Memorial General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. - Sainte-Mere-Eglise

Memorial General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. – Sainte-Mere-Eglise

Despite his failing health, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr. to enlist with his men during Operation Overlord. General Barton granted his request and so he led the 4th Inf Div during the landing at Utah Beach in Sainte-Marie-du-Mont.
Due to the strong currents, the landing craft had drifted from their original landing zones, but his statement "We are starting the war here" is legendary.
On July 13, 1944, during a counter-offensive by the German troops to recapture Méautis, he suffered a heart attack. Despite all the efforts of his men, he succumbed.
He was initially buried in the American cemetery of Sainte-Mère-Église, later he was interred in the cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer.
He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest American award.

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Source

• Text: Rudi Triki
• Photos: Rudi Triki