The story
The 2nd Ranger Battalion, commanded by Colonel Rudder, launches an assault on the Pointe du Hoc. The men’s mission is to neutralise the guns of the German battery that threaten Omaha and Gold.
Reaching the top of the cliff, the attackers find the guns have been removed from their emplacement to be protected from the bombardment.
Photos:
- Pointe du Hoc
- Rangers climbing the cliff with ladders and grappling hooks.
- Colonel Rudder’s command post set up on the cliffside.
- General Eisenhowerand General Marshall examining the guns of the Pointe du Hoc during a visit in mid-June
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.