Major Richard Winters Memorial
About Major Richard Winters Memorial
A 3.6-meter bronze statue of Major Richard Winters stands along the D913 road between Sainte-Marie-du-Mont and Utah Beach, marking the area where he landed by parachute on D-Day. Unveiled on June 6, 2012, the monument depicts Winters running with an M-1 Garand rifle and honors all junior U.S. military officers who served on D-Day. Winters commanded Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, made famous by the book and HBO series Band of Brothers. On D-Day morning, he led the assault on Brécourt Manor, destroying four German artillery guns shelling Utah Beach - an action still studied at West Point. The memorial sits in a roadside clearing with free parking and 24-hour access, making it an easy stop when visiting Normandy's D-Day beaches.
Interesting Facts
The memorial cost approximately $250,000 to build, largely funded through a grassroots campaign. A young man named Jordan raised $99,000 alone by selling "Hang Tough" bracelets - Winters' personal motto that he would say to his men.
Sculptor Stephen C. Spears spent two years creating the statue. He depicted Winters at age 26 as he appeared on D-Day, though Winters lived until 2011 and passed away at 92, just months before seeing the completed memorial.
The three granite plaques at the base are inscribed in both English and French. One features Winters' famous quote: "Wars do not make men great, but they bring out the greatness in good men." Another includes a quote from his commanding officer praising his leadership under fire.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
Location & Practical Info
Address
Highway D913, 50480 Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, France
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