In front of the church. It is on the opposite side of the town war memorial.

Marker

A stele engraved with a commemoration message that is written in French in gold-leaf lettering. The stele is set on a single-step concrete base. The memorial, erected in 1994 (50 years after the events), serves as a remembrance of 2Lt Porter and his fellow soldiers who died during the liberation of the area around Gouvets on August 3 and 4, 1944. The inscription reflects the deep respect and gratitude of the people of Gouvets and perhaps others involved in the commemoration, acknowledging the sacrifices made by American soldiers in the fight to liberate France from Nazi occupation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the bravery of those who gave their lives for freedom. The mention of "compatriots" emphasizes that Lieutenant Porter was not alone in his sacrifice, and the memorial honors all who fought and fell during that critical period.

Source of photos: Régis Biaux / www.aerosteles.net

A LA MÉMOIRE DU 2ND LIEUTENANT AMÉRICAIN

WILLIAM M PORTER

ABATTU AVEC SON APPAREIL AU DESSUS DE GOUVETS

LE 28 JUILLET 1944

ET À SES COMPATRIOTES TOMBÉS POUR LA LIBÉRATION

DE LA COMMUNE LES 3 ET 4 AOÛT 1944.

1944 - 1994

English translation:

IN MEMORY OF THE 2ND AMERICAN LIEUTENANT

WILLIAM M PORTER

SHOT DOWN WITH HIS AIRCRAFT OVER GOUVETS

ON JULY 28, 1944

AND TO HIS COMPATRIOTS WHO FELL FOR THE LIBERATION

THE 3RD AND 4TH OF AUGUST 1944.

1944 - 1994