D-Day Veteran Awarded Citation

Wally Blum, a World War II Army veteran and long-time Great Neck resident, was recently awarded a New York State Assembly Citation, at a breakfast at the Great Neck Diner.

Blum received the award from Assemb. Michelle Schimel, who was joined at breakfast by Director of Constituent Services Sandy Portnoy and Intern Sarah Sigman.

Blum participated in the storming of the beach in Normandy, better known as D-Day. Blum said he boarded the “USS LST,” one of 3,000 ships mobilized that day. He recalled that after receiving a pep talk from General Eisenhower, he, along with 5,000 other men stormed the beach wearing 130 pounds of gear. Blum was wounded by 10 pieces of shrapnel in his knee but continued to serve the country.

A member of the Assembly’s Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, Schimel awarded Blum an Assembly citation in recognition of his service to the United States.

“Wally Blum’s story is truly inspirational. He is an integral part of our nation’s history. I am proud to have him as a constituent and very thankful for his service to our country,” Schimel said.

Photo: (Left to Right) Intern Sarah Sigman, Walter Blum, and Assemb. Michelle Schimel.