Utah Beach American Memorial
Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, France
06.06.2025‍

Congratulations to 100-year-old U.S. Army WWII Veteran Donald Carter Jr., of Libertyville, Illinois, who was presented the French Legion of Honor in Normandy by Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister for the Armed Forces during the international ceremony June 6, 2025. Carter served with the 4th Infantry Division and was involved with the Normandy and Ardennes Campaign, as well as the Battle of the Bulge. (Thomas Padilla – AP)

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World War II veteran Donald H. Carter Jr., 44th Field Artillery Battalion, 4thInfantry Division, walks after receiving The National Order of the Legion of Honor Medal during the International Ceremony held at the Utah Beach American Memorial Normandy, France, June 6, 2025. This medal is the highest and most prestigious French national order of merit, both military and civil. Carter was involved with the Normandy and Ardennes Campaign, as well as the Battle of the Bulge. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Isaiah Mount.)

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Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Pete Hegseth, holds his hand over his heart in front of surviving World War II veterans, during the International Ceremony held at the Utah Beach American Memorial Normandy, France, June 6, 2025. Hegseth gave a speech highlighting the overwhelming odds the veterans of the D-Day landings faced, emphasizing their extraordinary courage, unity, and sacrifice in the face of fierce enemy resistance on the beaches of Normandy. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Isaiah Mount)

Montebourg, France World War II Memorial

The 4th Infantry Division concluded its participation in the 81st anniversary of D-Day with a powerful and fitting tribute—the Montebourg Memorial Ceremony.

Held annually, the town of Montebourg gathers to honor the Ivy Division Soldiers who bravely liberated their community after landing at Utah Beach in June 1944. Brig. Gen. Brendan Raymond, Deputy Commanding General for Maneuver of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, provided heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the courage, resilience, and sacrifice shown by the Ivy Division during Montebourg’s liberation.

The ceremony, featuring wreath-laying’s, poignant speeches ,and a parade of American Soldiers marching proudly alongside French citizens, symbolizes the lasting bonds forged in liberation, friendship, and freedom.

(Story & photo by Spc. Isaiah Mount and Pfc. Jonathan Reyes)
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office       
Fort Carson, CO, US