|
German tank
lies askew with smoke pouring out of the wrecked hull. But Why?
[See out crops at right] |
Track Is Rolling But Tank Isn't
Note the track segment still in motion at the left of the tank after
separating from the main drive wheel at the right front of the tank. The
left side track also seems partially separated. |
Two Culprits Caught On Camera
Two unidentified men lie in what had been the path of the tank.
One man is readily seen at the left, his companion is closer to the tank and
partially obscured in smoke. Both men appear to be holding anti-tank
weapons. Although unidentified, they may be men of the 508th. |
 La
Fiere
penned by an unknown author, this poem describes B Company's fight at la
Fiere manor and causeway. It seems to end abruptly, perhaps ensuing
pages are missing.
The author probably was a member of Lt Homer Jones's'
platoon. |
La Fière We came upon it
cautiously
Knowing not what it would be
We all stiffened and were stunned
As we were being machine gunned!
________________________________
Bodies went prone and raised our banner
And proceeded to fire on La Fiere manor
Well defended one would have to say
Sitting on the east bank of the Merderet
________________________________
Its object to stop the westward flow
of allied troops beginning to grow,
Into a torrent moving as fast as sin
To quickly cut off the Cotentin
________________________________
|
Lieutenant Jones of the Five-Oh-Eight
Moved quickly to seal the Germans' fate
He led Baker Company paratroopers
Against the SS German "Supers"!________________________________
Who quickly saw their causeway was lost
When they surveyed the heavy cost
Of doing battle full of scorn
Against the elite 82nd Airborne!
________________________________
After gaining ground on eastern shore
Further westward Baker company did bore
Across the causeway they held sway
And took the west shore of the Merderet
________________________________
Then turning south in view of Hill 30
Massed German troops got down and dirty
They boxed us in, in such a way
We were forced to swim flooded Merderet |
 A
Field In Normandy
This is but a simple field
So long and flat and wide
Where shamelessly I shed the tears
I do not try to hide.
This bit of ground is hallowed now
Some friends of mine are here
They sleep the sleep they earned so well
They'll awake with not a care
My friend they were and will remain
and yours they should be too
For men like these are worth so much
Who gave their lives for you
Retain this single thought
This mound of earth was once a man and must not be forgot.
- author unknown |
