Tom Hanks Archives

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The landing on June 6, 1944, of Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy has been powerfully re-created in films over the ensuing decades. The massive assault that helped end the Nazi domination of Europe inspired a host of directors, screenwriters and actors.

Having previously covered the boots-on-the-ground perspective of the landing, Tom Hanks has signed on to both act in and executive-produce “No Better Place To Die” that covers the airborne perspective.

Written and directed by Marine Corps veteran Dale Dye, the film will follow a band of pre-D-Day airborne soldiers scattered across Normandy.

Although they were from different units, the troops melded together to form a single rifle company. Their mission, seizing and holding La Fière bridge against German reinforcements headed for Omaha and Utah beaches prevented a catastrophic failure. The fight over the bridge and nearby causeway contained some of the most intense small-unit combat of the invasion, as well as a rarely used method of reinforcement by U.S. forces: gliders.

Dye, a decorated Marine combat veteran and a three-time Purple Heart recipient who became an iconic Hollywood military adviser, will take his first turn in the director’s chair.

Dye has worked as a technical adviser on some of the biggest and most successful war films, including Saving Private Ryan with Hanks, as well as Band of Brothers and Platoon.

This is such an important and dramatic story that I’ve always wondered why no one has made a movie about it,” said Dye. “It’s a thrilling and inspiring look at how our American soldiers … can overcome long odds with guts and determination.”

Dye hopes to begin filming this summer. The planned release date in 2019, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

Military Connection salutes and proudly serves veterans and service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Guard and Reserve, and their families.

By Debbie Gregory.

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation hosted the 2015 Hidden Heroes Coalition Summit: Progress and Promise at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC. The event featured a special video-taped message from Tom Hanks, announcing his leadership of “Hidden Heroes.” This is a national awareness campaign to call attention to the service provided by loved ones caring for wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans.

These caregivers “live all across America, and in all of our communities,” Hanks said

First Lady Michelle Obama also pledged her support. While our nation has made great progress on behalf of military and veteran caregivers, more needs to be done to provide these “hidden heroes” with the support they need and deserve.

With Hanks’ leadership, the campaign will raise public awareness of the service, needs and value of caregivers who tend to these injured troops and veterans.

“They never had any real preparation for the job as caregiver, but they became so in an instant with little warning other than a phone call or email that changed their lives and defined the great challenges that had been thrust upon them,” Hanks said.

The awareness campaign was one of several announced initiatives that is looking to strengthen military and veteran caregivers, who often feel frustrated and overwhelmed with their multiple responsibilities.

“It’s truly inspiring to see America come together around the loved ones of our wounded, ill and injured warriors in the ways they need and deserve,” said Elizabeth Dole, whose namesake foundation launched the National Coalition for Military Caregivers a year ago.

The most powerful moments of the event came from the caregivers themselves. Nine of them spoke from the stage, sharing their personal stories. More than 60 others were in attendance, representing the 5.5 million loved ones caring for America’s wounded warriors.

“This is America’s new normal,” Dole said. “For too long, they’ve traveled this road alone.”

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