LtCol Robert G. Cole Plaque -502nd PIR
Details:
On the west side of the road.
Plaque
A rectangular black plaque with a curved, rounded top commemorating LtCol Cole’s leadership and the soldiers of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment during the battle in this town. The plaque has the insignia of the 101st Airborne Division on the top and was written in English and French.
On June 10, Cole led 400 men in a dangerous advance along an exposed causeway toward Carentan, under continuous enemy fire. German forces held a well-fortified position near the former farmhouse. After suffering heavy casualties and failing to break through a narrow bottleneck on the last bridge, Cole's battalion took defensive positions for the night.
Despite mortar and air attacks that depleted their strength, Cole launched a rare bayonet charge the next day. With smoke cover, he led his men into the hedgerows, engaging in brutal hand-to-hand combat. Though costly—130 of his 265 men were lost—the charge succeeded, forcing the Germans to retreat.
Source of information: en.wikipedia.org
Source of photo: www.google.com/maps
Monument Text:
|
Ici ce situait le poste de commandement du Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Cole. C’est d’ici que sous ses ordres le 502ème régiment lança l’assaut du Carré de choux. Cette plaque est en l’honneur des hommes qui se sont battus pour notre liberté |
Colonel Robert G. Cole’s command post was situated here. It is from this place and under his command that the 502nd PIR launched their bayonet attack on 'Cabbage patch.' This plaque is dedicated to the memory of the men who fought for our liberty. |
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
101st Airborne Division
502nd Parachute infantry Regiment
United States Army
Wars:
WWII
Battles:
Normandy Invasion
Other images :
