Every Man a Hero: A Memoir of D-Day, the First Wave at Omaha Beach, and a World at War

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The New York Times Bestseller^Winner of theArmy Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award

Omaha Beachlegend Ray Lambert'sunforgettable firsthand account of D-Day

Lambert landed on [Omaha Beach] as a 23-year-old Army medic. ... As the bullets cut down his comrades, he raced repeatedly back into the sea to drag out wounded soldiers. New York Times

Seventy-five years ago, he hit Omaha Beach with the first wave. Now D-Day legend Ray Lambert (1920-2021) delivers one of the most remarkable memoirs of our time, a tour-de-force of remembrance evoking his role as a decorated World War II medic who risked his life to save the heroes of Normandy.

At five a.m. on June 6, 1944, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ray Lambert worked his way through a throng of nervous soldiers to a wind-swept deck on a troopship off the coast of Normandy, France. A familiar voice cut through the wind and rumble of the ships engines. Ray! called his brother, Bill. Ray, head of a medical team for the First Divisions famed 16th Infantry Regiment, had already won a silver star in 1943 for running through German lines to rescue trapped men, one of countless rescues hed made in North Africa and Sicily.

This is going to be the worst yet, Ray told his brother, who served alongside him throughout the war.

If I dont make it, said Bill, take care of my family.

I will, said Ray. He thought about his wife and sona boy he had yet to see. Same for me. The words were barely out of Rays mouth when a shout came from below.

To the landing craft!

The brothers parted. Their destinies layten miles away, on the bloodiest shore of Normandy, a plot of Omaha Beach ironically code named Easy Red.

Less than five hours later, after saving dozens of lives and being wounded at least three separate times, Ray would lose consciousness in the shallow water of the beach under heavy fire. He would wake on the deck of a landing ship to find his battered brother clinging to life next to him.

Every Man a Hero is the unforgettable story not only of what happened in the incredible and desperate hours on Omaha Beach, but of the bravery and courage that preceded them, throughout the Second World Warfrom the sands of Africa, through the treacherous mountain passes of Sicily, and beyond to the greatest military victory the world has ever known.

Reviews

Lambert landed on [Omaha Beach] as a 23-year-old Army medic with his brother Bill. Only seven of the 31 soldiers on Mr. Lamberts landing craft survived. As the bullets cut down his comrades, he raced repeatedly back into the sea to drag out wounded soldiers. New York Times [Lambert] was able to save well more than a dozen lives thanks to his bravery, skill and presence of mind. . . . The responsibility he felt for those men on Omaha Beach 75 years ago has never left Ray Lambert, and it never will. Smithsonian Lambert is nothing short of miraculous. Reading Lamberts account is like sitting at your grandfathers feet and hearing some of the best tales youll ever know. All Americans owe Lambert gratitude for his service and sacrifice, and for sharing his memories. Booklist, STARRED review Gripping. This excellent memoir stands out. A treasure trove of details about WWII. Publishers Weekly At 98, Lambert, who earned a Silver Star and multiple Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts, is still around to tell his story. Readers will be grateful. Lamberts narrative flows smoothly throughout, clearly showing the authors heroism. Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

JIM DEFELICE is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous books, including West Like Lightning, American Sniper (with Chris Kyle), and American Wife (with Taya Kyle). He lives in the Hudson Valley.