Henry Parham is one of the last surviving African-American D-Day combat veterans. Mr. Parham, who was 21 when he was enlisted in the military, served in the 320th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Balloon Barrage Battalion, an all Black unit trained for the Invasion of Normandy, France, to aid in the Allied liberation of Europe. His unit, the only Black combat unit to take part in the D-Day invasion, was responsible for protecting Omaha Beach, one of five landing areas during the invasion, and the American aircraft responsible for bringing reinforcements and supplies to the troops.  They also employed barrage balloons against enemy aircraft. His five-man unit flew from dust until dawn and stayed on the beach for 68 days.  
 
Thank you to Mr. Parham and all who served.

Mr. Parham, who is now 97 years old, and his wife, Ethel, are CCEEP parishioners.

Click here for interview on CNN.

Click here for Atlanta Daily World interview.