Bartow, Fla. — On this day: Today marks the 81st anniversary of the D-Day invasion, a turning point in World War II. Polk County’s own General James Alward Van Fleet led the 8th Infantry Regiment on Utah Beach, securing a crucial Allied victory. His bravery under fire on June 6, 1944, earned him a lasting legacy as a D-Day hero.
Raised in Bartow, Van Fleet graduated from West Point in 1915 and served in both World Wars and the Korean War. His leadership during the Normandy invasion, navigating intense combat, earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.
Van Fleet’s role was pivotal in establishing the Utah Beach foothold, aiding the liberation of Europe.
The Polk County History Center in Bartow honors Van Fleet with an exhibit featuring photos, documents, and artifacts. The display highlights his journey from a local boy to a decorated four-star general. West Van Fleet Drive in Bartow is named in his honor, a tribute to his heroism.
Note: Although he was born in New Jersey, General James Van Fleet spent a significant part of his life in Polk County.
