My wife's paternal grandfather was at Normandy (not during the initial invasion), but was on a boat that struck a mine. Supposedly just moments before that, he had been in the area of the boat where many men ended up being killed by the explosion. He went on to become a dentist after the war and had four children and 9 (I think) grandchildren.

My wife's great uncle on her mother's side of the family was killed in the Pacific (I believe). He was a VT student and member of the Corps of Cadets, and his name is inscribed on the Pylons. He is buried somewhere in the Pacific - I can't remember exactly where but it was not until recently that someone located the grave and notified his sister (my wife's grandmother).

My paternal grandfather enlisted with the Army and was sent to the Pacific late in the war. He never saw combat action, but was in Japan during the U.S. occupation there. He later went to VPI using the G.I. bill and was in the corps of cadets. He graduated in 1950 (I think) with a degree in chemical engineering and went on to work for DuPont in Richmond, retiring in the mid-80s. He was a major influence in my life and (along with his wife) played a major role in most of my fondest memories.

I believe that generation truly was remarkable.
Both of my Dad's parents have passed in the past 10 years, and I miss them so much. My generation and those following can learn a lot from those brave and determined folks if we will slow down long enough to truly read about their sacrifices and accomplishments.