On the north side of the road junction.

Monument

A small monument constructed from stones, with a rectangular structure. The monument features two plaques, one on the front and another on the side. The front plaque lists the names of the seven American soldiers killed in this place by enemy machine gun fire. On the top left corner of the plaque is the insignia of the 82nd Airborne Division, and to the right is the US Army parachutist insignia. The plaque on the side tells that Tucker’s ashes are interred here. The whole memorial honors the memory of seven American paratroopers from the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division who were killed in June 1944 during the Battle of Normandy. Bill Tucker, a member of this regiment, expressed a desire to be laid to rest near his fallen comrades. His ashes were interred at the site, and the monument was inaugurated in June 2004 during the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

The Battle for Fresville, fought on June 8-9, 1944, was a pivotal engagement during the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II. The 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) of the 82nd Airborne Division played a key role in this battle, underscoring the strategic value of airborne troops in capturing crucial positions behind enemy lines.

As part of Operation Overlord, the Allies aimed to secure a beachhead and advance inland. The 82nd Airborne Division, including the 505th PIR, was tasked with seizing important objectives to disrupt German defenses and support the main landings.

On the night of June 7-8, the 8th Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division prepared to advance towards Fresville. German forces from Grenadier-Regiment 1058 had fortified the village, creating a strong defensive position.

Early on June 8, the 505th PIR, alongside the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, launched an offensive towards Fresville. They faced intense resistance and heavy casualties but persevered. By evening, the 2nd Battalion of the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment and C Company of the 746th Tank Battalion breached German defenses, with the 505th PIR playing a crucial role in securing the village.

By 1 am on June 9, the 505th PIR had established defensive positions in Fresville, a significant achievement that allowed the Allies to continue their advance towards Montebourg and solidify their hold in the region. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of the 505th PIR and the 82nd Airborne Division, highlighting their critical role in the success of Operation Overlord and the liberation of France.

Source of information:

• Stephen E. Ambrose's "D-Day: June 6, 1944
• The 82nd Airborne Division in World War II" by Richard S. Lowry
• All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe" by Colonel David W. Webster
• U.S. Army and 82nd Airborne Division Official Records
• Into the Breach: The 82nd Airborne Division at the Battle of Normandy" by John R. Bruning

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

On the front side of the pedestal:

PROMENEUR SOUVIENS TOI

TRAVELER REMEMBER

A CET ENDROIT SONT TOMBÉS LE 8 JUIN 1944 CES HOMMES

DE LA Co I DU 508ème REGIMENT PARACHUTISTES US EN AVANT-GARDE DE L’ATTAQUE DE GRAINVILLE

PFC WILLIAM STEPHENS

KILLED AT THIS PLACE 8 JUNE 1944 BY ENEMY, MACHINE GUN FIRE

NEVER FORGET

DEDICATED 4 JUNE 2004

BY

C-47 CLUB 82^nd VETERANS

THE FRESVILLE MUNICIPALITY

 English Translation:

WALKERS REMEMBER 

TRAVELERS REMEMBER 

AT THIS PLACE FELL ON JUNE 8, 1944 

THE MEN OF I COMPANY OF THE 508^th US PARACHUTE REGIMENT OF THE 82ND DIVISION 

OF THE ATTACK ON GRAIGNILLE

On the right side of the pedestal:

†

ICI REPOSENT LES CENDRES 

DE WILLIAM H. TUCKER CO I, 

505 PIR DÉCÉDÉ

LE 21 NOVEMBRE 2008 

A CAPE COD (MA)

NEVER FORGET

English Translation:

HERE LIE THE ASHES OF 

WILLIAM H. TUCKER CO I, 

505 PIR WHO DIED 

ON NOVEMBER 21, 2008 

IN CAPE COD (MA)