have Ray Lambert living in our community!
At the age of 98 years he is one of the few still living World War II veterans. As part of the medical corps of the 16th Infantry of the 1st Division, he was in the first waves of three invasions in World War II: North Africa, Sicily and finally the Omaha Beach landing on D-Day. During these landings he put himself at extreme risk to save others. He was wounded four times, received four Purple Hearts, three Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, the French Legion of Honor and was named a Distinguished Member of the Regiment 16th Infantry. Ray Lambert is a true hero!
Last year in June we could recognize Ray by naming the drop zone for the air drop exercise on Lake Auman as the Ray Lambert Drop Zone. In the ceremony after the event, he received a special plaque from Col Brad Mock of the Airborne Special Operations Test Directorate.
This year is the 75th year anniversary of D-Day. At the National Memorial Day Concert, Ray Lambert’s WW II service will be featured on PBS in a live nationally broadcast television program on May 26th at 8pm. The announcement of the concert with Ray Lambert’s role is here. All residents of SLW would want to see the heroic service of one of our most famous residents and watch the show.
In early June, Ray Lambert will travel to Normandy, France and will be a guest of honor during the 75th anniversary WW II ceremonies with Heads of States around June 6th. His portrait is already displayed at the entrance of the Omaha Beach American Cemetery.
Ray has written his memoirs with Jim DeFelice (writer of the filmed book: The American Sniper). Ray’s memoirs are published this month and can be viewed here.
A review of the book states: “ …An astonishing new firsthand account of D-Day. Seventy-five years ago, he hit Omaha Beach with the first wave. Now Ray Lambert, ninety-eight years old, delivers one of the most remarkable memoirs of our time, a tour-deforce of remembrance evoking his role as a decorated World War II medic who risked his life to save the heroes of D-Day…”
We are proud and honored to have Ray Lambert in our community!!
