SPECIAL CONTENT
D-Day 80th Anniversary & Major Richard A. Grout
The following pieces honor the service of Major Richard A. Grout, 112th Engineer Combat Battalion, U.S. Army National Guard and those who served on D-Day and the Battle of The Bulge.
In January 2024, Major Richard A. Grout was awarded the French Legion of Honor, France's highest civilian distinction, in recognition of his courageous, impactful service to the people of France, on behalf of the United States on D-Day and beyond, in 1944. The recording of the January 2024 award ceremony is available below (closed captions are recommended).
The subsequent excerpt features a speech by Jim Bensley, Director of International Services and Service Learning at Northwestern Michigan College, illustrating how a visit with Dick Grout "made history real" for a group of NMC students.
Additional content below helps tell the story of Major Richard "Dick" Grout's service to our country. The video "From D-Day to The Founding of the U.N." was produced and curated by Karen Puschel Segal, former U.S. diplomat and former co-chair of the International Affairs Forum.
This content was produced by the International Affairs Forum with the support of Karen Pushel Segal, Chuck and Susan Cady, the Consulate General of France in Chicago, and Northwestern Michigan College.
Consider "From D-Day to the Founding of the U.N.", originally released in December 2020. Hear directly from two members of our Greatest Generation, Dick Grout and Isabel Kulski, who were personally involved in military and diplomatic efforts 80 years ago.
Articles on D-Day / WWII featuring Richard "Dick" Grout
Remembering the Battle of The Bulge, 75 Years on
by Jordan Travis, Traverse City Record-Eagle, Dec. 16, 2019
by Sarah Elms, Traverse City Record-Eagle, June 6, 2014 updated August 19, 2014
Veteran Recounts The Chaos of D-Day
Traverse City Record-Eagle, June 6, 2004
Comments for Richard "Dick" Grout
Click here to contact us. We'll add your comments.
Thank you for what you did 80 some years ago, Dick...and for everything you’ve done since! Your contributions to our country at large and to the International Affairs Forum locally are truly appreciated.
-- T. Michael and Joanie Jackson
Dick, you are always a genuine inspiration to all of us, for so many reasons. On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, your presence in our community amplifies the enormous importance, and sadness, of that day. Saying thanks for what you and your fellow men in uniform accomplished that day seems so inadequate. It is, however, said with heartfelt gratitude.
-- Ken Warner, IAF Advisory Board
Mr. Grout, I was at the Memorial Day Celebration at the Little Finger VFW, and was surprised and humbled that you were in attendance. Hearing that you were on Omaha Beach on D-Day put me in mind of my dad, as he was also on that beach that day.
My dad, Richard Miceli , was in the 1st Division,16th Infantry, Company G. He was drafted into the Army right out of high school in June 1943. He was wounded in June and was hospitalized with a life threatening injury. He was honorably discharged home in September 1945. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star for valor, and he also received the Purple Heart.
I wish to extend a heartfelt Thank you to you, and to all Veterans.
-- Casey (Miceli) Johnson and Tobin Johnson
Dick, thank you for your service. Thank you for your friendship. It is truly an honor knowing you. Best regards,
-- Debbie Smith & Randy McClure
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The following organizations help expand the reach and strength
of IAF programs and services in our community.
Interested in partnering?
Contact us here.
MEDIA PARTNERS
MEMBER AFFILIATE
