Ode to Omaha

The Krauts relax their guard

The weather is their friend

Europe is firmly in their grasp

But their hunger is not yet fed

Where will it end, Where will it end?

The moon is full to light the night sky

A brief respite in weather’s onslaught

We must go now to have the moon and tide

Thousands of us wait in anxious woe

How bad will it be, how bad will it be?

And then the final word is given

Our task looms at hand

We will storm the beaches with all our might

The Krauts turn in shock

How many will die, How many will die?

The rough wind-driven ocean waves

Toss about our little crafts

The Germans sense our presence now

They prepare; ready to shoot

Who will fall, who will fall?

The doors fall down and out we go

Into the ocean surf

The cold water is deep and steeped in lead

Blood runs free, the waters are red

Can the beach be far, can it be so far?

Comrades fall from bloody wounds

And drown underweight in beating surf

Still we come to take back this land

More blood; more death

When can we rest, when can we rest?

The beach is won; the struggle ensues

Comrades are upon the sand

Comrades float lifelessly in the surf

Man has killed each other

What is it worth, what is it worth?

Death did land upon Omaha

In the land of Normandy

Death was the price of this land

Death in the water; death in the sand

What glory is death, what glory?

For all eternity we here remain

Here we took our stand

Bravery was our namesake

Courage was ours to keep

We asked nothing from those we saved

Except remember me, remember me.