MADISON – Harold McMurran entered the U.S. Army in May 1943 to serve during World War II. At the time, the teenager from Walker County didn’t realize he would experience and survive one of the world most compelling battles — D-Day.

McMurran reported to Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Miss. to complete Basic Training with the 519th Ordnance in 1943. He later served with the 546th Ordnance and learned how to repair heavy equipment that would suffer damage during battle.

By early 1944, McMurran was in Europe and training for project “Overlord.” That real-world training continued at Plymouth, England.

Landing in France, McMurran survived the intense gunfire of three days of battle during one of World War II’s most vicious attacks. Today, that date — June 6, 1944 — is known as ‘D-Day.’

During his service, McMurran earned two Battle Star Medals — the Invasion of Normandy Medal and the Battle of the Bulge Medal.

He has lived in Madison County since March 1955. McMurran pursued contract work with the missile program at Redstone Arsenal. He eventually became President of Southeastern Aircraft Rebuilders Inc.

McMurran attended the University of Alabama. He is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, 8th Air Force Historical Society and Forever Young Senior Veterans organizations.

His wife Ruth is a homemaker. Much of his time currently is devoted to “taking care of my sick wife,” he said.