This little and quiet village was located at the junction of the “higher” coastal road and the road from Ste Mere Eglise to the coast.

It was therefore strategic to hold it as it controlled part of the northern flank of the airborne attack and of the Utah beach landing. Paratroopers of the 502 and 506 regiments held it with MajorStopka until relieved by the 4th Infantry Division.

Ravenoville was made world-famous by the picture of James Flanagan, the U.S paratrooper holding a nazi flag in front of the Marmion’s farm.