OMAHA BEACH
Charlie cold at Omaha beach. He originally came in on a landing craft and spent 48 hours
waiting to land due to 8-10 ft waves. With him is his grandaughter Erin Pate fulfilling a goal of
walking on Omaha Beach with her Papaw. (Charlie first landed on Omaha Beach in September
of 1944, three months after D-day.
The ground above the cliffs is still “mogul-like” due to the artillery and grenades from 1944.
Just mention the name Charlie Brakebill,
and instantly it is connected with service, a
life spent serving family, friends, community,
state and country. He continues to make an
unforgettable impact, if you want to know
about that, just ask him, because he hasn’t
forgotten anything, anyone or any time of his
remarkable life. It is an honor to know him,
talk to him share a laugh, but most of all, it
is a priceless treasure to salute this Veteran,
who continues to serve!
The Brakebills with Tennessee Ernie Ford.
Brandenburg gate in Berlin
While repairing a roof of a bombed-out building in Rennes, Charlie Brakebill (at upper left in
hat) and a crew of engineers saw a family struggling to get a piano into a 2nd floor apartment.
They climbed down and moved the piano for the Guillard family, and Charlie met the daughter,
Anthelmette Gullard.
32 McMINN LIFE HOLIDAY/WINTER 2020