Vet finds 'home' for memorabilia in Toms River

A Toms River veteran is overjoyed Friday after the town asked if he wanted to share some of his World War II memorabilia. "I'm elated. I'm very pleased," says WWII veteran Leonard "Bud" Lomell. When

News 12 Staff

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Jun 7, 2008, 1:50 AM

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Updated 5,983 days ago

A Toms River veteran is overjoyed Friday after the town asked if he wanted to share some of his World War II memorabilia.

"I'm elated. I'm very pleased," says WWII veteran Leonard "Bud" Lomell.

When Toms River approached Lomell about sharing some of his WWII pictures, plaques and proclamations, the former Army Ranger graciously agreed.

Lomell is ecstatic that his wartime memories will reach generations to come.

"I'm not getting any younger - 88 going on 89 - gotta find a home for 'em," he says.

Lomell is best known for his actions during the first hours of D-Day in France's Normandy region 64 years ago.

The young soldier and his fellow rangers climbed a giant cliff at Pointe du Hoc and destroyed German guns. So why donate the memorabilia instead of giving it to his children?

"I have all daughters and I'm a combat man," he says. "I have found that girls and particularly daughters are not interested in my kind of combat."

Combat so heroic that Lomell received the Distinguished Service Cross and the Silver Star. He also was given the Purple Heart for being injured three times.

By sharing his memorabilia with the public now he hopes to reach more people.

"I'll do anything and everything I can to prevent people from ever forgetting what the guys and girls of WWII did for our country and the world," he says.

For Leonard "Bud" Lomell?s interview, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.