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From the Archives: East Texas veterans who served on D-Day

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From the Archives: East Texas veterans who served on D-Day


EAST TEXAS (KLTV) – As the world pauses to reflect on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy that changed the course of World War II, the passage of time highlights another somber reality. The personal stories of those who served during this turning point in the war will soon fade into history.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, fewer than 119 thousand of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are still living. In fact, these statistics show 131 WWII veterans die with each passing day. The National World War II Museum’s information shows 5,842 of the remaining WWII survivors are from Texas.

Even fewer are the number of living veterans whose service had a direct connection to the landings at Normandy France in June 1944. This includes the soldiers who landed on Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches, as well as the those involved in the air bombardment, paratrooper drops, and those serving aboard ships positions along the coastline.

Of the 140 thousand American service members involved, the National D-Day Memorial in Virginia estimates about a thousand are still living. The youngest, who were in their teens in 1944, would now be approaching 100.

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Over the course of journalist Joan Hallmark’s 44 years at KLTV, one of her lasting contributions was documenting the stories of countless veterans, many of whom served in World War II.(Source: KLTV staff)

The stories of many East Texas veterans who served at Normandy were documented through KLTV’s long-running ‘Freedom Fighters’ series, reported by journalist Joan Hallmark, who retired in 2018.

These first-hand accounts preserve vivid details about their combat service and perspectives.

The following videos from the KLTV archives are a selection of nearly two dozen East Texas veterans who served during the D-Day invasion.

Gordon Barker | Hideaway, TX

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Gordon Barker was one of only a handful of servicemen to be at both D-Day and the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. Original airdate: July 19, 2013.
Gordon Barker was still a teenager when he witnessed some of the most important events in our nation’s history. Original airdate: July 26, 2013.
Royce Peacock | Troup, TX

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From the time Royce Peacock landed on Normandy Beach the week after D-Day, he was battling the enemy. Original airdate: March 19, 2010.
Ron Ruff | Pittsburg, TX

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War was erupting around the world when Ron Ruff joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940. Original airdate: September 8, 2014.
Bill Spurgeon | Carthage, TX

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Bill Spurgeon arrived in Normandy on D-Day and went on to fight in the biggest battle of the war, the “Battle of the Bulge.” Original airdate: June 4, 2010.
Jesse Casady | Tyler, TX

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During his 95 years of life, Jesse Casady made history for our country in both war and in peace. Original airdate: February 13, 2015.
Bill Prindible | Hideaway, TX

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Although Bill Prindible trained as a fighter pilot, his role in WWII was changed to transport aircraft for the big invasion. Original airdate: October 9, 2009.
Bud Taylor | Tyler, TX

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Bud Taylor went on the fight in the Pacific and to bombard the French coast on D-Day. Original airdate: December 7, 2012.
Chuck Bice | Tyler, TX

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As a member of the 300th Combat Engineers, Chuck Bice helped build both the first and last bridges of WWII. Original airdate: June 6, 2014.
Charles Monroe | Athens, TX

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Charles Monroe was 18 when he arrived in France on June 13, D-Day 7 of the Normandy Invasion. Original airdate: January 16, 2015.
Ted Heller | Bullard, TX

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Ted Heller became part of history on June 6th of 1944 as he piloted a group of paratroopers into France. Original airdate: June 11, 2010.
John Jennings | Mount Pleasant, TX

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John Jennings was a gunner on an LCI landing craft delivering troops to Omaha Beach in the Normandy invasion. Original airdate: January 2, 2015.
Bud Williams | Garrison, TX

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Bud Williams was one of five brothers to fight in World War Two. Original airdate: June 3, 2011.
Bud Taylor, James Barrett, and Bud Williams

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Bud Taylor, James Barrett, and Bud Williams served on the French coast during the D-Day invasion. Original airdate: June 1, 2012.
Jack Reynolds | Henderson County, TX

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Jack Reynolds arrived on Normandy’s Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, “D-Day.” Original airdate: March 7, 2014.
Jack Jackson | Tyler, TX

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Jack Jackson was barely out of his teens when he became one of the first pilots to fly into enemy territory on D-Day. Original airdate: November 21, 2014.
James D’Zelle | Hawkins, TX

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James D’Zelle arrived on the Normandy coast on D-Day plus 2 of 1944. Original airdate: September 17, 2010.
Homer Garrett | Tyler, TX

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Homer Garrett served during D-Day in World War II. His LST hit a mine just before landing at Utah Beach in June of 1944. Original airdate: May 30, 2014.
John Flowers | Smith County, TX

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John Flowers was a gunners mate aboard the USS Rockaway, on June 6,1944, “D-Day”. Original airdate: May 16, 2014.



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See how Texas medical schools rank among the world’s best for 2026

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See how Texas medical schools rank among the world’s best for 2026


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When it comes to training the doctors and researchers who will staff hospitals, Texas holds its own on the world stage. 

Several Texas health and medical institutions landed on U.S. News and World Report’s 2026-27 Best Global Universities list, with three cracking the global top 500 — led by UT Southwestern Medical Center at No. 113.

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The list considered 13 indicators and weights to measure global research performance and reputation, ranking the world’s 2,250 top universities.

Here’s a look at how some major public and private health care and medical universities in Texas fared on the list.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Global Ranking: No. 113.

Location: Dallas, Texas.

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Type: Public university.

Baylor College of Medicine

Global Ranking: No. 144.

Location: Houston, Texas.

Type: Private university.

University of Texas Health Science Center — Houston

Global Ranking: No. 324.

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Location: Houston, Texas.

Type: Public university.

University of Texas Medical Branch — Galveston

Global Ranking: No. 599.

Location: Galveston, Texas.

Type: Public university.

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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Global Ranking: No. 1,871.

Location: Lubbock, Texas.

Type: Public university.

Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.

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Fans erupt as U.S. wins in World Cup and North Texas builds buzz

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Fans erupt as U.S. wins in World Cup and North Texas builds buzz


Watch parties erupted nationwide after today’s win, including a packed crowd at Texas Live celebrating the team’s move to the knockout stage. North Texas is already buzzing ahead of World Cup matches returning Monday, with fans gathering in Sundance Square to watch a key Group D matchup that could help decide whether the United States wins the group. The U.S. leads with six points after a 2–0 victory earned without its star forward.



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New screwworm portal aims to protect Texas livestock, wildlife and rural economy

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New screwworm portal aims to protect Texas livestock, wildlife and rural economy


AUSTIN – Texas officials are rolling out a new online hub aimed at helping residents spot and report the New World screwworm, a pest Gov. Greg Abbott says threatens livestock, wildlife, and the state’s rural economy.

Abbott announced the launch of screwworm.texas.gov, an enhanced website housed in the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s Disaster Portal that he described as a “one-stop shop” for information and resources tied to the state’s response.

The New World screwworm poses a direct threat to Texas livestock, wildlife, and our rural economy,” Abbott said. “This new website puts essential tools in the hands of our producers, veterinarians, and families. Screwworm.texas.gov delivers the facts, maps, identification methods, and certification resources Texans need to detect problems early and report cases without delay. Now every Texan has the information to act. Texas will protect our land, our animals, and our way of life from this pest.

According to the governor’s office, the site is designed to provide “actionable and reliable multimedia information” about the New World screwworm, including fact sheets, videos, and educational materials.

The portal includes background information, guidance on how to spot the pest, sample collection procedures, Texas Animal Health Commission New World screwworm zone maps, the U.S. Department of Agriculture case dashboard, links to best practices for livestock and wildlife, and details on registering for a new no-cost New World screwworm Certified Inspector Training.

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The governor’s office said state and federal partners are working together to detect, control and contain the spread, and that expanding public outreach and providing clear information is a key part of reducing risk.

Abbott’s office also highlighted actions taken by the governor in response to the pest, including:

  • Directing the creation of a joint Texas New World screwworm Response Team
  • Joining USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to announce a $750 million investment in a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg
  • Issuing a statewide disaster declaration ahead of the first detection
  • Deploying state resources and activating the State Emergency Operations Center after the first confirmed Texas cases
  • Visiting the Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory in Kerrville for a briefing
  • Launching a free online training course to certify more inspectors
  • Announcing federal funding to strengthen inspection capacity.

Texans are urged to inspect livestock and pets for wounds and report suspected cases immediately, including in wildlife.

For livestock and pets, suspected cases should be reported to the Texas Animal Health Commission’s 24-hour veterinarian call line at 1-800-550-8242.

For wildlife, reports should be made to Texas Parks and Wildlife’s 24-hour biologists’ call line at 512-389-4505. Officials also warn people not to move affected animals.

More information and updates are available at screwworm.texas.gov and screwworm.gov.

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