Specialist of the American Normandy campaign and beyond, I am the only Interpretive Guide who has worked both for the Normandy American Cemetery/La Pointe du Hoc & Utah beach museum.
Since 2015 I have had the honor three times to be the Master of Ceremony of the International Commemorations at Utah Beach and once for the renowned Tour de France!
My passion for history was sparked by my father's passion of history and culture as we traveled worldwide.
After a successful international career with Halliburton Energy Services, I decided to put my business experience to work toward something that truly inspires me.
I chose to create my own company, Normandy American Heroes that would pay homage to those who fought and suffered during the Second World War, to honor the sacrifices made and educate younger generations on the meaning of courage, competence and devotion to duty.
As you now understand, historical tours mean a lot more than business to me, I see them as a bridge between Europe, the US and its allies and a lesson we all must learn from. Moreover it represents an honorable passion.
People need to perceive how Europe was before, during and after World War II.
Make your European Tour a memorable event that you will cherish all you life!
I have spent many years researching the links between American forces and the west of England during World War II following, by chance, a discovery of American wartime constructions hidden in coastal sand dunes. I uncovered the forgotten history of the U.S. Army Assault Training Center where troops trained for their spearhead role upon the beaches of Normandy. This information resulted in several books and DVDs chronicling the ATC history, lectures at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy and TV documentary appearances.
Several American units asked me to write their wartime histories, their battles for Normandy and throughout Europe, the detailed knowledge gained prompting me to work as a battlefield guide in Normandy and across Europe.
More recently I discovered vital new evidence concerning the infamous “Exercise Tiger” American wartime training disaster now detailed in book form and TV documentary.
I am delighted to be associated with Normandy American Heroes who offer the only tour ever to show the D-Day training grounds of thousands of American heroes.
In 1962, Paul Rayner BEM enlisted in the British Army and served in the Corps of Royal Military Police from 1964 until 1984 as both a regular Professional Soldier which resulted in him serving in Australia, Far East, Middle East, NW Europe, Northern Ireland and in both the USA and Canada. In 1985, he was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queens New Year’s Honours awards. He then continued his Military service in the Military Reserve until 1999.
He became interested in WW 2 aspects whilst serving in Berlin in the early 70s during the Cold War and viewing aspects of the Third Reich and Hitler’s bunker on tours of East Berlin.
His interest extended to the Atlantic Wall in 1976 whilst motoring through Northern France en route from Germany to the UK, and since then has conducted extensive research via hundreds of visitations to the fortifications stretching from Dunkirk along the French coast to St Malo.
In 2009, he worked as a Battlefield tour guide covering such topics as D Day, landings, Atlantic Wall, Italian Campaign, Eagles Nest, Nuremberg, Dunkirk, Dieppe, Ardennes Offensive, Battle of Berlin, and Berlin during the Cold War. to name but a few, expending both his knowledge and personal military experiences to WW2 enthusiastic clients.
He has continued to conduct research on WW2 topics as well as occasional private military tours of both Berlin and Normandy. Having known Rudy since 2013 when “Normandy Heroes” was initiated, Paul is privileged and honoured to be asked to be associated with the Normandy Heroes team as an adviser with his knowledge and experience of WW 2 historic aspects.
I was born in Château-Thierry in the vicinity of Belleau Woods where the famed 4th Marine Brigade fought in WWI. My passion for History started when I was a boy during my first Memorial Day at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in 2002 where my father took me.
Pierre worked at the WWI Meaux Museum , I chose to move to Normandy to live my passion for WW2 through my studies and my work. I'm proud to say that Normandy American Heroes is giving me the opportunity to fulfill my passion.
Over the years, through meetings with US Marines and WW2 Veterans in Europe my passion has continued to grow. This is the reason why I want to dedicate my life to honor and never forget those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. My vocation is to be able to share and pass on their stories to the younger generation, lest we forget.
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and grew up with a keen interest in World War II and history in general. My father, brother, and both of my grandfathers all share the same passion. So needless to say, there was always an opportunity to discuss the war, America’s role in it, and the sacrifice so many had to make to ensure our freedom in Europe and North America.
For much of my 20s I found myself working in various travel related roles in Europe and of course traveling across the continent . As a tour guide in Prague, Czech Republic, between 2015 and 2020, I specialized in World War II history tours and was able to further exercise my passion for history. From 2018 to 2020, I was fortunate enough to use my knowledge of European Travel and World War II history to work for an ambitious startup company. I personally specialized in planning custom, private tours for Americans that were interested in visiting the many sites and battlefields that the continent has to offer.
Following the Covid 19 Pandemic, and with the travel industry “on pause,” I decided to return to the United States, settling in Colorado. After taking some time away from the industry, I joined Normandy American Heroes in early 2022. Since then, I’ve loved advising and planning tours for our clients through Normandy and all across Europe!
I was born in Normandy and feel extremely grateful to have grown up in a region so rich in history and culture. Thus, I quickly developed an interest in World War II, particularly in how it was experienced by civilians as well as how we share this chapter of history.
I spent three seasons at the Azeville Battery as a receptionist, where I also conducted guided tours. So I was able to document and learn about the subject. It was during this time that I met Rudy and discovered Normandy American Heroes, telling myself that it was exactly the kind of place I would see myself working later. It was also this particular experience that made me confirm my desire to share about culture and history with people.
This was emphasized by my stay in Tenerife, where I studied abroad for a year and a half. I fell in love with the island, and as I returned to France, I was sure that making people live unforgettable experiences, where they could learn and document themselves, was my principal mission. This led me to pursue a Master's degree in Educational Tourism and Mobility. I am currently in my second year of the program and am fortunate to be completing my internship at Normandy American Heroes, finally making my wish come true.
So I’m more than happy to be part of the team!
