The Liberation of Pointe Du Hoc The 2d Rangers at Normandy June 6 8 1944
80 b/w photographs 8 x 10
In one of the remarkable stories of D-Day, the task of liberating a small but significant German stronghold-Pointe du Hoc-fell to 225 brave souls from the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Led by Lt. Col. James Rudder, the men scaled the 100 foot cliff and fought their way into history.
Volunteers for “the most dangerous mission of that day”, they were asked to overcome natural barriers, destroy six huge 155mm guns, cut German communications, set up roadblocks, and hinder enemy reinforcements from reaching the beach areas. The suppression of the guns would literally make a life or death difference to the U.S. troops landing on Omaha and Utah Beaches. After two days of fighting, only 90 of the battalion were left to tell their story.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star Another wannabe
Another self-promoting individual exploting the kindness of the old-timers. Although the information is interesting, it lacks real scholarship and passion.
4 Stars A must read for the ETO buff.
Most histories of D-Day include the exploits of the 2nd Rangers lead by their thrice-wounded CO, Lt. Col. James Rudder and their taking of Pointe Du Hoc. The daring heroics involving their scrambling up 100′ cliffs on ropes and ladders while under small arms fire is the stuff of legends. On those cliffs the Germans had placed six 155mm guns which could rain fire down upon both Omaha and Utah beach. Gen. Omar Bradley labeled the elimination of these guns by the 2nd Ranger “the most dangerous mission of D-Day”. A book giving them a more detailed account and the recognition they deserve is most appropriate.
This account include the birth of the 2nd Rangers, their training, the plans for D-Day and most importantly, their story after their primary mission was accomplished. For the next two days and nights, scattered members of D, E and F companies were subjected to three determined German counterattacks. When the in-land hook-up finally did occur only 90 of the original 225 men were left to command.
The book moves so quickly, it can be read easily in less than a day. Maps are numerous and allow the reader to following the action without effort. Photos of the personnel and the terrain added a much-appreciated dynamic element. This is another book I wish I had read before visiting the Normandy beaches.
For their action on Pointe Du Hoc, the 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion won a unit citation for “grim determination and extraordinary heroism”.
4 Stars A must read for the ETO buff.
Most histories of D-Day include the exploits of the 2nd Rangers lead by their thrice-wounded CO, Lt. Col. James Rudder and their taking of Pointe Du Hoc. The daring heroics involving their scrambling up 100′ cliffs on ropes and ladders while under small arms fire is the stuff of legends. On those cliffs the Germans had placed six 155mm guns which could rain fire down upon both Omaha and Utah beach. Gen. Omar Bradley labeled the elimination of these guns by the 2nd Ranger “the most dangerous mission of D-Day”. A book giving them a more detailed account and the recognition they deserve is most appropriate.
This account include the birth of the 2nd Rangers, their training, the plans for D-Day and most importantly, their story after their primary mission was accomplished. For the next two days and nights, scattered members of D, E and F companies were subjected to three determined German counterattacks. When the in-land hook-up finally did occur, only 90 of the original 225 men were left to command.
The book moves so quickly, it can be read easily in less than a day. Maps are numerous and allow the reader to following the action without effort. Photos of the personnel and the terrain added a much-appreciated dynamic element. This is another book I wish I had read before visiting the Normandy beaches.
For their action on Pointe Du Hoc, the 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion won a unit citation for “grim determination and extraordinary heroism”.
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