Bloody Omaha: My Remembrances of That Day (Paperback, Fall - 2010) by James Robert Copeland, S/SGT., 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion
I remember receiving sniper fire from above in a similar scene as pictured here -- none of us thought we'd make it. I did make it and here is my story.
It begins from my childhood in West Virginia, where my family and my family's family, worked in the coal mines.
When war broke out (Pearl Harbor), I enlisted in the Army and became Army Ranger -- fighting that fateful day, on the bloodiest beach, June 6th, 1944.


As a home health aid my wife Linda discovered James Robert Copeland. Linda and I were surprised with his energy, his vitality and his story. It didn't take much conversation to convince him of the importance of recording his story for posterity. We had several interviews over the past year and each time JR (as Ranger Copeland likes to be called), reminded me he felt his time was running out. He wanted me to hurry in my writing so he could see the finished book.
JR Copeland will be 89 years old this year. There has never been a time when I didn't find him cordial, informative and quite lucid in his conversation. Hopefully JR will see his story published -- this man is a magnanimous individual, besides being a war hero. I hope my writing does justice to his great story.
--garry m graves, biographer

Saturday, March 5, 2011

My ‘37 Harley Flathead…my favorite.

37Harley JRonMotorcycle

I loved my ‘37 Harley Flathead motorcycle. The picture on the left is one I found on the internet. It’s a beauty. Mine, the picture on the right, had a higher and longer set of handlebars…and they fit me real good. This was my first of many motorcycles, all Harleys, I owned throughout my life. This ‘Flathead’ was my favorite…having a special place in my heart and memories.

When the war broke out after Pearl Harbor I joined up and sold the Flathead before leaving for the Army. I hated that, as it was like an old friend. That motorcycle and I drove many miles in the three years prior to me shipping out to contribute to the war effort. Most every man I knew wanted to contribute in some way, either fighting the Germans or digging coal out of the ground, like my brother. Everybody felt they needed to do their part to win the war.

The book about me and my ‘war story,’ is selling real well. I owe it all to you for buying the book…and thinking you might learn a little more about what happened over there. That movie, Private Ryan, is probably the best representation of what actually happened on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The beginning of that movie is so real…it makes me remember my time on that god-forsaken beach.

Bet you’re wondering what ever happened to that Harley Flathead. Me too. I sold it to guy who was going out west…I never saw it again.

Well, til next time. Thanks for honoring me and all the other US Army Rangers. Remember to pray for the military, who protect us.

Respectfully, James Robert Copeland, S/Sgt., 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion, WWII, Survivor.

‘Bloody Omaha – My Remembrances of That Day by James Robert Copeland,’ is now sold on Amazon for $.99 (eBook).

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