View oh the Ingouf farmhouse where the 3rd Bn., 502nd conducted the bayonet charge.

The battle for Carentan was one the bloodiest of the U.S. Airborne's history. After five days of fierce combat at the edge of Carentan, Lt. Col. Robert Cole, while pinned down by intense enemy fire, searching desperately for an ultimate way to sealed the fate of the opposing German paratroops and break into Carentan, lead a desperate bayonet charge upon the enemy.

The battlefield at Carentan has changed very little since 1944. Today, there stands nothing to recall one of the most decisive battles ever waged by U.S. paratroopers on French soil and the terrible losses suffered there.

Cole's Bayonet Charge National Monument commemorating the sacrifices made during this decisive victory will stand as a symbol of a grateful region's esteem for the honored dead of the U.S. Airborne.

The site selected to erect the monument is the same pastoral beauty that was witness to such violence and heroism on that day of June 11, 1944.

The plan calls for the giant 3,5 tonnes bronze four character statue to be standing in the heart of the battefield near Bridge # 4 (Silver Star Bridge), at the end of Purple Heart Lane. This is on the very land where the famous bayonet charge took place. It is also on the hearth of the Natural Park Des Marais, at the city limit of Carentan, overlooking the Ingouf farmhouse where the German paratroops set up their defensive line. The monument commemorating this pivotal battle will vanguard the entrance of the new Carentan Historical Center devoted to honor and recall the event of June 1944.

Commemorating the distinguished service of the men who have served their nation for our freedom, the statue captures a glimpse of the most significant moment of the bayonet charge extracted from Cole's Medal of Honor citation - With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, LTC Cole rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position.

The statue depicts three World War II paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division during the dramatic moment lead by Lt. Col. Robert Cole.

LTC Robert COLE, Commander 3rd Bn., 502nd, was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading the charge. Cole's face as well as uniform and equipment he wore are sculpted from photographic records.

Charging at Cole's right stands 1SGT Kenneth Ned SPRECHER. Ken Sprecher, 1st Sgt of "H" Co., 3rd Bn. was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism during the charge. Sprecher's face as well as uniform and equipment he wore are sculpted from photographic records.

Charging at Cole's left stands PVT Allen Emery, a mortar man from "HQ" Company, 3rd Bn. 502nd PIR, awarded the Bronze Star for exemplary conduct in combat at Carentan. Emery's face as well as uniform and equipment he wore are sculpted from photographic records.

On the ground, passing his bayoneted rifle to LTC Cole, lays Pvt. Edward R. SOWDER a paratrooper from "I" Company, 3rd Bn., 502nd PIR fataly shot through the head on June 11, 1944. Sowder's face is sculpted from photographic records.

On the imposing stone pedestal fierly displaying the Screaming Eagle of the 101st Airborne Division, one will be able to read on bronze plaques the official citations awarded to these valorous paratroopers.

These four man selected to represent the instant of history commemorated in the monument will forever stand as the stunning symbol of bravery and heroism of the United States Army Paratroops.

DESIGNERS : Carentan Historical Center and Toccoa Concept

SCULPTOR: Daniel Druet. (French sculptor based in Paris creates expressive and stylized, figurative compositions. The artist has also worked on some public monuments including Iron Mike and a number of commissioned portraits).

FOUNDRY: Cornille Havard Bell Foundry in Villedieu-les-Poeles Normandy, a French company, 300-year-old.

COST : 250.000 euros