For Immediate Release: May 10, 2010

Senate Honors Oklahoma’s Oldest Survivor of D-Day Invasion

The oldest Oklahoma survivor of D-Day was honored by the State Senate on Monday. Virgil Van Dyck was 28 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Four years later, in 1944, he landed in the assault wave on D-Day in Normandy as a bazooka man on Utah Beach. Sen. Steve Russell, R-Oklahoma City, was principal author of the measure honoring the 97-year-old veteran. The resolution was co-authored by Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, and Sen. Earl Garrison, D-Muskogee. After unanimously approving the resolution, the full Senate gave Van Dyck a standing ovation.

Following the ceremony, Van Dyke said he’d like to be around for “maybe another 100 years.” As for the lessons of World War II, the veteran said the most important thing for today’s youth to remember is “freedom.”

Oklahoma City Republican Sen. Steve Russell, also a veteran, said he has become friends with Van Dyck over the years. Russell said that he was proud of Virgil’s service, and said he defines the word heroism.

“There is a bond between us. Virgil and I first met in 2004 at a reunion of our 22nd Infantry Regiment—he was a veteran of World War II and I served in that same regiment in Iraq,” Russell said. “I just feel blessed and fortunate to be able to call Virgil Van Dyck my friend and it is truly a privilege to be able to help honor his service here at the State Capitol. He risked his very life to protect our freedom and ensure our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy the rights he fought for.”

Van Dyck was born august 26, 1912 in Ramona, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940. In addition to being part the D-Day invasion, he fought in four campaigns across France, including Normandy, Northern France, Alsace-Lorraine, and Huertgen Forest, where he was severely wounded.

Van Dyck currently lives in Jolley’s district. The Edmond Senator noted the veteran had received multiple honors for his bravery.

“Staff Sergeant Van Dyck received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medial, American Campaign Medial and many other honors, including two awards of the Presidential Unit Citation,” Jolley said. “There is nothing we can possibly do to adequately thank him for his service, but recognizing Virgil in the Senate was our heartfelt expression of gratitude on behalf of all Oklahomans.”

Garrison, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, said he was honored to co-author legislation to bring attention to Van Dyck’s service.

“Our World War II veterans truly represent what has come to be known as ‘the greatest generation.’ When the future of the free world was at stake, they answered the call to service without hesitation, with courage and valor, facing dangers and losses most people can never fully grasp,” Garrison said. “From Oklahomans in every part of this state, we just want to express our thanks to Virgil and let him know his sacrifices and his bravery are not forgotten.”

For more information, contact:
Sen. Russell: (405) 521-5618