World War II Veteran Takes a Look Back at D-Day

World War II veteran John McMullen flew in 32 missions during the war, but one stands out in his memories. 

McMullen said he went to bed on June 5, 1944, not knowing what the next day would bring. 

"At midnight, I was sound asleep in the Quonset hut," McMullen said. "Then, all of a sudden, the orderly comes in and says, 'It's time to get up!'"

McMullen remembers putting on his uniform, eating breakfast at around 2 a.m. and then sitting in the briefing room where he was given orders for the mission. He said he was then told to stand near his plane with fellow troops.

"We weren't sure when we were supposed to take off," he said. "[But] in the meantime, overhead, there were airplanes flying all over the place, over our base, so we knew something big was happening."

McMullen said his plane arrived in Normandy, France, around 11 a.m. He remembers seeing troops on the ground and planes everywhere. He said the plane he was on circled the area for about seven hours before eventually returning to base. 

The 91-year-old, who was 22 on D-Day, said he doesn't have any traditions to commemorate the day, but said he has kept in touch with other veterans who also served during WWII.