On the east side of the intersection.

Monument

A rough-hewn stone monument topped with an Indian head sculpture bearing a rectangular gray plaque honoring the 2nd Infantry Division, which liberated the town on June 10, 1944. The plaque features the division's insignia at the top and is inscribed in both French and English.

The commune of Cerisy-la-Forêt is a crossroads of interest, halfway between Le Molay-Littry and Saint-Lô. It is bordered to the east by the forest of Balleroy, also called the forest of Cerisy, which extends mainly over the commune of Montfiquet. According to the initial plans for Operation Overlord, the American 5th Corps must have captured the village of Cerisy-la-Forêt five days after the start of the landings, to facilitate the capture of Saint-Lô. To this end, it is also essential to secure crossing points along the Elle River, southwest of Cerisy-la-Forêt.

On June 8, 1944, the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division was assigned to take both Trévières and Cerisy-la-Forêt. However, strong resistance from German forces, including units from the 915th and 916th regiments of the 352nd Infantry Division, slowed the American advance. Lacking full access to vehicles and heavy weaponry, the U.S. troops were only able to secure Cerisy-la-Forêt on June 10, after receiving additional resources. The 38th Infantry Regiment, led by Colonel Walter A. Elliot, ultimately pushed through to liberate the village.

Source of information: www.dday-overlord.com

Source of photo: www.google.com/maps

À la mémoire de nos libérateurs

2ème Division d’Infanterie

‘’Indian Head’’

le 10 Juin 1944"

In memory of our liberators

2nd Infantry Division

‘’Indian Head’’

June 10, 1944