No Better Place to Die: Ste-Mere Eglise, June 1944-The Battle for la Fiere Bridge (en Inglés)
Reseña del libro "No Better Place to Die: Ste-Mere Eglise, June 1944-The Battle for la Fiere Bridge (en Inglés)"
As part of the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, three airborne divisions were dropped behind enemy lines to sow confusion in the German rear and prevent panzer reinforcements from reaching the beaches. In the dark early hours of D-Day, this confusion was achieved well enough, as nearly every airborne unit missed its drop zone, creating a kaleidoscope of small-unit combat.Fortunately for the Allies, the 505th Regimental Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division hit on or near its drop zone. Its task was to seize the vital crossroads of Ste Mère Eglise, and to hold the bridge over the Merderet River at nearby La Fière. Benefiting from dynamic battlefield leadership, the paratroopers reached the bridge, only to be met by wave after wave of German tanks and infantry desperate to force the crossing.Reinforced by glider troops, who suffered terribly in their landings from the now-alert Germans, the 505th not only held the vital bridge for three days but launched a counterattack in the teeth of enemy fire to secure their objective once and for all, albeit at gruesome cost. In No Better Place to Die, Robert M. Murphy provides an objective narrative of countless acts of heroism, almost breathtaking in its "you are there” detail.No World War II veteran is better known in 82nd Airborne circles than Robert M. (Bob) Murphy. A Pathfinder and member of A Company, 505th PIR, Bob was wounded three times in action, and made all four combat jumps with his regiment, fighting in Sicily, Normandy, and Holland. He was decorated for valor for his role at La Fière, and is a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. After the war, he was instrumental in establishing the 505th RCT Association.Table of ContentsForeword. By Colonel Mark J. AlexanderIntroduction. By Ian DaglishPart I: "No Better Place to Die.” By Bob MurphyChapter 1: Soldiers Tell the TaleChapter 2: A Change of PlanChapter 3: Operation Overlord: A Pathfinder's ViewChapter 4: The Battle at La Fière: The Mission of the 1st Battalion, 505 Parachute Infantry RegimentChapter 5: Across the CausewayChapter 6: The Battle of Chef-du-PontChapter 7: D-Day Plus One: June 7, 1944Chapter 8: Advance across the MarshChapter 9: Last Enemy Attack and the End of the Normandy CampaignPart II: Eyewitness Reports: Paratrooper AccountsLanding Alone on D-Day. By Howard Huebner"The Hottest Single Incident”: The 1st Battalion, 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment at La Fière. By Mark J. AlexanderThe Tank Attack on La Fière Causeway; June 6, 1944. By Marcus HeimLetter to General Gavin. By John Dolan"Chief” Turner Turnbull: The Action at Neuville-au-Plain. By Bob MurphyD-Day in Ste. Mère-Eglise. By Spencer F. WurstPart III: Eyewitness Reports: Gliderist AccountsA Brief History on Gliders. By Bob MurphyD-Day Glider Landing. By Clinton RiddleLanding with the Tank Force at Utah Beach. By Lucius P. YoungThe 325 Glider Infantry Regiment Attack across La Fière Causeway. By Lee TravelsteadA Medic in Normandy. By Chester WalkerThe Fighting at Cauquigny and Le Motey. By Wayne PiercePart IV: Eyewitness Reports: French and German AccountsThe Opposition: Panzer Ersatz und Ausbildungs Abteilung 100The Battle of La Fière, Seen from the Manoir. By Madame Louis LerouxManning the Bell Tower at Ste. Mère-Eglise: A German Perspective. By Rudolph MayThe Light of Day: June 6, 1944. By Alexandre Renaud, Wartime Mayor of Ste. Mère-EglisePart V: Return to NormandyEpilogue. By Bob MurphyAcknowledgmentsAppendix A: CitationsRobert M. Murphy: Bronze Star Medal with Bronze V DeviceMarcus Heim: Distinguished Service CrossCharles DeGlopper: Medal of HonorAppendix B: Historical Notes and DocumentsTimeline: 82d Airborne DivisionThe Activation of the 505 Parachute Infantry RegimentJump TrainingThe Parachutist's CreedNotes on the 505 PathfindersPathfinder Employment for Operation NeptuneAppendix C: Stories for the Next GenerationIn Memory of Bill Owens. By Bob MurphyThe Rabbit's Tale. Or, How a Big French Jackrabbit Helped Win the War. By D. Zane SchlemmerChristmas in the Bulge, 1944. By D. Zane SchlemmerLiving History, Keeping History Alive: A Tribute to the 82d Airborne Division. By Emile LacroixComments on Research and Further Reading. By Bob MurphyEditor's Note. By Gayle WurstIndex
