Operation Dragoon - After Action Reports

Record of Events

Company “D”, 517 Parachute Infantry Regiment

             Co. D was assigned the mission of clearing the DZ, located as described above by sending two platoons (reinforced) to seize and hold the hill front commanding a possible approach to the Bn. AA.  The other platoon was to push forward to seize the left flank of the Bn. Sector.  At 0425 hours on 15 Aug 44, Capt. David H. Armstrong, Co. Co. D led his first plane load of paratroopers out the door of the 1st plane of the 1st wave over S France from a height of 1500 ft.  Simultaneously, seven more plane loads of D. Co. troopers bailed out with their equipment bundles.  They landed about three kilometers SE of LaMotte, France.  The night was dark, and a thick fog approximately 800 ft. in depth obscured the ground and materially affected the assembly of the men and equipment.  Some of the Company units encountered a light enemy resistance, characterized principally by small arms fire.  This fire came from enemy patrols and was quickly silenced.  The majority of the Co. was assembled by daylight on the highway leading into LaMotte.  At that point, the Co. joined Hq. Co. which was about 50% strength.

            The command of the Co. was delegated to Lt. Laren, S. James, former Co. Exec. Officer as the injuries sustained by Capt. Armstrong when he landed made his evacuation necessary.  Other Co. jump casualties were:  Pvt. Flagle, sprained ankles; Pvt. R. A. Allen, broken foot; Lt. Sherman Williams, sprained ankle; Pvt. F. Waprci, sprained back; Pvt. Foute, sprained ankle; Pvt. Sloav, sprained ankle; Pvt. Bill Jones, broken rib; Pvt. Payne, ruptured ear drum; ???Melvin Edwards, back injury.  Lt. Williams and Pvt. Flagle and Jones and Edwards later joined the Co.   Pvt. Frederis Johns, while attempting to join the Co. was killed by 3 MC bullets in his back.  His last words were “I’m sorry I let you feelows down.”  The other injured were evacuated, Pvt. Jones broken rib; Pvt. Payne, ruptured ear drum, Lt. Williams, Pvts. Flagle and Jones rejoined the Co.  The remainder were evacuated.

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