On June 6, 1944 all men in a C47 were killed when their plane was shot down during the night before the invasion.
They were all paratroopers from the 506th PIR, 101st Airborne Division.
The men
of E-Company went to Beuzeville au Plain to commemorate their buddies and to lay a wreath at
the monument in the village. Some of them had known Tom in person and
were together with him in Toccoa.
Above left: The small note Tom Meehan wrote to his wife short
before he left for France, only a few hours before he was killed. Herb Suerth
asked to read this letter because it was to emotional for him to do it himself.
Steph Leenhouwers read the text on behalf of the Easy veterans, who were very
impressed by the short but moving ceremony for their buddies killed in action.
During the farewell dinner in Paris (2001) this note was read by Stephen Ambrose which also was a very touching moment for all.
Left: Ralph WIMER, one of the other Easy Company members who was killed in the same incident. His name is also on the monument.
These photos were taken by Peter van de Wal. I assert the moral right to be recognized as the photographer and the owner of these images in any form. If you wish to use these photos for noncommercial purposes I consent to such use as long as the source of the photos is clearly acknowledged in the same publication as the photos you wish to reproduce.
Peter van de Wal ©
