Near the fence to the left of the entrance to the churchyard.

Plaque

A rectangular blue plaque written in French in white lettering honoring T/5 Peregory who was Killed in Action on June 14, 1944. On the plaque, the 116^th Regiment is attached to the 20^th  Infantry Division, but we believe this is incorrect because the 116^th Infantry Regiment was part of the 29^th Infantry Division.

Peregory’s most famous action occurred on June 8, 1944, just two days after D-Day, during the Battle of Normandy. His unit was engaged in intense fighting near Grandcamp-Maisy, France. The Germans had established a well-fortified position on a hill, with machine guns and other defensive measures that were causing heavy casualties among the Allied forces.

Despite the grave danger, TSgt Peregory (K Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment) single-handedly charged the enemy position. Using his bayonet, he neutralized several German soldiers in close combat. He then turned the enemy’s own machine gun against them, killing or capturing over 35 enemy soldiers. His actions directly contributed to the capture of the position, which was a key objective in the ongoing battle.

For his extraordinary bravery and leadership, Peregory was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on August 23, 1944. The citation noted his “gallant and valorous actions” that were instrumental in the success of his unit’s mission. While TSgt Peregory's specific actions were not directly tied to the liberation of Couvains itself, his bravery and leadership were part of the larger Allied push that led to the liberation of many towns and villages in Normandy. His actions on June 8, 1944, helped weaken German defenses in the area, contributing to the momentum that eventually led to the success of Operation Cobra and the subsequent liberation of regions, including Couvains.

Source of information: www. tracesofwar.com, en.wikipedia.org

Source of photos: www.usmilitariaforum.com, www.memorialgenweb.org

Hommage à 

FRANCK PEREGORY 

T/SGT K/116 R.G.T. 20ème D.I.*

Médaille d'Honneur 

Tombé le 14 Juin 1944 

en libérant COUVAINS

English Translation:

Tribute to 

FRANCK PEREGORY 

T/SGT Company K, 116th Regiment, 20th Division*

Medal of Honor 

KIA on June 14, 1944 

while liberating COUVAINS

Note:  This should read 29th Infantry Division