4-State Area honors D-Day veteran Jack Hamlin

Jack Hamlin was turned down for medical reasons when he first tried to join the Marines and Navy during the World War II.

On his third try, Hamlin, was accepted for the U. S. Coast Guard.

On June 6, 1944 – (D-Day), off the Normandy coast, he took part in rescuing 70 men.

In all, the Coast Guard rescued 1,500 military personnel during the invasion.

Today in Springfield, the 102-year-old Hamlin was honored by a large crowd for his part in the monumental battle that occurred exactly 80 years ago.

Hear Springfield Mayor Ken McClure talk about Hamlin’s life and military career.

The next day, Hamlin, shot down a German fighter plane.

Not long after that, he took part in rescuing personnel from the disabled U.S. Leopoldville.

Hamlin, a Springfield native, was an outstanding athlete. In the late 1930s, he played for the New York Yankees minor league team in Joplin.

After returning home, he played baseball, studied law and was elected to the Missouri Legislature.

Hamlin won the Bronze Star for his military service.

On 2014, he accepted the French Legion of Honor Award for heroism.