American Paratroopers in St. Mere Eglise

Memorial near St. Mere Eglise Normandy France

One of the many memorials throughout France. This one pays Homage to American Paratroopers and is located on the edge of a field very near St. Mere Eglise.

All but three of the twenty five men listed here were killed June, 06, 1944

Many of the men listed on this memorial are from Easy Company, made famous by the mini series Band of Brothers. Listed as from left to right on the memorial - name, service number and the date they paid the ultimate sacrifice. We must never forget...

William S. Evans, 18117497, 06/06/44 - Joseph M. Jordan, 15107761, 06/06/44 - Robert L. Mathews, O-1299270, 06/06/44 - William T McGonigal Jr., 11102116, 06/06/44 - Thomas Meehan, O-437484, 06/06/44 - William S. Metzler, 19126206, 06/06/44 - Sergio G. Moya, 39124765, 06/06/44 - Elmer L. Murray Jr., 19126297, 06/06/44 - Ernest L. Oats. 1533144, 06/06/44 - Richard E. Owen, 20365291, 06/06/44 - Murray B. Roberts, 14083048, 06/06/44 - Gerald R. Snider, 15107810, 06/06/44 - Benjamin J. Stoney, 35530033, 06/06/44 - Jerry A. Wentzel, 19112534, 06/06/44 - Ralph H. Wimer, 33446711, 06/06/44 - George L. Elliot, 14139866, 06/06/44- Herman F. Collins, 11098660, 06/06/44 - John N. Miller, 33216794, 06/06/44 - Carl N. Riggs, 39103579, 06/06/44, Elmer L. Telstad, 36816763, 06/06/44 - Thomas W. Warren, 14147423, 066/06/44 - George Lavenson O-1286510 - Robert J. Bloser, 13099636, 06/07/44 - Everett J. Gray, 19087506, 06/08/44 - Terrance C. Harris, 19091437, 06/18/44

The Battle for St. Mere Eglise

St. Mere Eglise, June 06, 1944 at 01:40 am. American Airborne Troops parachute into and around this tiny village at a great loss of life. Many were killed during their descent and after getting hung up in trees,buildings etc. The place was crawling with Germans being located on a route that they would use to counter attack Utah and Omaha beaches. As such, it was essential to capture. The lightly armed paratroopers did just that and courageously held it until reinforced by armour on the afternoon of June 7th, 1944.

Hanging memorial

The French of St. Mere Eglise memorialize John Steele of the 505 Airborne who hung from the church steeple for two hours playing dead. Can you see him?

can you see him now?

John, wounded in the foot hung playing dead for two hours before being discovered and captured. He promptly escaped, rejoining his buddies and partaking in the taking of the village.

John Steele (left) and his brother Norman Steele

Private John Steele

Private John Steele (1912-1969) of the 505th Airborne was awarded the Bronze star for valour and the Purple Heart for being wounded. He was later made famous in the movie The Longest Day. His part was played by Red Buttons. Click here for complete bio and more photos John Steele.

St. Mere Eglise Village center, June 7th, 1944

Reinforcements arrive in St. Mere Eglise on the afternoon of June 7th, 1944.

The same street present day.

Note the arch doorway same as the picture above.

Dedication

This page dedicated to the men and women who gave their lives then and now, so that we may live free. We must never forget them and their sacrifice. Never.

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AEvans Level 7 Commenter 24 months ago

What a beautiful dedication and how strange that some of the names listed are my married name, maiden name and friends last names I believe it is because the names are so common. I will not forget them , another great hub keep on writing! :)

alwaysfree Hub Author 24 months ago

Thanks very much you are very kind. It was quite an emotional experience touring the war and battle sites in Normandy. Seeing the numerous memorials throughout the country side is very moving and is lasting proof of the gratitude the French still have.

BJBenson 24 months ago

It was so nice to see this hub and your from the north! Your so sweet. I will have to keep an eye on you and your wife. My husband just started too. Welcome to the Hub Pages.

kathy 14 months ago

Ralph Wimer was my father's best friend in high school. As a child I heard my father talk of him and how he he had died at Normandy. How ironic, Ralph perished on June 6th,1944. My father, a navy veteran passed away on June 6th, 2003- 59 years later to the day. Friends forever.

alwaysfree Hub Author 14 months ago

Wow! Thanks so much for your comment. It is hard to imagine that each and every man on that memorial has a story and family and friends that loved them. Reading your comment somehow makes it more real.

I plan on doing more research to find out what happened in that field on Jume 6,1944.

Again, thanks very much.

PS. if you like I could email the original photo for you too print.

kathy 14 months ago

Please do email the photo! I also have a local history book that may have more info on Ralph.

The one thing I remember my Dad always said was "They never found him".

I'd like to know what happened more on June 6,1944. This was tragic and it affected several generations.

alwaysfree Hub Author 14 months ago

I need your email, send me a message at philmarkham47@hotmail.com

and I will send you the photo.

klstancliff@yahoo.com 11 months ago

Tomorrow is a very sad day for me. Dad died on June 6th, 2003. Ralph Wimer-his best friend died on June 6,1944 at Normandy-never found. Remember our veterans tomorrow! These men and women were and still are the backbone of our country.