About Lt. Julian A. "Bud" Rice . . . Jan 8, 1921 - Aug 4, 2019
With so few WWII veterans remaining, public interest in their first-hand stories grew. When Bud's health could no longer attend the numerous speaking engagements requested, it was easier to compile his memories into written form. Included in his book is a minute-by-minute account of what really happened on D-Day, hoping to dispute some of the online, tv, film and published myths which omitted some important facts. As a proper legacy to all those who participated, Bud felt compelled to do something about it before those missing facts were forever lost with his own passing. Thus, the book, Heroes of WWII: A Pilot's Memories.
With so few WWII veterans remaining, public interest in their first-hand stories grew. When Bud's health could no longer attend the numerous speaking engagements requested, it was easier to compile his memories into written form. Included in his book is a minute-by-minute account of what really happened on D-Day, hoping to dispute some of the online, tv, film and published myths which omitted some important facts. As a proper legacy to all those who participated, Bud felt compelled to do something about it before those missing facts were forever lost with his own passing. Thus, the book, Heroes of WWII: A Pilot's Memories.
NORMANDY, FRANCE
The 75th Anniversary was a landmark year for Europe's annual tribute to freedom. Knowing this was likely the last time WWII veterans in their 90's would get to Normandy, news crews arrived from around the world. See Anniversary Page for more information about this major event.
The 75th Anniversary was a landmark year for Europe's annual tribute to freedom. Knowing this was likely the last time WWII veterans in their 90's would get to Normandy, news crews arrived from around the world. See Anniversary Page for more information about this major event.
SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL
Smithsonian created and aired a special TV docudrama describing the enormous contribution to the WWII effort by the C-47 transport plane.
Click Here for video.
Smithsonian created and aired a special TV docudrama describing the enormous contribution to the WWII effort by the C-47 transport plane.
Click Here for video.
Below: Bud's WWII plane returns to Normandy. Click Here for video.
Below Right: Bud flies his WWII plane one last time. Click Here for video.
Below Right: Bud flies his WWII plane one last time. Click Here for video.
THE PLANE THAT SURVIVED D-DAY
This C-47 artifact from WWII was found abandoned by a private plane collector who restored W7 to original condition. When he learned that its original pilot was still living, he flew it to D-Day's 70th Anniversary Week in Normandy to allow Bud to fly it one more time. When NBC learned of the story, they included it in their D-Day tribute specials. Flown worldwide for special events, W7's home for public rides is the famous National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, New York.
https://nationalwarplanemuseum.com/c-47-whiskey7/
This C-47 artifact from WWII was found abandoned by a private plane collector who restored W7 to original condition. When he learned that its original pilot was still living, he flew it to D-Day's 70th Anniversary Week in Normandy to allow Bud to fly it one more time. When NBC learned of the story, they included it in their D-Day tribute specials. Flown worldwide for special events, W7's home for public rides is the famous National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, New York.
https://nationalwarplanemuseum.com/c-47-whiskey7/
CBS TRIBUTE TO D-DAY
CBS TRIBUTE TO D-DAY 2014
See YouTube for interviews of last remaining WWII veterans.
See YouTube for interviews of last remaining WWII veterans.
Dodger Tribute to WW2
We thank the Dodger Organization and catcher Justin Turner for their staunch support of U.S. Veterans of all wars.
We especially thank Vietnam Veteran Greg Alaimo from American Legion Veteran Center for his tireless efforts in
arranging this CBS Interview at home, as well as Bud's "First Pitch" in this moving pre-game tribute.
Click Here for Dodger Video.
We thank the Dodger Organization and catcher Justin Turner for their staunch support of U.S. Veterans of all wars.
We especially thank Vietnam Veteran Greg Alaimo from American Legion Veteran Center for his tireless efforts in
arranging this CBS Interview at home, as well as Bud's "First Pitch" in this moving pre-game tribute.
Click Here for Dodger Video.
Thank you, Mark
Almost 90, Bud made friends with a lone stranger hitting practice balls at the local golf course. Not a movie-goer, Bud had no clue who Mark was. Bud was impressed with "the kid's remarkable golf skills," and the "kid" was impressed with Bud's remarkable courtesy to a perfect stranger. The two were much alike... men of uncompromising courage and honor. We especially thank you, Mark, for inspiring Dad to remain strong during his times of failing health. A true American patriot, Wahlberg has immense respect toward veterans of all wars.
Dad once remarked if only Mark had been there in 1944, we would have won the war much sooner. We think so, too.
Dad once remarked if only Mark had been there in 1944, we would have won the war much sooner. We think so, too.
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Website created by Bud's daughter Linda at LR Publishing. All content is copyright protected.
Book copies available at cost. Write to: finedesignsbylinda@gmail.com
Book copies available at cost. Write to: finedesignsbylinda@gmail.com