War Hero Lomell Remembered

One month ago, a local man known internationally for World War II bravery died of natural causes, but continues to be remembered in town and in the nation’s capitol.

Lomell was recently remembered on the floor of the House of Representatives, when Congressman Jon Runyan, R-3, spoke of Lomell’s courageous actions in the first hours of D-Day, according to a township announcement released this week.

Lomell, 91, was a highly decorated World War II veteran and Silver Star recipient. He served in the Second Ranger Battalion and led a platoon of U.S. Army Rangers as they climbed up the Pointe du Hoc cliffs in Normandy on June 6, 1944, managing to disable the German guns during the D-Day invasion, as he described in countless interviews with media, including Tom Brokaw. Brokaw wrote of Lomell in his book “the Greatest Generation.”

In Runyan’s speech on House Floor, he acknowledged Lomell’s actions and bravery in Normandy.

“Bud’s service was crucial to the success of D-Day and left an impressive imprint on our nation’s history, as he was documented in two best-selling books” Runyan said. He added that Lomell is “leaving his family and our country with a proud legacy of honor and service.”

Charlotte Lomell, widow of Bud, later met with Runyan in the Lomell home in Toms River, to receive the flag that flew over the Capital on the day that Bud passed away, and a transcript and video recording of Runyan’s record of his comments on the floor of the House of Representatives honoring Bud.

Runyan said of Lomell: “He was one of the greatest heroes. It was my pleasure to come out and honor him, and recognize the freedoms that we have today. He’s given so much to our country.”