On the north side of the road.

Monument

A granite monument with a plaque honors Major Richard J. O'Malley of the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, who was killed on July 16, 1944. The memorial includes the 4th Infantry Division emblem and a portrait of Major O'Malley. On June 3, 2011, the monument was initiated by Sergeant Major Jack Port, a fellow soldier in O'Malley's battalion. Unveiled in the presence of veterans from both the 4th and 83rd Infantry Divisions, the monument stands as a tribute to honor both the soldiers and the civilians who suffered during the battle.

By early July, the 83rd Infantry Division, supported by elements of the 12th Infantry Regiment from the 4th Infantry Division, was tasked with liberating Sainteny. For nearly two weeks, the Americans engaged in brutal combat, facing not only German resistance but also the challenges of Normandy’s hedgerow terrain.

On July 16, 1944, the Americans secured Sainteny, though at great cost, including the loss of Major Richard J. O'Malley, who was killed near the hamlet of La Roserie. His leadership was honored with a three-volley artillery salute, a rare distinction ordered by Major General Raymond Barton, in recognition of his bravery. 

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

Source of photo: richardomalley.weebly.com, pennsylvaniamilitarycollege.org

MAJOR RICHARD J. O’MALLEY

4^th Infantry Division, 12^th Infantry Regiment

Pour son action héroïque sans laille 

Fidélité, Devoir, Honneur, Courage 

Débarqué le 6 juin à Utah Beach 

Tombé au champ d'honneur 

le 16 juillet 1944 

lors de la libération 

de Sainteny

For his heroic action 

Loyalty, Duty, Honor, Courage 

June 6 landed at Utah Beach 

Killed in action 

on July 16, 1944 

during the liberation 

of Sainteny

Don de l'Amitié Franco-Américaine du Sergerit-Major Jack PORT,

4ème Division,12-éme Régiment

Ce n'est pas la mort que je crains, 

c’est de mourir. MONTAIGNE

It is not death that I fear, 

but to die. MONTAIGNE

English Translation:

Gift of the Franco-American Friendship of Sergeant-Major Jack PORT,

4th Division, 12th Regiment