Pont l’Abbe – Normandy, France – World War II
March 3, 2011
Posted in 358th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division, Bootprints, Hobert Winebrenner, Normandy, Picauville France, Pont l'Abbe France, World War II
Tags: 358th Infantry, 90th Infantry Division, Bootprints, Hobert Winebrenner, Normandy, Picauville, Pont l'Abbe, World War II
In June 1944, the 90th Infantry Division continued to push its way west from Utah Beach. German defenses within the Normandy interior proved stout. American soldiers fought for any and all ground gained, mile by mile, town by town.
In BOOTPRINTS, Hobert Winebrenner speaks of the liberation of the villages Picauville and Pont l’Abbe, France. Just west of Pont l’Abbe lies an intersection of roads D-24 and D-15. This point is graced by a large wayside cross.
Winebrenner recalled a buddy being shot and killed in June 1944 at the base of this very same cross, by a German sniper. The site was ingrained in his memory forever.
On a 1970 return to Normandy, Winebrenner and his wife, Marian revisited the location. Our friend from France, Tristan, has graciously offered a “then and now” view of the cross.
I’ve gathered from records that my Uncle Joe. A Longo was killed in this battle on June 14th.