Edward T. Haney, of Doylestown, passed away on July 22, 2014 at Fairview Care Center. He was 89.

Born in Abington, he was a son of the late Arthur and Mary Ellen Flanagan Haney.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, J. Elaine Haney.

Ed proudly served our country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was in the 29th Infantry Division, which was one of the first divisions that landed on Omaha Beach on the Coast of Normandy during D-Day. Their involvement was showcased in the war film Saving Private Ryan. During the invasion, Ed was promoted on the spot from a private to sergeant and ordered to take a squad and eliminate a German pillbox that was preventing soldiers from making it to land from their water landing on the beach. The mission was successful, but at the cost of many men. If the squad had failed, the entire Omaha Beach operation would have been withdrawn, which could have had devastating results for the Allies and the outcome of the Invasion of Normandy. Although he was wounded several times, Ed resisted orders to leave the front line and his men and continued fighting, despite his injuries. He continued to serve until V-E Day and had many experiences and near misses during the campaign.

Ed received a Purple Heart, as well as many other medals, for his bravery and service to our country. On May 8, 2014, Ed was honored in Washington D.C., receiving France’s highest military award, the French Legion of Honor, for his participation in freeing the French from Germany. In honor of his service, a documentary was made of Ed, titled The American Hero, which upon completion is to be televised over the world.

Ed was employed at Fiske Brothers Refining Company in New Jersey for over 32 years as a lubrication engineer.

Ed was an Honorary Life Member of the Sandy Run Country Club and provided over 65 years of support and service to the organization. He was an excellent golfer. Ed was a 58 year member of the American Legion Post 248, and also belonged to the Purple Heart Society. He attended Crossway Community Church and was an active member with his wife since their marriage.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his children: Jeffery Hendricks and his wife Lisa, and Brenda Zirkelbach and her husband Philip; his sisters: Rosemary Deck and Catherine Smith; grandchildren: Samantha, Haley, Ethan, Tiffany, Cory, Andrew Thomas and Alyssa, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Ann and his brothers Arthur and John.

Ed’s family will receive condolences on Saturday August 9, 2014 from 10:00am until Military Honors at 11:00am followed by his Funeral Service at Crossway Community Church, 3805 Mill Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090.

Interment will be private at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Crossway Community Church at the above address.