103-year-old World War II veteran shares memories of storming the beaches of Normandy in 1944

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHAM) – On Veterans Day, the men and women who have fought for the country are honored, including a 103-year-old World War II veteran who remembers storming the beaches of Normandy decades ago.

Jim Ingutti spent his holiday reflecting on his time in the Navy during the Second World War and remembering the orders received from the president at the time.

"They don't realize what veterans go through, and I'm sure they enjoy what they did," Ingutti said.

Thousands of service members who fought next to Ingutti died on the beaches of Normandy during Operation D-Day on June 6, 1944.

"We made the invasion of Normandy, we were supposed to go in there on the 5th, the water was so rough so we had to wait," Ingutti said. "Eisenhower was the president, he said, 'Don't strike a match of light any lights or they'll see us and everyone will get killed.'"

Ingutti described the event as a "hell of a battle" and he's grateful for the honor veterans see now.

"These poor veterans deserve everything. They're getting, you know, it was a tough battle, and nobody knows how bad it was to go through a war," he said.

After serving his country, Ingutti worked for Graflex Camera Company in Rochester, New York for 44 years before retiring.

Because a woman was out sick for a month, he then took what he thought would be a temporary role as a teacher's aide at Irondequoit High School.

"I've been here 31 years. That lady is not coming back," Ingutti said. "So I finished my years there. I worked until I was 98 years old, so I enjoyed it."

The Navy veteran was part of Honor Flight's 21st mission in 2012.

He has also been a sports fan all his life. Aside from watching and playing them, he also acted as a referee for 51 years until the age of 87.

He said he is also thankful he was able to get married and raise a family of five children.

"I'm lucky in some way, but I'm glad I'm still enjoying my family and having a good life," Ingutti said.

Ingutti served in the Navy for two years, until the end of the war.