A retired Army sergeant is the proud recipient of a piece of military memorabilia used by US paratroopers in World War II.

The Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League Inc. Detachment 626 honored Army SGM (Ret) Randy Adams, 82nd Airborne Division, with a World War II artifact at its meeting held Thursday at the Lehighton American Legion Post 314.

The World War II artifact, an Acme No. 470 Clicker, was carried by United States Army Paratroopers the first night of Operation Overlord; the World War II invasion into Normandy, France on June 6, 1944.

Harold Henry, Commandant, Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corp League Detachment 626, explained the significance of the artifact.

“Although most of the Marines in this room understand what you went through, I will never fully understand what you went through during your career in the 82nd Airborne, which is why I didn’t start this letter with a ‘Thank You for your service’,” Henry said. “The Marines, soldiers, and sailors here tonight do recognize and appreciate the sacrifices you made for our country, and tonight we want to honor your service you made for our country.”

Adams received the artifact for his participation in the Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corps League’s “Old Glory Presentation,” a program about the flag that was done at its Marine Corps Ball last November.

“It pleases Schuylkill Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626 to present you with this Clicker, in honor for the sacrifices you made for serving our country,” Henry said. “Thank you for your service, and also for attending the Schuylkill Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626 Birthday Ball and participating in the Color Guard for the presentation of Old Glory.”

Afterward, Adams, of Mahoning Valley, said he was touched by the gesture.

“It means a lot mostly because I’m not of this group,” Adams said.