Soldiers disembark from a landing craft into the water. Inset Frank DeVita wears a uniform

U.S. troops wade ashore during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France.

Courtesy Frank DeVita (young Frank DeVita); via Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images (soldiers)

“I Wanted to Fight for My Country”

Veteran Frank DeVita talks about his experiences during World War II.

November 2, 2020

By Lisa M. Herrington

As You Read, Think About: Why is it important to read firsthand accounts of historic events?

It was the biggest war the world has ever seen. From 1939 to 1945, more than 30 countries took part in World War II.

The United States entered the war after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, a U.S. military base in Hawaii, on December 7, 1941. American troops fought on two main fronts—against the Germans in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific.

Frank DeVita saw action on both fronts as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. That included taking part in the biggest sea invasion in history.

On June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, forces from the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada landed in Normandy, France. Their goal was to force out the Germans, who had taken over France four years earlier.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the war. DeVita, now 95, recently spoke to Scholastic News about the importance of honoring those who served.

It was the biggest war the world has ever seen. More than 30 countries took part in World War II. The war took place from 1939 to 1945.

The United States entered the war after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Pearl Harbor was a U.S. military base in Hawaii. American troops fought on two main fronts. They fought against the Germans in Europe. They also fought the Japanese in the Pacific.

Frank DeVita was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard. He saw action on both fronts. That included taking part in the biggest sea invasion in history.

June 6, 1944 is known as D-Day. On that day, forces from the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada landed in Normandy, France. Their goal was to force out the Germans. They had taken over France four years earlier.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the war. DeVita is now 95. He recently spoke to Scholastic News about the importance of honoring those who served.

Scholastic News: Why did you sign up to fight?

Frank DeVita: I was 17. I had to get my mom’s permission. I enlisted because I remembered Pearl Harbor. I wanted to get in the service and fight for my country.

SN: On D-Day, you were in one of the first boats to land on Omaha Beach in Normandy. What was that like?

FD: I’ll be honest with you, I was scared. Everybody was scared. The Germans had 33 machine guns where the water meets the sand, and they were firing at us.

My job was to drop the ramp on the front of the boat. But I didn’t want to drop it, because the bullets were bouncing off it. I knew once the ramp was open, the bullets would come into the boat. I dropped the ramp, and just like I thought, the bullets came in, and 14 to 15 guys died.

SN: How would you describe the scene on the beach?

FD: It was pandemonium. People were screaming and crying. The bullets were like a swarm of bees around your head. Somehow, they missed me. I was very fortunate.

Scholastic News: Why did you sign up to fight?

Frank DeVita: I was 17. I had to get my mom’s permission. I enlisted because I remembered Pearl Harbor. I wanted to get in the service and fight for my country.

SN: On D-Day, you were in one of the first boats to land on Omaha Beach in Normandy. What was that like?

FD: I’ll be honest with you, I was scared. Everybody was scared. The Germans had 33 machine guns where the water meets the sand. They were firing at us.

SN: How would you describe the scene on the beach?

FD: It was pandemonium. People were screaming and crying. The bullets were like a swarm of bees around your head. Somehow, they missed me. I was very fortunate.

Jim McMahon/MapMan®

DeVita went back and forth to his ship 14 more times that day, ferrying troops to Omaha Beach. Despite the huge loss of life, the invasion was a success and a turning point in the war.

After nearly a year of heavy fighting, the Germans surrendered in May 1945. Japan finally surrendered in September that year.

Jim McMahon/MapMan®

DeVita went back and forth to his ship 14 more times that day, ferrying troops to Omaha Beach. Despite the huge loss of life, the invasion was a success and a turning point in the war.

After nearly a year of heavy fighting, the Germans surrendered in May 1945. Japan finally surrendered in September that year.

SN: How did you feel when the war was over?

FD: I was in Europe when Germany surrendered. We felt very good, but then they shipped me out to the Pacific. When Japan surrendered, we were very happy.

SN: You received several awards for your military service. Do you consider yourself a hero?

FD: No, no, no. In Normandy, right above Omaha Beach, is a big cemetery. And in that cemetery, there are 9,400 people who died in Normandy. Those are my heroes. I’m not a hero. I’m a survivor.

SN: What do you want kids today to know about the war?

FD: What we were fighting for was freedom. Kids have to understand there is nothing better than your freedom. When you’re free, the whole world is at your fingertips.

_{Note: The interview has been edited and condensed by the editors of Scholastic News.}