Home
What's New
Search Engine
Archives
Odyssey
Photo Gallery
Unit History
Unit Honors
TAPS
Voices Of Past
F&F Association
How To Submit

Back Up Next

REUNION 21 - PROGRAM

Sheet 16

Record of 508th Participation In Normandy Operations (page 6 of 12)

 

the approach to the demolished railroad bridge southwest of BAUPTE, and at HOTOT, east of the demolished culvert.

15 June 1944

At 0515 approximately fifty enemy cyclists attempted to cross the bridge at HOTOT, and were repulsed in disorder by the combat group from Company D. Nine were killed and two were captured. At 1100 the regiment received instructions to prepare to move to the north of the DOUVE RIVER. 2nd Battalion relieved the 3rd Battalion at PONT AUNY at 1500. The 3rd Battalion then assembled and moved north of the DOUVE to Division reserve at 1700. The Battalion was transported to a position one-half mile west of LE BONNEVILLE. The 507th Parachute Infantry began relief of the remaining two battalions at 2400.

16 June 1944

The regiment, less 3rd Battalion, moved by truck to the division reserve position one-half kilometer northwest of ETIENVILLE at LA RUE. Regiment was closed in the assembly area, by 0900. CP was established in an orchard one-half kilometer northwest of ETIENVILLE. Instructions were received from Division to alert units for a possible move to a new reserve position near RAUVILLE by 1500. 3rd Battalion moved to a position east of the DOUVE and approximately two miles north of ST SAUVEUR to protect the right flank of the Division and Corps in a defensive position astride the VALOGNES-ST SAUVEUR highway and covering the passage of the 9th Division advancing to the west. The 1st and 2nd Battalions plus Regimental Headquarters moved to the new assembly area two kilometers northwest of ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE along the ST SAUVEUR-ETIENVILLE highway, in order: 2nd Battalion, Regimental Headquarters, 1st Battalion.

At 1915 the regiment, less the 3rd Battalion, was alerted in preparation for relieving the 505th Parachute Infantry which was then holding a position west of ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE. At 2200 the 2nd Battalion passed through the 505th Parachute Infantry southwest of ST SAUVEUR and moved to occupy an extended defensive position from LE HAMEUX on the left to the railroad on the right, mopping up small groups of Germans in the area. The Regimental CP was established in a French bakery previously used for baking of bread for the German army at ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE by 2030 hour. By 2230 hour the 1st Battalion had relieved 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry and had occupied a position one kilometer southeast of ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE east of the ST SAUVEUR-LE HAVE DU PUITS highway, after routing small German rearguards. This action placed the regiment, leas the 3rd Battalion, in a defensive position protecting ST SAUVEUR LE VICOMTE from the south and southwest, astride the main highway leading south across the PRAIRIES MARACAGUESES to LE HAVE DE PUITS.

17-19 June 1944

The 1st and 2nd Battalions mopped up the area from ST SAVEUR LE PIERRE PONT to BRETEL AND JONAS along the edge of the PRAIRIE MARACAGUESES. This was accomplished by many combat patrols which located and routed out the German roadblocks and isolated strong points, aided by artillery fire. At 1000 a message was received to mine the, bridge across the PRAIRIES MARACAGUESES on the ST SAUVEURS-LA HAVE DE PUIT highway, prepare the bridge for demolition, and to guard the bridge against counter attack. That mission was accomplished by Company C which established a combat outpost and road block. The bridge was blown per division order, and at 2330

- 6 -
S-E-C-R-E-T
 

 

Copyright and all other rights reserved by the Family and Friends of The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association or by those who are otherwise cited,
For problems or questions regarding this web site, please contact
Jumpmaster.