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The church steeple in Sainte-Côme-du-Mont, France, stands as a historic landmark tied to the village’s World War II history. During the German occupation, German forces used the high church steeple as a strategic observation post to monitor the surrounding marshes and roads.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert Judels, a paratrooper assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, landed near Sainte-Côme-du-Mont on the night of June 5, 1944, during the D-Day invasion. After landing, Judels was hidden from German patrols by local residents Mr. and Mrs. Lemarchand in their farmhouse. Judels later served as an English-French translator for American troops.
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Lt. Col. Drew Schaub gave remarks during a ceremony June 7, 2026, honoring Judels, other 101st Airborne Division Soldiers and the residents who helped preserve their legacy.
Today, Place du Lt. Judels and historical plaques in Sainte-Côme-du-Mont honor Judels and other 101st Airborne Division Soldiers, preserving the memory of their sacrifice and the village’s enduring gratitude.
(U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2026 08:33 |
| Category: | Package |
| Video ID: | 1009677 |
| VIRIN: | 260607-A-XY121-6316 |
| Filename: | DOD_111754400 |
| Length: | 00:00:37 |
| Location: | FR |
| Downloads: | 0 |
| High-Res. Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 101st Airborne Division honors 1st Lt. Robert Judels during D-Day ceremony, by CPT Jennifer French, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
