|
|
|
© Stéphane Compoint
|
Site 7 : Utah Beach - Milestone n°0 of the Way of Freedom. The Way of Freedom is a way of 1,142 kilometers commemorates the Allied victory and the liberation of France, Belgium and Luxembourg during the Second World War. It is marked by a series of milestones along the road network between Utah Beach (and Sainte-Mère-Église to the milestone 0) and Bastogne in the Belgian province of Luxembourg, marking the route followed by the 3rd U.S. army commanded by General Patton. June 6, 1944 , in Normandy, the U.S. Forces landed on Utah Beach, 2.5 kilometers further south than expected. This navigation error is beneficial, it puts American troops away from powerful coastal batteries Crisbecq St. Marcouf and Azeville . Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, touch Norman ground to 6.40 am with the first assault wave, composed of elements of the 8th Infantry Regiment and tanks of the 70th Tank Battalion. In one hour the genius emerges beaches. German strengths, including 5 WN defending the beach of La Madelein are neutralized one after the other. Americans argue inward and late morning, the junction is established with the paratroopers of the 101st U.S. Airborne Division.
|
|
|
|