WHO?

Richard Todd (1919-2009)

Richard Todd was a British actor known for his roles in film and his contributions during World War II. He had a successful acting career, but before pursuing acting, Todd served in the British Army during the war.

During World War II, Todd was an officer in the British Army’s Parachute Regiment. He participated in the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as part of the operation to secure Pegasus Bridge. Todd was among the troops who landed behind enemy lines in Normandy and took part in the capture of this crucial objective.

His involvement in the war, particularly during the Normandy invasion, was a significant chapter in Todd’s life. After the war, he transitioned to acting and gained fame for his performances in films like “The Hasty Heart,” for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and “The Longest Day,” a film depicting the events of D-Day where Todd portrayed Major John Howard, the commander involved in capturing Pegasus Bridge.

Richard Todd’s experiences during World War II, including his participation in the Normandy invasion, and his subsequent successful acting career made him a respected figure both in the entertainment industry and among those who recognized his contributions during the war.