Four WWII veterans with the author, Andrew Biggio

June 3, 2022 at the Normandy Victory Museum

In June 2022, Andrew Biggio, author of “The Rifle”, had the pleasure of returning to the Normandy Victory Museum accompanied by four veterans. On this occasion, a Purple Heart was presented to one of them by a representative of the US Army.

Andrew Biggio

Ex-Marine, veteran of Afghanistan, Andrew Biggio has produced a formidable collection of testimonies from veterans. For several years, he met these fighters from 39-45 with a red thread, a rifle that he had each of them sign in exchange for a testimony.

It is a work and a moving approach, where “The Rifle” becomes a transmitter of memory.

It is in the same spirit of generosity, exchanges and tribute that he comes accompanied by these four veterans.

Bob Weber

10th Armored Division

Served in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe.

Marvin Gilmore

458 AAA Battalion

Served in Normandy, northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland.

Robert Heurgue

82nd Airborne

Served in Normandy, Ardennes, Rhineland and Holland.

John Althuizen

7th Armored Division

Served in Holland, the Ardennes and Rhineland.

Purple Heart awarded to John Althuizen

To mark the occasion, US Army personnel were on hand to present John Althuizen with two Purple Hearts.

Indeed, this Dutch fighter, who enlisted in the 7th Armored Division, was never properly rewarded, and on June 3, 2022, after 78 years, the U.S. Army honored him before a grateful nation.

… upcoming events

Exhibition: “Jean Gabin, la guerre c’est pas du cinéma

[ Apr. 23 to May 20, 2024 ] The exhibition is extended!!! Discover the commitment of legendary actor Jean Gabin during the Second World War. An exhibition presented in partnership with the Musée Jean Gabin and the Musée des blindés de Saumur.

D-DAY 80 – 80th anniversary of Normandy Landing

[ May 31 – June 9, 2024 ] An exceptional D-Day anniversary will take place in 2024. The whole of Normandy is mobilized to pay international tribute to those who reopened the gates of freedom in Europe. The Normandy Victory Museum is preparing a rich program for visitors. It will soon be online. Sign up to receive it.

COBRA 44 – Commemorative Festival – 2024 Edition

[ 20 – 21 July 2024 ] For two days and for the fourth edition of the COBRA 44 festival, the Normandy Victory Museum commemorates the end of the Battle of the Hedges and becomes an open-air museum. The program will be online soon. Sign up to receive it.