Photo

Photo detail

American Legion Post 24 Commander Bill McNamara, right, presents the keys to Gadsby’s Tavern to Mayor Charles Beatley on Aug. 11, 1972.

Stories this photo appears in:

Tease photo

Alexandria: WWII Veteran Dies at 95

Bill McNamara survived Normandy invasion.

At 15 years old, Bill McNamara was determined to join the U.S. Cavalry. But when he walked into the local armory one Friday night, he was told he was too young. Not to be dissuaded, he walked around the block, stepped back inside and this time gave his age as 18 to the recruiter. The year was 1936 and McNamara had joined what would become America’s Greatest Generation, one of thousands who left for battlefields half a world away never knowing if they would ever see home again.

Comments

Sign in to comment