En anglais: Original transcript:
On the night of 11 June, 1944, Major Miller, Executive Officer of 1st battalion, was put in charge of a task force with the mission of crossing the Vire River, attacking Montmartin en Graignes and securing the crossing of the Vire et Taute canal against use by panzer units. Brigadier General Cota, the Assistant Division Commander, accompanied this task force, which consisted of companies “C” and “E”, each with a section of heavy machine guns attached and sections of 81mm mortars.
At 0645 on 12 June, the task force, with “C” Company leading, crossed the River Vire. It then pushed South to Montmartin en Graignes, with Company “E” on the left, Company “C” on the right. Stiff resistance was encountered on the outskirts of the village. Company “E” attacked to the West against the group of houses North West of Montmartin. Major Miller attached with Company “C” against the main village. The two forces became separated and Company “E” after suffering heaving casualties, withdrew across the river. Meanwhile, Company “C” with Major Miller and General Cota, pushed through the village and occupied the high ground South of Montmartin en Graignes.
At 2200 on 12 June, Company “G” with one mortar section and one machine gun section attached was sent across the River Vire to the aid of Company “C”, the remainder of the task force. Colonel Good, the Regimental Commander, assumed command of this group.
The morning of 13 June, a battalion of Paratroops came up on the right of the task force, relieving the pressure on their right flank. Later in the day, these were forced to withdraw, leaving the task forces again to face the enemy alone. Rations and ammunition were dropped from the air.
An enemy Panzer Division was reported to be approaching Montmarin en Graignes.
Source: 175th Regiment - After Action Report - June 1944.
Ed Pieczatowski's helmet was shot off by a grenadier of the 17th SS division near Montmartin en Graignes, France, during the Normandy invasion. The bullet grazed Ed's skull and knocked him down. Here he is pointing to the evidence of his close escape from death. Source Archives.
The symbol for the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment was a club (3-leaf clover).
