507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Monument
A memorial park in memory of the American Paratroopers of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment who fought along the banks of the Merderet River during the early hours of June 6th.
The memorial park features an American Paratrooper with a brass plaque underneath titled "The Beginning"
It was here along the banks of the Merderet River during the early morning hours of
June 6, 1944, that the troops of the United States Army's 507th Parachute Infantry
Regiment landed by parachute to begin their part in returning France to the French people
From the area around Amfreville, south to the bridges at La Fiere and Chef du Pont and
on to Graingnes, the 507th, with other elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, frustrated
all attempts by the German 91st Airlanding Division and the 6th Parachute Regiment
to reinforce the German defences at Utah Beach while simultaneously assuring that
the brides at La Fiere and Chef du Pont remained intact for the debouchment of
U.S. seaborne forces. No Organised force crossed the Meredret from west to east
within the 507th area of responsibility during the designated period, D-Day through D+3.
The bridges remained intact and eventually were used by the advancing U.S. forces.
The 507th had accomplished its assigned missions.
It is fitting and proper, therefore that this monument be dedicated to the proud,
courageous and tenacious men and officers of the 507th, many of whom lie in peace
here in Normandy. Their professionalism, as reflected by their actions and sacrifices
during the Normandy and all subsequent battles against the Nazis, earned every member
of the 507th P.I.R. a prominent niche in that special hall reserved for those who place
the interests of preserving liberty above all else.
