About Lt. Julian A. "Bud" Rice . . . Jan 8, 1921 - Aug 4, 2019
The bombing of Pearl Harbor motivated Bud to enlist in the U.S. Army on December 8, 1941. With close to 1000 flights under his belt, he was filled with poignant memories by the time the war ended. Because so few surviving veterans are left, public interest keeps growing. People want to hear first-hand stories before lost forever. Shortly before his passing in 2019, Bud was able to compile his memories into book form, including what really happened on D-Day.
This companion site was created to help preserve those memories.
The bombing of Pearl Harbor motivated Bud to enlist in the U.S. Army on December 8, 1941. With close to 1000 flights under his belt, he was filled with poignant memories by the time the war ended. Because so few surviving veterans are left, public interest keeps growing. People want to hear first-hand stories before lost forever. Shortly before his passing in 2019, Bud was able to compile his memories into book form, including what really happened on D-Day.
This companion site was created to help preserve those memories.
Click Here for Slide Show
Created by family friend, U.S. Navy Captain Doug Derrick
Created by family friend, U.S. Navy Captain Doug Derrick
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
created a special TV docudrama describing the C-47's enormous contribution to WWII. Click Here for video.
created a special TV docudrama describing the C-47's enormous contribution to WWII. Click Here for video.
Below Left: Bud's D-Day plane returns to Normandy. Click Here for video.
Below Right: Bud flies his plane one last time. Click Here for video.
Below Right: Bud flies his plane one last time. Click Here for video.
THE PLANE THAT SURVIVED D-DAY
Whiskey 7 was found abandoned by a private plane collector who restored W7 to original condition. When he learned the plane was a D-Day artifact and its original pilot was still living, he had it flown to Normandy for Bud to fly during D-Day's 70th Anniversary Week. NBC learned of the story and used it as part of their D-Day Anniversary tribute. In between worldwide events, W7 remains housed at the famous Warplane Museum in New York.
Whiskey 7 was found abandoned by a private plane collector who restored W7 to original condition. When he learned the plane was a D-Day artifact and its original pilot was still living, he had it flown to Normandy for Bud to fly during D-Day's 70th Anniversary Week. NBC learned of the story and used it as part of their D-Day Anniversary tribute. In between worldwide events, W7 remains housed at the famous Warplane Museum in New York.
CBS TRIBUTE TO D-DAY
Dodger Tribute to WW2
Catcher Justin Turner and the Dodger Organization are famous for their support of U.S. veterans.
Many thanks to Vietnam Veteran Greg Alaimo from the American Legion veteran center for arranging veteran tributes.
Click Here for Video.
Catcher Justin Turner and the Dodger Organization are famous for their support of U.S. veterans.
Many thanks to Vietnam Veteran Greg Alaimo from the American Legion veteran center for arranging veteran tributes.
Click Here for Video.
Many Thanks
The Rice Family thanks Mark Wahlberg for the extraordinary kindness he showed our Dad in his final years.
Mark was a great inspiration to him in times of failing health.
The Rice Family thanks Mark Wahlberg for the extraordinary kindness he showed our Dad in his final years.
Mark was a great inspiration to him in times of failing health.