Leslie Cruise, a World War II veteran, salutes the grave of Pvt. Richard Vargas while Army Sgt. Jeannette Mason, 5th Quartermaster Theater Aerial Delivery Company parachute rigger, plays taps during a wreath laying ceremony at Lorraine American National Cemetery and Memorial, St. Avold, France on June 2, 2014. Seventy years ago on June 7, 1944 Pvt. Richard Vargas saved Cruise’s life during the invasion of Normandy. Cruise went to France several times prior to this visit looking for his friend’s grave in order to say thank you. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hailey Haux) |