Paru le 26/04/2014 | Cartonné 80 pages
Tout public
illustrations Christophe Esquerré | colour Paul Gros | project-coordinator Jean-Charles Stasi
On the night of 5 to 6 June 1944, some 15,000 American paratroopers were dropped into Normandy to outflank the German troops. Among them were the men of the 3rd Battalion of the 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, commanded by Lt. Col. Robert Wolverton. Dropped behind Utah Beach, their mission was to seize two bridges on the Douve, near Carentan, to prevent enemy reinforcements accessing the coast.
As a result of long and painstaking research, Gilles Vallée has been able to reconstruct the route of Wolverton and his men as they embarked with him on board the C-47 « Stoy Hora », piloted by Colonel Frank Krebs of the 440th Troop Carrier Group.
In this richly illustrated book with vintage photos and drawings by Christopher Esquerré, the author brings to life, by sharing the actions of a handful of paratroopers during this heroic night, events that marked the beginning of the end the Third Reich.
In addition to the book, a DVD produced by Charles-Henry Groult collects pictures and archival records. An indispensable package for experiencing the famous night of the landings.
Born in Nice in 1966, Gilles Vallée is married and father of two children. He works as a physiotherapist for twenty years after serving for five years in the Navy, as an aeronautical electronic engineer on board helicopters. When young he was fascinated by stories of the Normandy landings ; and this book is the result of a childhood dream and his reminiscences which he wishes to pass on to young generations.
Self-taught illustrator, Christophe Esquerré has always been passionate about drawing, painting and graphics. His natural artistic curiosity is constantly engaged in graphic design both traditional and digital. By working on this illustrated book, he has had the opportunity to exercise his passion and participate in creating an educational tool that is also fun.
