On the outside wall of the house.

Commemorative Object

The wall on a residential house tells the story of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 82nd Airborne Division, and includes the names of many paratroopers. The artwork was crafted by Lucien Hasley, a young boy in 1944, who later decided to create this Wall of Remembrance in 1982, dedicating decades to its completion. The bas-relief portrays key elements from the Normandy invasion, including flooded marshes, crashed planes, Normandy’s emblem, parachutes, the dove of peace, a shattered swastika, crosses representing victims from America, Germany, and France, a praying figure, and a half sun symbolizing hope. Engraved on the stones are the names of 62 paratroopers, two pilots, and two French civilians.

During Operation Overlord in World War II, the small commune of Picauville in Normandy was assigned as a key objective for the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (82nd Airborne Division). On D-Day, the paratroopers were tasked with securing this area, which was under German control by Grenadier-Regiment 1058 (91st Infantry Division). However, the airborne drop faced significant challenges due to poor visibility, anti-aircraft fire, and miscommunication, causing many paratroopers to land far from their designated drop zone (DZ "N"). As a result, the regiment was scattered, and many soldiers were unable to reach their objectives.

Despite the difficulties, several isolated groups of paratroopers, including the one led by Lieutenant Malcolm Brannen, conducted effective operations. One of their notable actions was the killing of General Wilhelm Falley, commander of the German 91st Infantry Division. His death disrupted German leadership during the early hours of the invasion.

Although Picauville was not captured on June 6, American forces, reinforced by elements of the 508th PIR and the 90th Infantry Division, launched a renewed offensive on June 10. After intense fighting, they successfully seized the village, forcing the Germans to retreat.

A temporary airfield (ALG A-8 N) was later built north of Picauville by the 826th Engineer Aviation Battalion, serving as a critical base for night missions from June to November 1944.

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

Source of photos: www.tracesofwar.com