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the right to wear Fourragere Francaise. I believe that their sacrifices will seem lighter
to them if they can hope to pin to their battalion's flag soon a mark of French recognition.
In future combat they will fight with even more tenacity proud to be airborne battalions which
France has recognized as the brave among the brave. Please accept, Monsieur, the commissioner
of the Government the assurances of my complete devotion.

The Mayor of Ste. Mere Eglise

and his name is:
Aimano

By 0700 the 1st battalion had organized and taken their first objective. They passed the
railroad bridge and continued on to their first highway bridge mission. Because parachute
regiment on the other west side of the Merederet River had not organized and accomplished
their mission, this battalion for a day and a half was fighting much ? seriously in order
to seize and hold this important bridge over the Merederet River. The bridge was taken and
lost several times during this period. The enemy attacked in the evening and everyone from
the lowest private to the highest ranking officer fought continuously with the spirit and
skill that was outstanding. The toll was high. By about 1900 hours D-Day only one staff
officer, 1st Lt. Paterson, the G-2, was left in the 1st battalion. Major Kellam, the com-
manding officer, Major McGinity, the executive officer, and Capt. Roysdon, the G-3 were
killed in action. Kellam and McGinity were killed on the La Fiere bridge. Lt. Col.
Alexander regimental executive officer went to the 1st battalion as commanding officer.
The attacking Germans could not be kept on the other side of the river for the night so
the battalion had to take defensive positions and hold the east of the railroad. At 0800
hours on D-Day, Gen. Gavin the assistant Division commander had ordered the 505 to hold
the line between the two bridges and Ste. Mere Eglise at all costs. From D-Day at 0632
members of the French underground—it is believed the first operation - was contacted by
the G 2 section. At 0730 all German command posts in Ste. Mere Eglise was searched by this
underground member and G 2 section. A guard was placed on their headquarters and the CIC
was requested to blow the safe with their secret documents.