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| My brother, far right, my sister in law, far left and their family all reading the description of the museum. |
Carentan was a strategic goal of the World War II landings as capturing the town was necessary to link the Utah and Omaha beaches. The town was also needed as an intermediate staging position for the capture of the cities of Cherbourg and Octeville, France.
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| Many illustrations throughout the museum depicting elements of that era. Dress, equipment and utilities used. |
All of these cities are close together in the northeastern base of the French Peninsula. By June 10, 1944, just 4 days after the D-Day invasion, Carentan was seized back from the Germans.
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| Illustration of medical aide being rendered to those injured in this war. |
Our first stop was at Dead Man’s Corner, a WW2 Museum. An American tank was shot down at this crossing by the germans and sadly the body of a US soldier remained for 3 days hanging on top of the turret before being evacuated. The troops used this corner as guidance during communications to their team stating, it’s just after you pass the dead man on the corner.
The D-Day experience is a history museum in Saint-Côme-du-Mont, France. Basically a part of Carentan, France. The experience was very informational and really cool. Although the two hour wait in line wasn’t my favorite thing to do for the day, it allowed us plenty of family time. And everyone should know how much I value and love spending time with my family.
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| Illustration of radio communications. The bicycle had a generator at the base |
Susan’s father, Corporal Rayburn Temple, was in the 431 Medical Company US Army and was part of the D-day invasion. Although he didn’t arrive until the middle of July, they were still under fire, he was there to help win this war and by the grace of God, he came home safely. As a mere civilian, I cant begin to imagine the horrors he experienced but am eternally grateful for his service to our country and support of our allies so that we may walk around free today. Susan, her sister, 2 brothers and a niece and her husband were here to celebrate and learn more about what their father did to serve his country. To Serve Our Country! What an amazing way to honor their father! Thank you Corporal Temple!
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| Many artillery and artifacts from the war |
There were two parts to the D-Day experience other than the Dead Mans corner museum. One was a genuine C-47 warplane that is set up as a simulator to experience what those paratroopers may have felt when taking off from London and crossing the Channel before being shot and having to land.
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| More “actors” exploring the museum dressed up in the attire of 1944. |
The sounds, movement, simulating images inside the windows really helped you feel as if you were there on that day. We had to use seatbelts as the plane moved, jolted and rumbled as if you were really experiencing that flight. The smoke inside the plane was a unique touch as well. The part I like the most was actually before we boarded the plane.
We had to sit through a briefing just as the paratroopers did before boarding the plane. The briefing was done by a hologram of Lt. Col. Robert L. Wolverton briefing, providing guidance and support to his men on what to do.
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| The “hologram” soldier giving a briefing |
He actually explained details of “use your knives, no guns because they’ll hear you” and “we are not here to take prisoners because we don’t have time”, “If you are injured, use your morphine so the enemy doesn’t hear you scream” and “if one of your comrades is injured, use his morphine on him, do not use yours. You may need it”. Trust me, the briefing was very moving and felt very real.
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| The planes name was Stoy Hora |
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| Actual C-47 warplane used as the simulator |
The second part was a 3-D movie that told the entire story in a short period of time of how the planning, execution and success of how our Allies all worked together to win this war. It was very well done and I for one learned more from that short movie than I did in some history books. Maybe because I slept through history class? The added touch of the battle of Carenton at the end was really good.
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| Paratroopers in their dress and guns on that day |
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| A lightweight plane that carried a tank inside |
After the 1/2 day experience here we all found a burger joint in town and had lunch. It was very crowded as you can imagine from the upcoming anniversary celebration. It was cold and sometimes rainy. We had to sit outside for awhile. Although the burgers were really good (after sending a couple of live ones back to be recooked), the service was horrible.
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| One of the many “working” military vehicles around the are |
Again, a very busy day for a very small community so maybe not understanding the need for more help contributed to the confusion but there were 9 of us altogether. 1/2 of our group received their food, one or two burgers at a time and the other 1/2 had to be requested, many times.
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| Flags were on all buildings. We were in awe. |
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| I especially like this shop that had “God Bless USA” banner. |
During this waiting time, we met several soldiers from Fort Bragg, Army base in North Carolina. Many of the soldiers weren’t told until a few days before leaving that they were going to France to help out with the 75th anniversary. Now thats a quick turnaround but they were thrilled to be there to participate in the celebration.
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| I loved this t-shirt but didn’t buy it. I have too many clothes already so I just took a picture |
After lunch, we walked around a little, had a few pastries and a drink and then parted ways. We needed to drive back to Deauville and the rest of the gang had more to see.
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| Small village of Carentan, France. Flags of the hero’s flying everywhere |
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| “Actors” from Czechoslovakia as part of the D-Day festivities around the Normandy region |
It was a day I’ll remember forever!
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| Chuck, Lonnie, Susan, Lea Ann |
May God bless you all and once again, THANK YOU to our military for DEFENDING OUR FREEDOM!
Chuck & Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 
