June 1944
In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944 American and Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy to start freeing France from German occupation. In support of the troops coming ashore the 101st was sent in to clear the way. Heavy German fire hammered away at the planes that where carrying the 101st as they approached their drops zones. Due to the heavy enemy fire many pilots veered off course, so the paratroopers where scattered across the country side. Although this confused the American and Allied Forces it confused the Germans even more, since they didn't know the strength they where attacking, where they where coming from, or how many troops there where. Since the "Screaming Eagles" where so scattered out, many could not find their assigned units, but being the troopers they were they formed their own informal units to complete the as many of the assigned missions as possible. One objective was to take control of four German machine guns that where hounding the forces on Utah Beach. The 101st took the machine guns one by one. Instantly stopping the heavy fire on the beach. By nightfall on the seventh the101 had secured many of their targets, including the La Barquette lock.
The following day the 101st elements attempted to take St. Come-du-Mont, but they where unable to because of heavy enemy fire.
On June 8 the 501st and 506th PIR along with the 401st GIR, Attacked St. Come-du-Mont. The 501st was the first to encounter the enemy. The 506th and the 401st where called to aid the 506th but the enemy withdrew before they got there. They pursed the retreating enemy, but they had no additional contact.
The attack on Carentan was to be two-pronged. The right arm was to occupy La Billonerie, also known as Hill 30. The left arm was to cross the Douve River, then the main body force was to continue to Carentan. The 502nd PIR led the right arm. Their progress was slow. They had no cover and had constant enemy fire.
The 502nd reached the bridge across the Madeleine River where they immediately ran into a strong enemy position. LTC (lieutenant commander) Robert G. Cole called for artillery fire, but it was no use. He then ordered a charge of fixed bayonets. LTC Cole leaped to the front of the attack. He was awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor for this, but didn't receive it because he was killed by sniper fire in a later mission. The 101st held Carentan. The suffered major casualties during the Normandy Invasion. For the rest of the summer the 101st would train new recruits and replacing equipment. At the same time, Gen. Eisenhower was establishing the First Allied Airborne Army, controlling elements of the American, British, and Polish Armies. In September 1944, the army was put to the test during Operation Market-Garden.
