The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3) - Sarah Sundin Page 0,73
troops in this invasion who will know the full scope of the plan before we board our transports. That’s because you need to know not only your individual objective, but that of your squad, your section, your platoon, your company, and both Ranger battalions.”
That’s why Clay liked the Rangers. The combination of individual and group responsibility resonated with him.
Taylor flopped over part of the blanket, revealing a map. “This is where the Allies will be invading—in the Normandy region of France.”
Clay edged closer with his buddies.
Taylor pointed to the end of the map. “From the left flank to the right, the British will land here on Sword Beach, the Canadians on Juno Beach, and more British on Gold. US V Corps will land on Omaha, and US VII Corps on Utah. In V Corps, the 1st Infantry Division will land to the left, the 29th to the right. The 2nd and 5th Rangers are attached to 29th Division.”
Clay crossed his arms. A broad enough front to handle the large number of troops but narrow enough to support each other. Wise.
“This is the Rangers’ objective, Pointe du Hoc.” Taylor pointed to a triangle of land between Omaha and Utah. “The Germans have six French-made 155-mm guns on this point. These guns have a range of 25,000 yards. That’s over ten miles, boys. Far enough to reach Utah, Omaha, and the fleet offshore.”
Clay let out a low whistle at the semicircle around the point showing the range.
Lieutenant Taylor flung the blanket off the rest of the table, revealing a contoured rubber map. “This shows the assault area for the 29th Division. Here’s the plan. Ranger Force A will consist of Companies D, E, and F of the 2nd Rangers—you boys. We’ll land directly at Pointe du Hoc.”
Gene nudged Clay and grinned. Yep, they’d received the best assignment.
“Force B is Company C of the 2nd Rangers. They’ll land on Charlie Beach at the far right of Omaha, to the right of the D-1 draw at Vierville-sur-Mer. They’ll climb the cliff, proceed to Pointe de la Percée, take out the guns and radar station there, then meet us at Pointe du Hoc.”
A climb and a five-mile hike. Those fellows would be busy.
“Force C consists of our Companies A and B, plus all six companies of the 5th Battalion. They’ll wait offshore. If our mission is successful, they’ll land at Pointe du Hoc to reinforce us. If we fail—”
“Fat chance,” Manfred Brady said.
Taylor lowered his eyebrows. “If we fail, they’ll land at Dog Green Beach to the left of the D-1 draw, and they’ll make their way to Pointe du Hoc. No matter what, the Rangers are taking out those guns.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Come with me.” Taylor marched to another table and slid the blanket off another rubber map. “This is Pointe du Hoc.”
Clay murmured in appreciation, along with the other men.
A thin dagger of land stabbed the sea, surrounded by steep cliffs and a narrow strip of beach. At least their cliff-climbing skills wouldn’t go to waste.
“Here are the six guns.” Taylor touched six positions in a V, then the tip of the point. “And an observation post. The point is heavily defended with minefields, barbed wire, machine guns, antiaircraft guns, and a network of trenches and bunkers. But the defenses are set up against an attack from the land, not the sea. After all, these cliffs are one hundred feet tall.”
Laughter whipped around the tent.
“Come on, Lieutenant.” Gene elbowed Clay. “Can’t you get us a better challenge than that?”
Taylor sobered. “This time you’ll have Germans shooting down at you.”
The laughter dribbled away.
The platoon leader straightened up and crossed his arms. “Pointe du Hoc will get a thorough working over by Allied aircraft and ships. They’ll bomb the stuffing out of this place. But we must be prepared.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Before we embark and while we’re on board, you boys will be busy.” He gestured around the tent. “We’ll have more briefings. You’ll study maps, aerial photos, and sand tables. You’ll memorize the terrain, the tides, and the location of every gun and defensive position. You will each receive an individual objective and will know it well.”
Clay nodded. The triangle of land was marked up with indications for bunkers and gun emplacements. Which one was the structure from his recurring dream? Where would he die?
Something stretched and tugged in his chest, pulling him away from that dream—the longing to see Leah and Helen, Wyatt and Adler, Daddy and Mama.
Clay forced himself to look around the tent at Gene