Pont du Hoc

My tour in Cherbourg and Normandy ended with a visit to Pont du Hoc. The 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled a 100 foot cliff to disable the German guns that threatened the beach invasions. Of the more than 200 Rangers, only 90 survived. It was breath taking standing on the top of that cliff, knowing that so many gave their lives to take it.

Rather than tell you about it, I'll just show you.

Once again, all too soon, it was time to board the bus and head back to Cherbourg and board the ship. On the way back, we passed by Ste. Mere Eglise, the town near Utah Beach, the other American landing zone. It was at Ste. Mere Eglise, where paratroopers, blown off course, came down in the middle of the town occupied by Germans. Many were killed, and one trooper, whose parachute got caught on the steeple of the church, played dead. We were able to see the church from the road but unfortunately, didn't get to stop.

We ended the day watching the tug boats in the harbor. Until next time, Normandy region, Adieu.