The World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument is located on a cliff eight miles west of Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach, France. It was erected by the French to honor elements of the American Second Ranger Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. James E. Rudder. During the American assault of Omaha and Utah beaches on June 6, 1944, these U.S. Army Rangers scaled the 100-foot cliffs and seized the German artillery pieces that could have fired on the American landing troops at Omaha and Utah beaches. At a high cost of life, they successfully defended against determined German counterattacks.

The beaches of Omaha were a real trap for the troops of the 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions. We will have one or two stops on Omaha Beach, and understand the landings of the American troops on June 6th, 1944. Depending on the circumstances, the stop may be in Vierville S/Mer, St Laurent S/Mer, or Colleville S/Mer. One or two stops at Omaha Beach. Please indicate in a message if you have a preference.

The cemetery site, at the north end of its half mile access road, covers 172.5 acres and contains the graves of more than 9,380 of our military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations. On the Walls of the Missing, in a semicircular garden on the east side of the memorial, are inscribed 1,557 names.