On the west side of the road.

Monument

A gray granite monument commemorating the soldiers of the 508^th PIR, 82^nd Airborne Division, and Colonel Mendez who fought in the liberation of the town from June 20 – July 5, 1944. 

After the United States entered World War II in December 1941, Colonel Mendez eventually became the commander of the 3rd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, within the 82nd Airborne Division. On June 5-6, 1944, Mendez and his paratroopers participated in the D-Day airborne assault, the largest in history, by dropping behind German lines in Normandy. Their mission was to disrupt enemy communications, seize vital crossroads, and destroy supplies to support the beach landings. They were among the first soldiers to fight in Normandy, France. 

On June 20, 1944, despite heavy resistance, Mendez personally led an assault on the town under severe artillery and machine gun fire. His leadership and bravery were instrumental in overcoming the German defenses and securing the area, which helped to ensure the success of subsequent Allied operations in the region.

For his extraordinary heroism during the liberation of Prétot and throughout the Normandy campaign, Colonel Mendez was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest military decoration awarded by the United States Army

Source of information: Wikipedia, Everything Explained Today

Source of photos: en.kilroytrip.fr

En hommage 

au Colonel MENDEZ 

et ses hommes du 3 bn/508 PIR 

de la 82eme Abn qui participerent 

a la liberation de Prétot 

du 20/6 au 3/7/1944

English Translation:

In tribute 

to Colonel MENDEZ 

and his men of the 3 bn/508 PIR 

of the 82nd Abn who participated 

in the liberation of Prétot 

from 20/6 to 3/7/1944