🇺🇲 WWII uncovered: Honoring the Heroes We Lost: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cole: Hero of the Battle of Carentan Falls During Operation Market Garden.

 🇺🇲 WWII uncovered: Honoring the Heroes We Lost: Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cole: Hero of the Battle of Carentan Falls During Operation Market Garden.


Today we honor Lieutenant Colonel Robert George Cole, of Fort Sam Houston Texas, who was fatally wounded on September 18, 1944 during Operation Market Garden.

Robert Cole, Hero of the Battle of Carentan, parachuted into Normandy with the 3rd Battalion of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division on June 6, 1944. 

According to the National Medal of Honor Museum, "The task of securing Carentan was assigned to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Cole.

 After determining that there were no other viable approach paths, Cole realized that the Carentan Causeway (Highway N-13) – a raised and exposed road surrounded by flooded marshland – was the only way to reach the town. 

 Even worse the men of the 3rd battalion would need to cross over 4 narrow bridges – one of which had been dropped into the Douve River by the Germans – all while being within easy range of German snipers, machine guns, and artillery."

"Late on the afternoon of June 10, Cole ordered elements of his command down the causeway towards the objective.  

As his men made their way over Bridge Two and through a narrow iron gate at Bridge Four, the men came under small arms fire from the town. 

With the advance at a standstill, Cole moved down the causeway shouting at them to get up and return fire on the enemy. 

Company I, which started the day with 85 men was down to 23 effectives. An attack by a German Stuka dive bomber only made things worse.

 During the evening, Cole surveyed the situation.  To stay in the current location would leave his men exposed.  

To retreat would be just as bad.  Cole realized that his best option was to order a frontal attack at dawn on the German positions just off the causeway to his front.

 Cole’s men, with the help of American artillery, were able to hold back two determined counterattacks by the Germans.

 The 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment crossed the bridges that night to relieve Cole’s worn out unit.  That regiment, along with the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, would take the town the next morning. 

Thanks to Cole’s attack and his battalion’s sacrifice, the strategic town of Carentan was in American hands.  

Cole’s men had paid a terrible price for their bravery.

  Of the 700 men in the 3rd Battalion, just 132 of the “Screaming Eagles” were left standing. (Source: National Medal of Honor Museum.

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944, in France. Lt. Col.

 Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards of the foremost elements. 

After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over 1 hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. 

Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. 

With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he 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. 

His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River.

 The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service. 

On September 18, 1944, Robert Cole was fatally wounded by a German sniper near the town of Best during Operation Market Garden.

 Cole’s widow and two-year old son accepted the Medal of Honor at a ceremony at Fort Sam Houston. 

Robert was only 29 years old at the time of his passing. 

Lieutenant Colonel Cole lies in rest at the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten. Lest We Forget.

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