U.S. Army, Austrian, and German Soldiers visit Pointe

U.S. Army, Austrian, and German Soldiers visit Pointe du Hoc, France, June 1, 2016. The World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument is located on a cliff eight miles west of Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach, France. It was erected by the French to honor elements of the American Second Ranger Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. James E. Rudder. During the American assault of Omaha and Utah beaches on June 6, 1944, these U.S. Army Rangers scaled the 100-foot cliffs and seized the German artillery pieces that could have fired on the American landing troops at Omaha and Utah beaches. At a high cost of life, they successfully defended against determined German counterattacks. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Sergio Villafane/Released)