A Salute to American Veterans: "The D-Day Battle of Graignes."

The United Bank Center for Military and Veterans Studies at Coastal Carolina University chronicles a little known battle in the town of Graignes, France. A small group of U.S. paratroop soldiers were dropped in the wrong area and faced a massive German army. The bravery of the U.S. soldiers and the townspeople leaves a remarkable memory for the survivors and the viewers.
Coastal Carolina University is a comprehensive, public liberal arts institution in Conway, South Carolina. More than 10,000 students from across the country and the world interact with a world-class faculty, and enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction that is fueled by more than 180 student clubs and organizations.
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[@mm-qp6gj]

Fantastic video. My brother-in-law's dad fought here and survived. I was able to visit last year and it was awe inspiring to see it in person.

[@CreatingAlong]

This was great, thanks!

[@georgemorris7940]

This is a stretch but by any chance does anyone seeing this videe have any knowldge of George E. Tillett? He was my mother's youngest brother. His name is on the Memorial. Unfortunately, I just discovered this video.

[@garethharding1]

I'm an impartial historian . Definitely not any kind of Nazi apologist. However , whilst the US forces most definitely held on till darkness, they were probably only fighting one of two companies of the 17th SS. Other events for the 17th on that day appear far more relevant as they run into problems outside Isigny and Carentan . Its a lovely story of a modern day Alamo, and shows Hands Across The Water and all that , but it has been overhyped. For example , it was said that the Church and village was immediately destroyed by the Germans in revenge for their resistance , whilst Allied Recce photos show the Church still intact a week later! It was most likely destroyed by the Allies to stop the high point being used by the Germans when the US forces finally pushed through here. Definitely it's true in the general sense that none of this would have happened if the Nazis hadn't started the war, but examples such as Bloody Gulch and Brecourt Manor are better examples of bravery . I would expect a university to do some basic research . Sadly this is a failure and they have been embarrassed. Do not attend the place if you want a respected history degree 😢

[@lianejunerichardson-ward515]

As a long time resident of Graignes, I can tell you that the history has not been over-hyped, if anything it's been understated. The reprisal on the church and it's inhabitants for example, was on the 11th June, when the church was bombed by the Germans and the village centre burned to the ground, leaving only two houses intact. The wounded were executed, soldiers who weren't killed in the fighting were taken away and executed as were dozens of villagers who helped the Allies; the two priests, their housekeepers and the local general store owner, were amongst them. The rest of the church was demolished later to consecrate it as a memorial to the fallen, allies and citizens alike.