In My Grandfather's Boots: From Utah Beach to Epinal
In August 2009, I had the rare opportunity to walk where my Grandfather, and countless others walked. From the landing beaches of D-day, following the path of the 79th Infantry and 314th Infantry Regiment across France, I caught a glimpse, perhaps, of how his 5 months on the front lines made him undergo a transformation from an apprehensive novice into a battle-tested veteran. Visiting the dark forests where empty foxholes tell haunting stories. Walking where the daily life of soldiers led, where they were locked in gruesome events far beyond their experience. Walking where they fought side-by-side under fire, suffered wounds, agonized over the deaths of friends, enduring true suffering and sacrifice. From Utah Beach to his final resting place in the American Cemetary at Epinal, France, this was my journey.
Special Thanks
I must add a note here of thanks to Philippe Sugg. He made my short trip all that more memorable with his knowledge and willingness to take the time to show me his beautiful country. He was extremely gracious and with his direction, I was able to see exactly what my grandfather and others like him endured, where he walked, and most likely, where his life came to an end. Philippe also continues to be a driving force in the region by recognizing allied contributions and sacrifices with monuments, celebrations, and special events. Thank you, Philippe, from a grateful American.
I also had the rare opportunity to meet some other incredible people, through Philippe, to whom I wish to extend a special thanks. First is Gerard Louis who showed me where he discovered the dogtags of a missing American serviceman in the Foret de Parroy. Additionally, thanks to Selma Gallou for following us everywhere providing translation, and to Christophe Andre for taking me to my Grandfather's grave and around the Vincey area. Finally, thanks as well to Gilles Cuinat, Julien Hannebique, and Richard Pascal. I am glad to call all of you friends.
Newspaper article regarding the dedication of the memorial and my visit
Looking back...
Visiting places of incredible bravery, of sacrifice, and seeing the final resting place of so many thousands of Americans, both at Coleville sur Mer and Epinal, is a powerful experience. Walking on Omaha and Utah Beaches, strolling reverently between white marble crosses at the American Cemeteries, standing under the dark canopy of a French forest on the other side of France just outside Luneville, or simply looking across an open field at the entrance to a small, French town, brings an incredible sense of awe. I remember a quote that goes something like, "Follow your path. If that path has a heart, it is a good path". For me, this was a good path. For my grandfather, I believe it was as well.
"Our revels now ended. These our actors, as I foretold you, were all spirits, and are melted into air, into thin air. And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, the cloud capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples, the great globe itself. Yea, all which it inherits shall dissolve. And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep." ~ The Tempest, Act IV, William Shakespeare