Manoir De Brecourt - Easy Company

On D-Day, First Lieutenant Richard Winters of the 101st Airborne Division was unexpectedly tasked with destroying a German artillery battery at Brécourt Manor, near Utah Beach. The battery, equipped with four 105mm howitzers, was firing on American troops landing on the beach and was defended by approximately 60 German soldiers.

With only twelve men, Winters launched a surprise attack. Through clever use of trenches and well-coordinated actions, the Americans managed to destroy the four guns one by one. Lt. Ronald Speirs and reinforcements from Company D helped neutralize the last gun.

During the attack, the Americans captured a German map showing strategic positions, which proved crucial. Only a few Americans were killed or wounded.

This successful action contributed to the relatively smooth landing on Utah Beach. Winters was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Koos Winkelman