102-year-old D-Day veteran tells Nigel Farage war in Ukraine ‘is a repeat of 1939’

102-year-old D-Day veteran tells Nigel Farage war in Ukraine ‘is a repeat of 1939’
melnikoff 1939 line
George McMillan

By George McMillan


Published: 14/06/2022

- 20:52

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:01

A 102-year-old D-Day veteran has told Nigel Farage how he believes the war in Ukraine "is a repeat of 1939"

Steve Melnikoff took part in the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War 2, landing on Omaha Beach on his first day of combat aged just 24.

He has been awarded four Bronze Star Medals and two Purple Hearts for his service to the military.


He shared how he felt landing on Omaha Beach with GB News’ Nigel Farage, recalling: “There were tanks that were busted up and bodies all over.

"The 116th regiment went in first, the 115th second and we were the third one, we saw a lot of that, it was a horrific battle.

Steve Melnikoff took part in the allied attack on Normandy in World War II
Steve Melnikoff took part in the allied attack on Normandy in World War II
GB News

Steve Melnikoff joined Nigel Farage for Talking Pints
Steve Melnikoff joined Nigel Farage for Talking Pints
GB News

"It was a tough day, many of the things they planned didn’t come exactly like that."

Melnikoff made it through to the end of the war but remained in Europe delivering prisoners to Hamburg.

He said: "It was nothing but brick and mortar for mile, after mile, after mile."

When asked if mankind "ever learns", Melnikoff said: "No I don't think so.

"I live in apprehension about what's going on right now.

"I just have a sort of feeling that this is almost a repeat of 1939.

"With Putin taking more ground, a little bit at a time, and challenging us, we're backing up we don't know where to go... I would send it all!

"You can't fight a war with them doing everything they want, we're supposed to be restricting!"

He joked: "I'm not in charge though."

Last week villages and towns along the Normandy coast filled with visitors to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the D-Day landings on June 6.

Flags flew to welcome and acknowledge those who fought in the Great Crusade.

Over the summer, hundreds of commemorations will take place to mark 80 days of battle.

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