World War II Memories: From Omaha Beach to Vienna

World War II Memories: From Omaha Beach to Vienna tells the compelling story of Joseph Gorra, who gives a first-hand account of what it was like to be part of the first wave of soldiers to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day during World War II.
Joseph N. Gorra was born in 1925 and grew up in New London, Connecticut. Feeling a strong pull to serve his country, Joe volunteered to serve in the army in 1943, seeking and gaining enlistment in one of the country’s premier infantry divisions, the First Infantry. Following his training stateside, Joe arrived in England in time for D-Day preparations. On June 6, 1944, he landed on Omaha Beach with the 18th Infantry Regiment, losing many of the men on his landing craft. Joe found himself among those leading the charge up the Colleville Draw to drive the Germans from their hold on Omaha Beach. Over the course of the War, Joe fought his way through the German Army from Normandy all the way to Vienna, getting wounded twice and surviving the disastrous sinking of the troopship Leopoldville on Christmas Eve 1944. In Vienna, Joe was one of the Army’s managers of the Bristol Hotel where he catered to the U.S. Army elite and often helped manage difficult relations with the Soviet co-occupiers of the city. In 1946, Joe returned to New London to run his family’s successful clothing business.
Joe is the father of three children, grandfather of four, and great-grandfather of one. He is still alive and well today and plans to honor the memory of those who served, by traveling to Omaha Beach on June 6, 2024, accompanied by his family.
World War II Memories: From Omaha Beach to Vienna includes an extensive interview with Joe Gorra and an extensive collection of archival photographs, maps, and World War II footage. The documentary film is directed by Connecticut native Alex McAusher, produced by Alex and Karyl Evans, and edited by Karyl Evans (6-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker).

[@breepete]

Just met this amazing man in person today in Caen, France. What an amazing experience. He barely quit working 6 months ago. Only a few months short of his 99th birthday. Thank you for your heroics, Sir ❤️🤍💙