No Better Place to Die: Ste-Mere Eglise, June 1944-The Battle for la Fiere Bridge

ISBN: 1935149881

Author: Murphy, Robert M.

Condition: New

The you-are-there story of one of the most ferocious small-unit combats in US history . . .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 Mre Eglise, and to hold the bridge over the Merderet River at nearby La Fire. 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, Italy, Normandy, and Holland. He was decorated for valor for his role at La Fire, and is a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. After the war, he was instrumental in establishing the 505th RCT Association.A selection of the Military Book ClubTable 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 Pathfinders ViewChapter 4: The Battle at La Fire: 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 HuebnerThe Hottest Single Incident: The 1st Battalion, 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment at La Fire. By Mark J. AlexanderThe Tank Attack on La Fire Causeway; June 6, 1944. By Marcus HeimLetter to General Gavin. By John DolanChief Turner Turnbull: The Action at Neuville-au-Plain. By Bob MurphyD-Day in Ste. Mre-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 Fire 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 Fire, Seen from the Manoir. By Madame Louis LerouxManning the Bell Tower at Ste. Mre-Eglise: A German Perspective. By Rudolph MayThe Light of Day: June 6, 1944. By Alexandre Renaud, Wartime Mayor of Ste. Mre-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 Parachutists CreedNotes on the 505 PathfindersPathfinde

• WWII | 1944 | Normandy | 505th Parachute Infantry Regimental combat Team | Sainte Mere Eglise