The heroic assault to capture the heavily fortified Hill 131 was another significant accomplishment of the 508th PIR. The regiment’s Second and Third Battalions were ordered to seize and occupy Hill 131 - by July 4.
The First Battalion moved to the base of Hill 131 and was ordered to hold the area at all costs, until the assault battalions could pass through.
A and B
Company were placed on line with Company C [consisting of 37 men] in reserve. It rained throughout the night of July 3 and we fought off numerous strong German attacks. Despite the heavy rain and desperate German attacks, the First Battalion held the area and helped the two battalions launch the attack. By 1000 hours on July 4, Hill 131 belonged to the 508th PIR.
The next major 508th PIR mission was to capture Hill 95. This mission was assigned to the Second Battalion. At the time, all the field grade officers in the battalion had been wounded and evacuated. The Hq2 company commander, Captain Chester Graham was commanding the battalion.
Hill 95 was unusually difficult to take. It became a 24-hour battle of fire and maneuver with depressing withdrawals and heroic counterattacks. After a desperate night attack the hill was taken.”
Throughout his 2002 Normandy visit,  Rock was impressed with the child-ren. The kids were especially interested in World War II and demonstrated a deep understanding about the war. They asked intelligent questions and paid attention to the answers.
Look at the expressions of interest on the faces of these children.
Rock Merritt and School Kids | 
