An interview with veteran Ignatius "Iggy" DeGenero

In 2024, Normandy Victory Museum We welcome Ignatius "Iggy" DeGenero, a World War II veteran, who has come to share his story at a conference. Aged 100, he has returned to Normandy with a personal goal: to find the places where he fought and pay tribute to his childhood friend and comrade-in-arms.

The journey of Ignatius “Iggy” DeGenero

"Iggy" landed on Omaha Beach as a replacement after June 6th. He belonged to E Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, and participated in the fighting on Hill 192, where he was captured. He spent the remainder of the war in several prisoner-of-war camps in Germany until his liberation by Allied forces in 1945. It was at this time that he learned of the disappearance of his friend Ottavio J. Cochi, killed on Hill 192 the day after his own capture.

A meaningful return

In 2024, its return to Normandy was made possible thanks to the commitment of Florent Plana, Jenny Post and a community mobilized around this project.