La Fiere Bridge and Iron Mike Monument
France
Inside the park is the statue of the American soldier Iron Mike, replica of the one located in Fort Bragg (military training base) in the state of North Carolina in the United States and an orientation table retracing the facts.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1La Fière Bridge and Iron Mike Monument
Welcome to La Fière, perhaps the most hotly contested piece of ground in the entire Normandy campaign. As we stand on this ridge overlooking the Merderet River valley, we are at the site of a battle that military historians,…
Listen in the app2Iron Mike: The Patron Saint of the Airborne
Standing tall on the ridge is the statue known as 'Iron Mike.' This bronze figure of a paratrooper, M1 Garand in hand and eyes fixed on the horizon, has become the universal symbol of the American airborne soldier. Interestingly,…
Listen in the app3The La Fière Manor: A Headquarters Under Fire
Directly adjacent to the bridge stands the La Fière Manor, a traditional Norman stone farmhouse that played a central role in the battle. During the engagement, this house served as a command post and a focal point for the…
Listen in the app4The Bridge and the Merderet River
We now descend to the bridge itself, a modest stone structure spanning the Merderet River. In 1944, this small bridge was the center of the world for the men of the 82nd Airborne. …
Listen in the app5The Bazooka Teams: Heim and Peterson's Stand
Just south of the bridge, near a stone slab, is the location where two of the most famous heroes of La Fière, Marcus Heim and L. Peterson, dug their foxhole. …
Listen in the app6The Causeway: The Lethal Funnel
If you look west across the river, you see the long, straight road known as the causeway. In 1944, this was a lethal funnel. …
Listen in the app7The Detailed Bronze Diorama: Mapping the Valor
Near the Iron Mike monument, there is a large, incredibly detailed bronze sculpture that acts as a 3D map of the battlefield. This piece of art is an invaluable tool for any visitor looking to understand the tactical flow of the…
Listen in the app8Closing
As we conclude our tour of La Fière, let us stand once more beneath the gaze of Iron Mike. We have walked the ridge of the 'Jumping General,' explored the stone walls of the proud manor, and stood on the bridge where two young…
Listen in the app
What is La Fiere Bridge and Iron Mike Monument?
La Fiere Bridge and Iron Mike Monument is a place in France with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | France |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 49.3852, -1.3462 |
| Last updated |