While Saint-Pierre-Église (Manche) recently celebrated the 80th anniversary of its liberation on the 24th cavalry reconnaissance squadron (24e cavalry reconnaissance squadron), Daniel Denis, the mayor, wanted to put this regiment in the spotlight. “It is indeed the meaning of the commitment of millions of Americans in 1944 which challenges us and obliges us in the person of the men of the 24e cavalry reconnaissance squadron. Many young people who did not hesitate to come and fight Nazism and liberate Europe, at the risk of their lives. »
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733 men in the unit
The elected official then paid tribute to the 733 men of this unit, which landed on June 15, 1944 at Utah Beach. It was attached to the IVe American infantry division, whose objective was to take control of the port of Cherbourg as quickly as possible. “It was organized into six troops including three reconnaissance and one light tank, placed under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Harold Gaston Junior”, continues Daniel Denis.
The unit had been given the mission of protecting the right flank of the IVe division, facing the 709e German infantry division. After liberating many villages, on the 24the squadron entered Saint-Pierre-Église at 10:05 p.m. on June 21, 1944.
She then continued her mission in support of the 22e infantry regiment which took control of Maupertus airport on June 27. “During its combats, from June 16 to 28, 1944, the 24th cavalry reconnaissance squadron deplored the loss of 11 killed, as well as 46 wounded, and 3 missing. »
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“He thanked God that he survived the war.”
Daniel Denis then mentioned the comments of the son of a squadron nurse, Pfc. Edward J. Valentine: “My father often remembered what he had experienced the week before the liberation of Saint-Pierre. As a military medic, his thoughts turned to the men, his buddies, whom he had patched up and those who were lost. »
And to continue: “He thanked God for having survived the war, and also proud to have done his duty and helped so many people find freedom. Eighty years later, I am grateful to see that the French have never forgotten, remembering and commemorating with gratitude the price and value of freedom. »
