Article and photos submitted by retired Col. John R. O'Shea, U.S. Army

Retired Col. John R. O'Shea, U.S. Army (above) leads a memorial service at the "Ever Forward" statue at Omaha Beach, a tribute to the men of the 29th Division who stormed the beaches in the first wave of Operation Overlord, 81 years ago. "I was privileged to participate as a military expert for Smithsonian Journeys during a 7-day tour in the Normandy Region of France," he said.

ROA National Councilman and New Hampshire Department President, retired Col. John O’Shea, U.S. Army, participated as a military expert for Smithsonian Journeys earlier this year, during a seven-day tour in the Normandy region of France focused on Operation Overlord.

Along with local experts, he led tours of Omaha and Utah Beaches, the artificial harbor at Arromanches, the cratered cliffs at Pointe du Hoc, the Caen Memorial Museum, and the Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer.  

On a return through Paris, O’Shea had an opportunity to visit Musée de la Légion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie, dedicated to the history of French and foreign orders and decorations. 

While there he found a portrait of General of the Armies John J. "Black Jack" Pershing, and the many awards Pershing received including the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor. The museum showcases the history of the Legion of Honor, the highest French order of merit, as well as other chivalric orders from France and around the world. 

O’Shea first joined ROA in 1972 and since then has contributed as a volunteer within his chapter and department ultimately being elected President of the Department of New Hampshire at the age of 34 and as a member of the National Council two years later.

At that time, he continued to support the goals of the association while serving as an “AGR” (active guard and reserve member) and, on retirement from active duty, was appointed the Director of Defense Education and Public Affairs on the ROA staff.  As recognition for his five years of service, Maj. Gen. Robert McIntosh, then executive director, presented him with the “Twice the Citizen” award.

He continues supporting the goals of ROA as National Councilman and Commander of the Department of New Hampshire.  Most significantly, he was solely responsible for the procurement and replacement of a bronze plaque marking the first office of the Reserve Officers Association on the White House campus.

The plaque rests in front of Blair House, the President’s guest house where all visiting Heads of State reside during their visit to the Oval Office.  This achievement was the culmination of a three-year effort by O’Shea coordinating with the White House Historical Foundation, the GSA, and the Executive Office of the President.

O’Shea retired after 41 years of military and government service. In addition to the ROA, he is an active member of the OCS Alumni Association where he is on the Board of Directors and Commander of the D.C. Chapter.  

Photo above was taken at the American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France where over 9,000 rest in honor. ROA National Councilman and New Hampshire Department President, retired Col. John O’Shea, U.S. Army Reserve, led a memorial service at the "Ever Forward" statue at Omaha Beach, a tribute to the 19 National Guardsmen from Bedford, Virginia who were killed while storming the beaches of Normandy during the first wave of D-Day on June 6, 1944.