A D-Day veteran who protected troops during the Normandy landings has revealed he tried to send his Russian medal for bravery back to Moscow after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Alec Penstone, 99, who was a sailor with the Arctic Convoy during the Second World War, said Putin should be “taken off this earth” because of atrocities committed against the Ukrainian people.
Mr Penstone made the comments to The Telegraph before a parade on Thursday at Gold Beach in Normandy, one of five stormed by Allied troops 80 years ago in the June 6 1944 landings.
His efforts on board HMS Campania, an escort aircraft carrier which took part in the Arctic Convoys to Russia, earned him the Russian Medal of Ushakov for bravery, which is even signed by Putin.
Mr Penstone said: “I would willingly give [the medal] back but they stopped me from doing it. A bravery award signed by Putin of all people. I’m disgusted and disappointed.
“He wants taken off this earth and the sooner the better. I’ve never said anything like that before but it will be a pleasure when I know that he’s dead. And all his tribe as well.”
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**From The Telegraph:**
A D-Day veteran who protected troops during the Normandy landings has revealed he tried to send his Russian medal for bravery back to Moscow after Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Alec Penstone, 99, who was a sailor with the Arctic Convoy during the Second World War, said Putin should be “taken off this earth” because of atrocities committed against the Ukrainian people.
Mr Penstone made the comments to The Telegraph before a parade on Thursday at Gold Beach in Normandy, one of five stormed by Allied troops 80 years ago in the June 6 1944 landings.
His efforts on board HMS Campania, an escort aircraft carrier which took part in the Arctic Convoys to Russia, earned him the Russian Medal of Ushakov for bravery, which is even signed by Putin.
Mr Penstone said: “I would willingly give [the medal] back but they stopped me from doing it. A bravery award signed by Putin of all people. I’m disgusted and disappointed.
“He wants taken off this earth and the sooner the better. I’ve never said anything like that before but it will be a pleasure when I know that he’s dead. And all his tribe as well.”
**Read more here:** [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/06/08/d-day-veteran-tried-to-send-russian-medal-back-over-ukraine/](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/06/08/d-day-veteran-tried-to-send-russian-medal-back-over-ukraine/)
Auction off the privilege of melting it down on live stream, and proceeds go to a Ukraine charity. Not only a good cause, but public humiliation.
It’s disgusting we would offer a medal with Putin signature on it.
Filthy Russian medals. What sane person would touch one…
He should give to Ukraine and ask that they return it to Putin via one of the long range drones.
Never have to ask these vets who’s side they r on
He recognizes fascism when he sees it.
Good man.
Let Ukraine have it, and attach it on a HIMARs dildo of consequence, I would pay for this!
Send it back to putin with some lube.
This time the Russians are the Nazis.