On the base of the monument.

Plaque

A rectangular white plaque written in English and French in black lettering honoring Captain Fred A. Hancock who served as the commanding officer for Company C, 502nd Parachute Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division on June 6, 1944. The Cabbage Patch got its name from the fields where the German occupiers allowed the French population to grow food for survival. The cabbage patch has an official name, Hancock Field, named for Cpt Hancock.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest seaborne invasion in history, landing on five beachheads in Normandy. The 101st Airborne Division, including Captain Fred Hancock’s 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, parachuted into Normandy early that morning to secure key positions behind enemy lines, disrupt German defenses, and support the beach landings. Due to heavy anti-aircraft fire and navigational issues, the paratroopers experienced scattered landings and immediate resistance. Despite these challenges, Captain Hancock and his regiment quickly engaged German forces and began their mission to secure vital terrain.

The Battle of Carentan, which took place from June 10 to June 15, 1944, saw Captain Hancock and his regiment play a crucial role in capturing the town of Carentan. This victory was key to linking the Utah and Omaha beachheads and solidifying the Allied foothold in Normandy. The actions of Captain Hancock and the 502nd were vital to the success of the Normandy invasion, aiding the Allied advance and consolidation in France.

Source of information: www.army.mil, Wikipedia

Source of photos: www.tracesofwar.com

HANCOCK FILED

Champ de Hancock

CPT. FRED A. HANCOCK

C-1/502 PIR • 6 JUNE 1944