For heroes, a gift of thanks

Fay Biles wanted to meet a war hero during her freshman year at Duke University.

Veterans were coming home every day after World War II, but she wanted to meet the one who was in the newspaper.

Fifty-seven years later, she'll be attending a luncheon where her war hero and husband, Bedford Biles, 85, of Marco Island will be presented with a certificate of thank you from the consul general of France.

Bedford Biles will be among 20 Collier County veterans honored today during a luncheon, hosted by the French Community Association of Naples at the Royal Wood Country Club. Today marks the 62nd anniversary of D-Day, the day the Allies invaded Europe during WWII.

The 20 veterans will receive a "Thank You America" certificate, presented by Philippe Vinogradoff, the consul general of France.

Biles was a sergeant in the Army, and served in the 101st Airborne, the Screaming Eagles, and was a member of the 501st parachute regiment.

"It was almost like (being in) a special force," he said about the regiment.

Biles and his unit jumped behind Omaha Beach. It was foggy, and planes were out of formation, he said. That's where problems arose, Biles said. Men were jumping, missing their target and left to find their way to their designated location.

"Most of the men were apprehensive, scared if that is even a word," Biles said. "But when it came time to jump, we jumped. After all the artillery and the shooting (at the plane), I was happy to get out of there."

When he hit ground, he was miles away from his mark and needed to get there as soon as possible. Biles was able to find other members of his unit through a code, and soon they were on their way to their destination.

"As I hit the ground, I couldn't see anyone around me," Biles said. "It took awhile for us to realize where we were."

Once Biles and his troop realized where they were, they began making their way toward Carentan, the French city they were ordered to take.

It took six days, he said, but Biles and his unit completed its mission. About a month later, Biles and his unit were pulled out from France and sent back to their British base. It would be September before he would be sent on another mission, Biles said.

While Biles was waiting for his next assignment, Mike Viechec, 83, of Naples was preparing for his first tour.

Viechec served as a corporal in the 26th Infantry, 101st Infantry regiment from February 1943 until January 1945. Viechec said he was the squad leader.

"Down to the final unit, I gave the final word on who lived and who died," he said.

Viechec landed on the beaches of Normandy in August 1944, but he said it was as though the invasion happened earlier that day.

"The evidence of the invasion was still visible on the beach," he said.

Viechec's brother took part in the invasion, and later told Viechec the action that day was indescribable.

While Viechec didn't participate in the invasion, he said he still feels people need to recognize the events of the day.

"I think in (the younger) generation, it's sad to say but I think it is turning away from history," Viechec said.

Biles said he gets asked all the time to tell his D-Day invasion story. It never bothers him, because he wants people to know what he did and why he did it.

"I would think they would get tired of hearing about this," he said. "(But) I hope younger generations can understand what's going on and try to scatter these wars. They're mean and they're nasty."

Biles said he left school to join the Army, but said he doesn't regret his decision.

"You got to do what is necessary to protect the country and our freedoms," he said. "Without our freedoms, we have nothing. Our family comes first, our country calls second."

Biles said very few of the men in his unit are still alive, but every now and then he receives a call asking about a parent whom Biles served with.

"There's not many left, really, there's not many people left," he said.

Viechec is one of four men still alive from his unit, he said. The men, located across the country, keep in touch and visit one another as much as possible.

"We call it the Last Man's Club," Viechec said. "The last guy out has to close the door. They were loyal and dedicated friends, just like every GI was."

Brigitte Smith of the French Community Association of Naples said the organization will recognize more D-Day veterans in December, and community members are encouraged to nominate a veteran for the ceremony.

Those interested in nominating a veteran for a "Thank You America" certificate are encouraged to e-mail Smith at UFENaples@aol.com for more information.