Ste Marie “Of The Hill” stands on the edge of the plateau and overlooks the Douve river mouth. The tall bell tower of the beautiful medieval church offered an incredible observation post to the Germans.

Four miles away from Utah beach and located on the main exit road from it, the village was a top priority for the 101st Airborne to capture during the night. General Taylor himself and his men managed to stop the German counter-attacks from the south.