“Hells Half Acre.” (See Chapter II, Combat Operations – Normandy). As this small group of paratroopers was searching for the 508th PIR, Mel volunteered to contact what the group believed were friendly troopers. Mel was captured.
Mel Beets later escaped from the Germans with the help of the French underground and returned to Nottingham. In the interim, Mel Beets’ fate was unknown to his friends.
Joe Bressler says.
“I owe my life to Oscar Prasse. I will never forget the heroism, compassion and dedication Oscar demonstrated in saving my life during our five days together in Normandy.
Oscar carried me on his back, hid and protected me in an attic, and at great personal risk, killed Germans to obtain weapons and food to sustain us.
When we finally vacated the attic, I left some French franc notes mark-ed with my name as a gratuity.
[Joe’s thoughtful action has become a legend in Normandy.]
On June 11, 1944 we were relieved [rescued] by a combat patrol from the 90th Infantry Division. The patrol evacuated me and I was hospitalized in England. Oscar Prasse was guided to nearby 508th PIR troops.
I spent several months in hospitals in England, while Oscar continued destroying the Third Reich.”
 Oscar Prasse survived the Normandy campaign and retuned to the tent encampment in Nottingham, concern-ed about the welfare of his missing comrades. Weeks later, Joe Bressler bored with hospital life, made his way to Nottingham. Greeted by jubilant comrades, Joe was told, “We are packing up to move to a marshaling airfield.” [The photo shows a few Hq1 Normandy survivors with replacements. Oscar on the left (circled), Joe on the Right (circled).] | 
