The early hours of June 6, 1944 began the liberation of western Europe from Nazi-Germany. British, French, Canadian, and American troops landed on five different stretches of beach after commando and Parachute Infantry units had been dropped behind German lines (as seen in Band of Brothers). The campaign that started that day ultimately led to the demise of Nazi Germany and freed half of Europe from the horrors of the previous five years. The 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division was one of the two assault regiments on Omaha Beach that day. Headquartered in Staunton, the 116th is the lineal descendant of the Stonewall Brigade of Civil War fame (and carries that nickname to this day). Along with soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division and 5th Ranger Battalion they fought their way through determined German resistance and into the history books. The over 90% casualty rate of Company A, 116th IN (from Bedford) was the highest toll of any unit on D Day, and the National D Day Memorial is located in Bedford, Virginia because 19 of her sons died that day; the highest proportional loss of any American town. I was lucky to serve for six and a half years in the 116th, and am proud to be part of a brotherhood carrying on such a legacy. Ever Forward.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:52:28 +0000
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