Tampa Bay WWII vets return to Normandy for D-Day ceremonies
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Five Tampa-area World War II veterans are heading to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.
For some, this will be their first trip back to Europe since the end of the war. For others, because of their health, it may be their last trip back.
Malen Griep answered his nations call to service at the age of 18 and was quickly shipped off to France.
“They got my baggage and put it on the Queen Mary and that’s where I stayed for three nights,” said Griep.
The 42nd Infantry Division, known as the “Rainbow Division,” soon saw combat in Germany.
“We were on the south side, Germans were on the north side and there was a lot of shooting going on,” Griep recalled.
He remembers nights of combat and he remembers being there as the 42nd liberated Jewish prisoners at the Dachau Concentration camp. He was there as an American tank knocked down the front gate.
“The gate was standing, partially open, and they rammed it, ” Griep said.
He also remembers opening the doors to two rail cars, stacked with the bodies of Jewish prisoners.
“It was very jolting. First the people inside were moaning,” said Griep.
Now, thanks to the Elks Club of Florida, Griep will be traveling back to Normandy with members of his family.
Rudy Maci with the Elks Club will be there.
“The World War II vets and the Korean War vets thought their lives were over and nobody recognized, nobody remembered what they did. Now they are honored, they are treated like big celebrities,” said Masi.
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