The 550th Infantry Airborne Battalion in Southern France

*This page is currently under construction**

Relief Map of the Southern France Campaign at the American Military Cemetery in Draguignan, France.

"A Bolt From The Blue"

The 550th Infantry landed by glider near Le Muy, France at 1830 hours on 15 August 1944 and launched an attack upon the town at 2330 hours. The town of Le Muy was occupied by a determined enemy force, well emplaced in stone buildings. this enemy force had successfully resisted repeated attacks by the 1st ABTF forces conducted during the daylight hours of 15 August.

The battalion advanced under the cover of darkness to the outskirts of the town where it was stopped by adverse terrain, enemy machine gun fire and frequent enemy flares. It was withdrawn from the adverse position before daylight and after reorganising, resumed the attack at 1140 hours 16 August 1944. By 1630 hours the same day, the town had been captured, with over 700 prisoners being taken.

 

CG-4A Troop Glider Cockpit recovered in the 1990's from the landing zone of the 550th around Le Muy.

Liberation Museum, Le Muy, France.

The remarkably complete interior of the cockpit, down to the Fire Extinguisher and the AN-M8 Signal Pistol.

Liberation Museum, Le Muy, France.

 

 

 

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