| On June 6, 1944, Company "D" of the 2nd Ranger Battalion along with companies "E" and "F" had the unenviable task of knocking out the five 155mm guns on the Pointe Du Hoc. 225 Rangers landed on this small isolated point with a beach no more then 30 yards long at high tide. Using ropes, rope ladders and extension ladders these men scaled the 100 foot shear vertical cliffs while under intense enemy fire. Approximately 181 made it to the top on an average time of 15 to 20 minutes. Once on top they set about their task of destroying the 155mm guns. However the guns had been moved! Two men from Co. D, 1st Sgt Len Lomell and S/Sgt Jack Kune set off on a 2 man patrol to find the guns. They discovered them camouflaged in an apple orchard approximately 1 mile inland. Using skill and determination the two knocked out the guns with thermite grenades, while only 100 yards away from 75 to 100 German soldiers in formation. The Rangers were the first and only unit to accomplish their mission on "D" Day. Finally relieved on D+2 by the 116th Infantry Regiment, there were only 90 Rangers still standing to fight on! |
