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Jim Norene, a WWII veteran in Normandy, Obama's guest, dies

by Amy Judd | June 6, 2009 at 10:34 am

2708 views | 42 Recommendations | 9 comments

Jim Norene, one of President Obama's honoured guests at the 65th anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy died last night in his sleep, one day before appearing with the President to honour his fallen soldiers and help others remember the sacrifice they made.

"Last night, after visiting this cemetery for one last time, he passed away in his sleep," Obama told a solemn crowd of vets stretching farther than most eyes can see. "Jim was gravely ill when he left his home, and he knew that he might not return. But just as he did sixty-five years ago, he came anyway. May he now rest in peace with the boys he once bled with, and may his family always find solace in the heroism he showed here."

Mr. Norene was a member of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne.

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A. Tran

at 10:40 on June 6th, 2009

I'm saddened to have read about Mr. Norene's passing, but apparently, he was also with his friends and family.

A. Tran

at 11:36 on June 6th, 2009

This is an excerpt from the New York Times:

And he told the story of Jim Norene, a member of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, who traveled here from Heppner, Ore., for the 65th anniversary. He was ill but came anyway, Mr. Obama said, and Mr. Norene died in his sleep on Friday evening after visiting Omaha Beach one last time.

“That is the story of Normandy, but also the story of America,” said Mr. Obama, who was making his first visit to Normandy on Saturday.

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 15:04 on June 6th, 2009

Sad for sure. God Bless him.

J. Cain (not verified)

at 08:04 on June 7th, 2009

"while accompanying the President of the United States as his special guest."

The President is the special guest. Jim Norene and his fellow soldiers are the central figures in this event. It was their efforts, through fear, pain, and blood, that made it possible for all of the celebrity guests to stand on that ground.

Karen Hatter

at 08:19 on June 7th, 2009

(Not verified), the quote you have used from my comment above reflects the manner in which the author of this post referred to Mr. Norene's presence at the ceremonies.

Karl B (not verified)

at 14:31 on June 7th, 2009

Jim Norene, a 502nd veteran with the 101st Division was found dead in his bed. Jim was traveling alone and as we later found out, he was suffering from stage 4 cancer and was pretty ill. Another couple on our bus had dinner with him last night and Jim and told them that he had even told others at home before he left that he may not come back since he was so ill. In fact, I had him sign the Airborne Book that I bought only yesterday afternoon. And now he was gone. Sad, very sad but in a way a fitting tribute to a man who 65 years ago jumped in to liberate Europe and returned, which we understand was something he really wanted to do, only to pass away where many of his buddies did. Be sure to check out the full post here - http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rustyd/1/1244235771.html

Here's the full travel log of RUSTY http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/rustyd/1/tpod.html He's with about 40 WWII vets over there for the D-Day Anniversary - he has some really neat stories from a few vets that are worth the read and some cool pictures...

robert smith (not verified)

at 22:25 on June 11th, 2009

he came full circle. A fitting and proper way for hero to pass on. I woud think and hope that he can he can be laid to rest with his comrades at the cemetary there in normandy.

Rusty Dicks (not verified)

at 05:54 on June 12th, 2009

I am the gentlemen with the travel blog and was with Jim in the last days of his life. Just to clarify a few things that are on the internet....Jim did not make it to the cemetery before his death as mentioned in the President's speech. He died the night before the ceremony at the National Cemetery at Omaha. We were able to attend the ceremony on June 6th and even though the story was a little skewed it was a fitting tribute to Jim to be mentioned in the President's speech.

ian watson (not verified)

at 03:36 on June 15th, 2009

Saddened to hear of Jims passing in France.

He became a friend of my family and I was honoured to meet him and his wife in the past. We met first in Aldbourne England, a billet for the 101st during WW2.

My parents we due to meet Jim again after the D Day comemorations but went to the venue to dicover Jim was not there.

I have viewed the Presidents tribute and was extremely touched by his words.