World War II veteran Jack Hamlin, pictured here in 2014 and now 102, is believed to be the last surviving professional athlete to have served at Normandy. Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Jack Hamlin, a 102-year-old World War II veteran and former professional baseball player, is believed to be the last surviving professional athlete to have served at the 1944 invasion of Normandy. This year, on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, he shared his experiences one last time.
The D-Day Experience
With a rope tied around his waist and bullets whizzing past, Hamlin jumped from his Coast Guard cutter and into the frigid waters just off the coast of Normandy. His job on June 6, 1944, was to rescue wounded Allied troops before they drowned or bled out. He still remembers the orders from that day. “‘We don’t want the dead ones. Just the ones we can save,’” Hamlin says his commanders told him. They could recover the bodies later.
A Tribute to the Fallen
Hamlin’s story is a tribute to those who gave their lives on that fateful day. Known as ‘Papa Jake’ to his over 800,000 TikTok followers, he remembers landing on Omaha Beach, Normandy on June 6,1944. He said, “They gave their life so that I could make it”, a reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.
A Salute to the Veterans
President Joe Biden addressed World War II veterans and guests to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The president’s address was a salute to the veterans like Hamlin who risked their lives for the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany.
The Return to Normandy
Dozens of World War II veterans recently returned to Normandy, France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. This special flight, courtesy of Delta, allowed veterans like Hamlin to revisit the beaches where they once fought for freedom.
A Legacy Remembered
Hamlin’s story is not just a tale of survival and bravery, but also a result of the enduring spirit of those who fought in World War II. As a former baseball player and a veteran, he represents a unique intersection of American culture – sports and service. His recounting of D-Day serves as a powerful reminder of our history and the individuals who shaped it. As we remember the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of veterans like Jack Hamlin, whose stories continue to inspire us.
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