‘It was awful’: Last living Black WWII veteran shares stories of Normandy landings

Oakland County corporal to turn 100 this year

WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – It was just after midnight on June 6, 80 years ago today, when American and allied troops launched the largest seaborne invasion in history.

“D-Day” led to the liberation of France and marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

As much of the world marks a milestone anniversary of this unique historical moment, Local 4 spoke with an Oakland County resident who took part in the Normandy landings.

Corporal William Micou was there on D-Day in 1944 and told us about his experience.

As much of the world marks a milestone anniversary of this unique historical moment, Local 4 spoke with a Wayne County resident who took part in the Normandy landings. (Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

The World War II veteran said he was storming the shores of Normandy 80 years ago.

“It was awful,” said Micou.

Micou is the last living African American veteran who fought for our country back in World War II and recalls just how bad D-Day was eight decades ago as a Black man.

“Things were terrible back at that time,” Micou said. “It was just like back in the ‘40s. It was just like you were segregated.”

As much of the world marks a milestone anniversary of this unique historical moment, Local 4 spoke with a Wayne County resident who took part in the Normandy landings. (Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

Micou spends his days at American House Assisted Living in Farmington Hills.

But the Inkster native remembers when he was overseas fighting to ensure America’s victory when the world went to war for a second time.

His daughter-in-law, Renee Micou, spoke about the stories she’s heard over the years.

“He was a part of the Red Ball Express that arrived on Normandy beach the night of, and he basically had to sit in a ditch with all of the remnants of war running into that ditch until the following morning when someone could come and help pull them out,” said Renee.

As much of the world marks a milestone anniversary of this unique historical moment, Local 4 spoke with a Wayne County resident who took part in the Normandy landings. (Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

His hometown city of Inkster often commemorates his life in many ways, including an award acknowledging him as an Inkster Black history icon.

“He is Inkster’s hero when it comes to WWII,” Renee said. “We’re very proud for him as a family for him having served in the war for doing all the things he did to make sure that our country is where it is today.”

Micou will be turning 100 years old in just two months.

As much of the world marks a milestone anniversary of this unique historical moment, Local 4 spoke with a Wayne County resident who took part in the Normandy landings. (Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.)

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