Affixed on the right side of Colonel Austin’s Monument.

Plaque

A rectangular green plaque written in French and English honoring Lt Williams who was Killed in Action in the town on June 20, 1944. The Pathfinders of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment had previously jumped into Normandy on June 6, 1944, during D-Day, onto Drop Zone "N" near Picauville. Their mission was to set up markers and signals for the main paratrooper force to land accurately. Despite their efforts, many paratroopers were scattered due to navigational errors, wind, and enemy fire. This resulted in some units, including parts of the 508th PIR, landing far from their intended drop zones.

In the days that followed, these paratroopers, including those led by 2nd Lieutenant Gene Herbert Williams, regrouped and engaged in fierce combat as they advanced towards their objectives, including the liberation of key locations such as Prétot.

On June 20, 1944, the 82nd Airborne Division, including Williams' platoon, launched an assault on Prétot. The village was heavily defended by German troops who had established strong positions. The attack was part of the broader effort to push through the German defensive lines in the Cotentin Peninsula and secure routes for the Allies. Williams and his men fought bravely, but Williams was killed in action during this battle, illustrating the intense and brutal nature of the fighting in Normandy. The eventual capture of Prétot contributed to the overall success of the Normandy campaign by securing a critical area and disrupting German defenses.

Source of information: MilitaryHistoryNow.com, D-Day Overlord

Source of photos: en.kilroytrip.fr

Lt. Gene H. Williams

3/508th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division

D'Day Pathfinder, Chalk 18

Born: 31 Oct 1922

West Frankfort, Illinois, USA

Killed in Action at Prétot, 20 June 1944

A patriot answers when duty calls

A hero is forever young

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

3/508e Régiment d'Infanterie Parachutiste

de la 82e division aéroportée

Éclaireurs Jour J, Stick 18

Né le 31 Octobre 1922

à West Frankfort, Illinois, Etats-Unis

Tombé au Champ d'Honneur

le 20 Juin 1944 à Prétot

Un patriote répond toujours présent quand le

devoir l'appelle. Un héros est éternellement jeune