Did any of the Bedford boys survive?

Ray Nance, the last survivor of the Bedford Boys, soldiers from the Blue Ridge foothills whose heavy losses at Omaha Beach symbolized the sacrifices of all the Americans who fell at Normandy on D-Day, died Sunday in Bedford, Va. He was 94. His death was announced by his family.

How many men from Bedford VA died on D-Day?

The small, southwest Virginia town of Bedford was home to 20 of the US soldiers who died during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. The 20 deaths, 19 from one company, were among the steepest death tolls of any US community. Visit INSIDER’s homepage for more stories.

What are the names of the Bedford boys?

The “Bedford Boys” and the location of the memorial The Bedford Boys included three sets of brothers: twins Roy and Ray Stevens, with Ray killed during the landing while Roy survived, Clyde and Jack Powers, with Jack killed and Clyde wounded but surviving, and Bedford and Raymond Hoback, both killed.

What was the population of Bedford Virginia in 1944?

3,200
On June 6, 1944, the southwestern Virginia town of Bedford, with a population of 3,200, suffered the highest per capita loss of any American community. When the telegrams began to arrive in Bedford, the tight-knit community was devastated.

How many of the Bedford boys died?

19
Just over 40 men from Bedford participated in the D-Day invasion and unfortunately 19 of them were dead by the end of the day on June 6, 1944. This was devastating for the small town of Bedford, which is recognized as having the most men per capita killed on D-Day.

Where are the Bedford boys buried?

Coleville-sur-Mer, France – Eight of the famed Bedford Boys are buried at the Normandy American Cemetery. The names of two more are engraved there, among the names of men who were never found.

Is Harry Billinge still alive?

April 5, 2022Harry Billinge / Died

What is Bedford VA known for?

The town is home to several historic landmarks, including the National D-Day Memorial, the Elks National Home, and the Avenel Plantation.

Why is the D-Day Memorial in Bedford VA?

Conceived by Roanoke native and D-Day veteran J. Robert “Bob” Slaughter, the memorial is located in Bedford partly for symbolic reasons: the Virginia town lost nineteen of its men engaged that day, all members of Company A, 29th Infantry Division, possibly the largest per capita loss of any town in America on that day.

Is Harry Billinge married?

Harry is survived by his wife Sheila, daughters Margot and Sally, son Christopher and grandchildren Amy and Claire.

Did Harry Billinge have children?

Harry Billinge is survived by his wife Sheila, daughters Sally and Margot, son Christopher and granddaughters Amy and Claire.