Arnold Raymond “Ray” Lambert Sr. was born on November 26, 1920, in Clanton, Chilton County, Alabama. He was the son of William Ervin Lambert and Bessie Jane Ellison Lambert. He was married to Joe Estelle Saunders Lambert. He served as a Staff Sergeant and combat medic with the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during World War II, taking part in the D-Day landings on Omaha Beach in France. He also participated in the campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and Normandy.

On June 6, 1944, Lambert landed in the first assault wave at Omaha Beach, where he repeatedly braved enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers, sustaining a broken back, shrapnel wounds, and a gunshot injury. His courage saved at least 15 men, earning him two Silver Stars and three Purple Hearts.

After the war, he became a successful businessman and, for decades, remained quiet about his experiences until later in life, when he chose to share them publicly to honor fallen comrades. His memoir, Every Man a Hero (2019), recounts his wartime service and reflections. Lambert passed away at age 100 on April 9, 2021, at his home in Seven Lakes, North Carolina. In accordance with his wishes, part of his ashes were buried at Arlington National Cemetery, and part were scattered on Omaha Beach near “Ray’s Rock.”

Silver Star Citation:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Arnold R. Lambert (ASN: ;7006617), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the Medical Detachment, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Mateur, Tunisia, on 28 April 1943. Although subjected to heavy enemy artillery, mortar and machinegun fire, Sergeant Lambert evacuated many casualties from a forward battalion aid station to an area where further medical treatment could be rendered. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, valor.militarytimes.com