On this day, in Normandy 70 years ago paratroopers of the 82nd, the 101st and the British Red Devils Brigade were already dropped behind the German lines. Their mission was to cut all communications for the enemy and stop any re-enforcements from heading to the beach landings. Twenty year old Joe Russell from Medford, Ma. was one of them. Half his stick (17 G.I.s to a plane) drowned when they landed in marsh land that had been flooded by the Germans in preparation for the airborne assault they had expected. Carrying upwards of 160 lbs of gear they didnt have a chance. Some troopers landed right on top of the enemy and if they were lucky were taken prisoner. It was pitch black and slowly groups of soldiers met up even though from different units and some how got the job done. They all took their objectives, completed their missions and the rest is history. The people of France to this day treat WW 2 veterans like Gods and the American Cemeteries over their are kept immaculate by all the people of the countries that were liberated. Janice Maramaldi, President Rolling Thunder® NH1 978-394-0010 rolling-thunder-nh1.org No man left behind
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:29:17 +0000