SEPTEMBER 19, 2024 – In the summer of 1944, the 137th Infantry Regiment of the 35th Infantry Division began its journey from the Mortain sector, making its way toward Le Mans and south to Orleans.
The regiment encountered little enemy aircraft activity and proceeded southeast. The convoy moved through various towns and encountered enthusiastic civilians in Le Mans. The city had minimal damage from its recent capture, and the regiment settled in a bivouac area just east of Le Mans for the night.
The following day, the regiment, operating as Task Force S under the command of Maj. Gen. Edmund Sebree, proceeded on its mission to seize Orleans, 65 miles south of Paris.
The journey was cautious, with stops to screen for hostile resistance. The Soldiers encountered evidence of recent enemy losses, including destroyed equipment and abandoned motor pools. As they continued eastward, the regiment reached Coulmiers, observing fires to the northeast caused by American Airmen targeting enemy installations and transportation. Casualties were reported, and patrols were sent out to gather intelligence on the approaching objective, as the enemy still occupied Orleans.
On the morning of Aug. 16, 1944, the regiment began its advance on Orleans. The 2nd and 3rd battalions encountered some resistance, resulting in casualties, particularly at the woods between Coulmiers and Ormes.
Despite these challenges, the 1st and 3rd battalions captured a large enemy machine shop, while the 2nd battalion reached the city’s outskirts and eventually seized city hall. Although they faced machine gun and artillery fire, the regiment sustained very few casualties and captured Orleans, taking 42 prisoners.
Eight decades later, members of the 35th Infantry Division, including Maj. Gen. John Rueger, commanding general of the 35th Infantry Division, and his division Command Sgt. Maj. Rob Istas, visited Orleans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the 35th Infantry Division’s successful mission of liberating the town.
The team engaged with the local community and the command team talked with people who were present in Orleans during its liberation 80 years ago.
“The Orleans people are the reason it was important for the command team to be present for the liberation celebration,” Istas said. “The residents of Orleans shared their experiences as though it happened yesterday. It was almost overwhelming. Hearing about their experiences was emotional and powerful and left me feeling grateful and humbled.”
The team participated in historic-themed events and celebrated the promotion of Maj. Dustin Dice, aide-de-camp, with the statue of Joan of Arc as the backdrop.
“We were able to immerse ourselves in a vivid and historically accurate military camp reenactment, gaining a deeper experience of Soldiers from the past,” said Dice. “We also had the honor of participating in a parade showcasing a remarkable display of World War II-era military vehicles, which added an exciting and captivating element to our visit.”
Dice said the division participated in the dedication of a park honoring Gen. George S. Patton with his granddaughter, Helen Patton.
“One of the moments that sticks out to me was after the parade,” recalled Istas. “The command team was standing watching the people in their period dress when a small older woman holding a picture walked over with her son. Her son told us that she was 8 years old when the 35th Infantry Division Soldiers came to Orleans. The picture she was holding was of herself with those Soldiers. Her son asked if we’d take a picture with her, and, of course, we said yes. The expression on this woman’s face and the emotions she displayed while taking a picture with us is one I will never forget.”
Members of the division and the Kansas Army National Guard will send representatives to more historic battle sites this fall to honor the 35th Infantry Division Soldiers who fought and died in World War II and support the organizations and people in France who help keep their memory alive.
By Lt. Col. Margaret St. Pierre
35th Infantry Division