On the west side of the road.

Monument

A rough-hewn stone bearing two rectangular bronze plaques written in English and French. The upper plaque contains a text that appears to be a poignant poem or elegy written by Claude Le Souquet, who was 17 years old at that time, likely reflecting on the experiences and memories related to World War II, particularly those of American soldiers who fought in Europe. The poem expresses deep sorrow and remembrance for fallen soldiers, specifically mentioning Paul Risco, Girometti, and John Pickney. The speaker, perhaps a French civilian or fellow soldier, expresses a profound gratitude and a sense of personal connection to these soldiers, who fought to bring freedom to France.

The repetition of "ALREADY 70 YEARS OLD" and "I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU" suggests that the events have stayed with the speaker for decades, highlighting the lasting impact of war and the personal sacrifices of the soldiers. The mention of the cemetery of St. Laurent (likely a reference to the Normandy American Cemetery in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, France) reinforces the solemnity and reverence of the memory. The closing lines, "TO COME SO FAR... TO BRING ME FREEDOM," underline the sacrifice made by soldiers from afar (presumably Americans, referred to as "YANKI") to liberate others, and the enduring gratitude of those who were freed. The translation was done by Stephanie (Le Souquet) Prins, who might be related to Claude Le Souquet, suggesting a personal connection to the poem's content.

The lower plaque is a text that is a commemorative inscription marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Pont-de-fa-Roque, Coutainville, and Agon, regions in France, during World War II. It honors Sergeant Paul Risko, an American soldier from Ohio who died in action on July 29, 1944, as part of the 86th Reconnaissance Battalion of the 6th Armored Division. The inscription also remembers other soldiers who died in action: John Pickney, John Girometti, John Dudley, Francis Eastmann, and John Kopchack. Claude le Souquet, possibly a local resident or witness, is noted for finding these soldiers. The dedication was made by Risko's niece, Paula M. Forma-Paslawskl, on July 29, 2019, and is officially recognized by the local mayor, Richard Macé.

The commune of Pont de la Roque was targeted by the Allies during World War II due to its strategic stone bridge over the Sienne River. The first bombing attempt on April 23, 1944, aimed to destroy the bridge but required nearly 20 raids, with significant damage finally achieved by mid-June when three of its eleven arches were destroyed.

During Operation Cobra, launched on July 24, 1944, to break through German lines south of Cotentin, the 6th Armored Division of the U.S. Army advanced towards the area On July 29, 1944, as the 6th Armored Division advanced towards the Pont-de-la-Roque, Sergeant Risko's unit encountered fierce resistance from German forces. His light tank was struck by direct fire from an 88mm anti-tank gun, leading to his death along with several of his comrades, including John Pickney, John Girometti, John Dudley, Francis Eastmann, and John Kopchack. This incident is believed to be one of the first combat deaths in the 6th Armored Division during the operation.

Source of information: www.normandie44lamemoire.com, www.dday-overlord.com

Source of photos: www.normandie44lamemoire.com

Upper plaque:

( First column )

SGT. PAUL RISKO

TOI LE RICAIN VENU ME LIBÉRER

MOI COURANT VERS

TOI POUR T'ACCLAMER

HÉLAS TROP TARD,

TU GISAIS PRÈS DU CHAR

ALORS J'AI VOULU SAVOIR QUI TU ÉTAIS

J'AI CHERCHÉ PENDANT SOIXANTE ANS

ET JE TAI RETROUVÉ A ST LAURENT

DANS CE CIMETIÈRE PRÉS DES 'TIENS

JAMAIS JE NE VOUS OUBLIERAI

TOI ET TES COPAINS.

VENUS DE SI LOIN

M'APPORTER LA LIBERTÉ

LE SOUQUET CLAUDE. AGON

RICHARD MACÉ

MAYOR

( Second column )

ALREADY 70 YEARS OLD

I CANNOT FORGET

THE DEATH OF PAUL RISKO

GIROMETTI, PULVERIZED.

FOUND HIS LEG & JOHN PICKNEY

YOU, THE YANKI

COME SET ME FREE!

ME RUNNING TOWARDS YOU,

FOR YOUR CHEER

TOO LATE!

YOU LAY NEAR THE TANK...

SO I WANTED TO KNOW YOUR NAME!

I FOUND...IN THIS CEMETERY

OF ST. LAURENT

MEADOWS OF YOURS

I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.

TO COME SO FAR...

TO BRING ME FREEDOM

CLAUDE LE SOUQUET, POET

STEPHANIE (LE SOUQUET) PRINS

TRANSLATION

Lower plaque:

Pont-de-fa-Roque - Coutainville - Agon

Commémorate 75 yrs. Liberation

SGT. PAUL RISKO

b. April 16, 1918 - d. July 29, 1944

Lakewood-Sheffield Lake, Ohio U.S.A.

Am. Reconnaissance 86th* of the 6th Armored Division

Believed to be 1st. Combat Death of the 6th

John Pickney - John Girometti

John Dudley - Francis Eastmann - John Kopchack

Found by Claude te Souquet

from niece Paula M. Forma-Paslawskl Lorain, Ohio July 29, 2019

Daughter of Mary (Risko) Forma, Beloved Sister

Richard Macé, Mayor

*86th Cavalry Recon Squadron