The you-are-there story of one of the most ferocious small-unit
combats in US history
As part of the massive Allied invasion of Normandy, three airborne
divisions were dropped behind enemy lines to sow confusion in the German
rear and prevent panzer reinforcements from reaching the beaches. In the
dark early hours of D-Day, this confusion was achieved well enough, as
nearly every airborne unit missed its drop zone, creating a kaleidoscope
of small-unit combat.
Fortunately for the Allies, the 505th Regimental Combat Team of the 82nd
Airborne Division hit on or near its drop zone. Its task was to seize
the vital crossroads of Ste Mère Eglise, and to hold the bridge over the
Merderet River at nearby La Fière. Benefiting from dynamic battlefield
leadership, the paratroopers reached the bridge, only to be met by wave
after wave of German tanks and infantry desperate to force the
crossing.
Reinforced by glider troops, who suffered terribly in their landings
from the now-alert Germans, the 505th not only held the vital bridge for
three days but launched a counterattack in the teeth of enemy fire to
secure their objective once and for all, albeit at gruesome cost. In No
Better Place to Die, Robert M. Murphy provides an objective narrative
of countless acts of heroism, almost breathtaking in its "you are there"
detail.
No World War II veteran is better known in 82nd Airborne circles than
Robert M. (Bob) Murphy. A Pathfinder and member of A Company, 505th PIR,
Bob was wounded three times in action, and made all four combat jumps
with his regiment, fighting in Sicily, Normandy, and Holland. He was
decorated for valor for his role at La Fière, and is a Chevalier of the
French Legion of Honor. After the war, he was instrumental in
establishing the 505th RCT Association.
