On the west side of the road.

Monument

A hewn stone slab monument honoring the soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division, specifically the "Cotton Balers," the nickname for the 7th Infantry Regiment, recognizing their sacrifices with 148 killed and 822 wounded. It commemorates their role in liberating the canton from October 20 to November 10, 1944. The inscription, written in French, features the emblem of the 3rd Infantry Division at the top.

The 3rd Infantry Division, led by Major General John W. O'Daniel, was engaged in intense fighting against German forces in the heavily forested and mountainous terrain of the Vosges Mountains. The 7th Infantry Regiment, as part of this division, played a crucial role in pushing back the German defenders and liberating key towns and villages in the region.

The operation in this area aimed to break through the German defensive lines and secure important routes for the advancing Allied forces. The combat conditions were extremely challenging due to the harsh weather, dense forests, and strong German resistance. During this campaign, the 3rd Infantry Division, including the "Cotton Balers," faced significant casualties, with 148 soldiers killed and 822 wounded.

The liberation of the canton was strategically vital, as it opened the way for further Allied advances into northeastern France. The fighting in the Vosges Mountains was also connected to other operations, such as the rescue of the "Lost Battalion" by the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

Source of information: 442sd.org, en.wikipedia.org

Source of photo: www.google.com/maps

AUX

VAILLANTS COMBATTANTS

DE LA 3eme DIVISION

DES ETATS-UNIS

LIBÉRATEURS DU CANTON

DU-20-10 /10-11-44

EN MEMOIRE

DE LEURS EMINENTS

MERITES ET SACRIFICES

DONT CEUX DES

COTTON BÂLERS

148 TUES 822 BLESSES

DU 7eme REGIMENT

D'INFANTERIE

English Translation:

TO

THE

VALIANT FIGHTERS

OF THE 3rd DIVISION

OF THE UNITED STATES

LIBERATORS OF THE CANTON

OF-20-10 / 10-11-44

IN MEMORY

OF THEIR EMINENT

MERITS AND SACRIFICES

INCLUDING THOSE OF

THE COTTON BÂLERS

148 KILLED 822 WOUNDED

OF THE 7th INFANTRY

REGIMENT