'Operation Overlord' -- more commonly known as D-Day -- was carried out by British, Canadian and U.S. Allied Forces, including some American troops from Central California.
"The second director of this museum -- he landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, fought his way through all five of the European campaigns. He was with General Patton for a short time," said Michael Harris, the current Director of the Legion of Valor Museum in downtown Fresno.
That man was Captain Arthur Hill of Fresno.
He served as Headquarters Company Commander and Battalion Motor Officer in the U.S. Army's 146 Engineer (C) Battalion.
The battalion's efforts ahead of D-Day consummated in the spearheading of the Omaha Beach landings.
Hill is among many World War II Veterans from the central valley.
Each troop carries different stories, from different theaters.
Through decades of volunteering at the Legion of Valor Museum, Hill helped ensure those stories would continue to be told.
He served as director there for 20 years and died in 2014 at 99 years old.
But those that knew him are now keeping his stories alive -- and they're hoping the community will continue to do for every veteran so for years to come.
"There's an old saying that a soldier never dies unless he's forgotten. So if you just remember that, then that will pay the tributes that they deserve," said Harris.
The Legion of Valor Museum is open every day except Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is free.