John Joseph "Joe" Pinder Jr. was truly an American hero.
I cannot imagine what was going through Joe Pinder's mind as he headed toward Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. On the one hand, that very day was a special day for him. It happened to be his 32nd birthday. On the other hand, he was not at ease. His beloved younger brother, Harold, was still missing in action. Though Joe believed Harold lived, he did not know that to be true. He was also heading into France as part of the D-Day invasion.
Posted on a page of this website is a famous photo of a landing craft approaching Omaha Beach - Pinder would have experienced a similar approach. I keep thinking about all the things that must have been running through his mind that morning. Every serviceman headed toward a Normandy beach was courageous. Pinder was exceptionally so. Due to the severity of his wounds, I can only think at one point he knew that he would die. Even though gravely wounded, he focused on establishing vital radio communications. He died that others might live.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Nothing preaches better than the act." Joe Pinder was "the" example that each and every one of us should try to follow. Pinder made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I am ever grateful to him.
Rest in Peace, Joe.
Honored by: Emily Keating
I cannot imagine what was going through Joe Pinder's mind as he headed toward Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. On the one hand, that very day was a special day for him. It happened to be his 32nd birthday. On the other hand, he was not at ease. His beloved younger brother, Harold, was still missing in action. Though Joe believed Harold lived, he did not know that to be true. He was also heading into France as part of the D-Day invasion.
Posted on a page of this website is a famous photo of a landing craft approaching Omaha Beach - Pinder would have experienced a similar approach. I keep thinking about all the things that must have been running through his mind that morning. Every serviceman headed toward a Normandy beach was courageous. Pinder was exceptionally so. Due to the severity of his wounds, I can only think at one point he knew that he would die. Even though gravely wounded, he focused on establishing vital radio communications. He died that others might live.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, "Nothing preaches better than the act." Joe Pinder was "the" example that each and every one of us should try to follow. Pinder made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. I am ever grateful to him.
Rest in Peace, Joe.
Honored by: Emily Keating