![]() ![]() In Cross-Channel Attack, author Gordon Harrison sums up the importance of small unit leaders and individual Paratroopers’ actions during the initial scrum of the invasion: Led by First Lieutenant John “Red Dog” Dolan, A Company, and the rest of the 1 stBattalion, 505 PIR quickly assembled 90% of their force and headed towards their objective, La Fiere Bridge. ![]() A Co, 1-505 PIR represented a much smaller slice, but in the midst of the chaotic first 72 hours from 06-09 June 1944, theirs is a story worth telling. Paratroopers numbered approximately 13,400, well below 10% of the invading land force on D-Day. However, just because they managed to land where they wanted did not guarantee their mission would be a success. Due to their prior experience, willingness to brave the anti-aircraft fire in the troop doors, preparedness to terrain associate, and tactical patience set conditions for mission accomplishment on the ground. Jumpmasters, including the 2/505 Battalion Commander, LTC Benjamin Vandervoort, ensured their unit hit the drop zones. Some of its elements had already completed their third combat jump in about a year. One such unit was the 505 thParachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), a seasoned element of the 82 ndAirborne Division. 75 years ago, units of the American Paratroopers had already landed behind German lines in France. ![]()
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