GRAFTON — Grafton’s vertical cliffs at the “flat rock” area, near the Grafton Visitor Center, were the perfect backdrop for U.S. 2nd Rangers Infantry Battalion of St. Louis as they set up camp for a realistic re-enactment.
The battalion offered the glimpse into World War II from June 9-11 at the site.
With audio recordings of Bob Hope’s USO shows playing in the background, authentically uniformed volunteer re-enactors shared their extensive knowledge and memorabilia of the historic D-Day battle that was June 6, 1944, at Omaha Beach, France.
World War II Army Rangers used only climbing ladders, grappling hooks and ropes — no safety equipment — to scale the 100-foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc under fire from the German positions above.
“The U.S. Army Rangers St. Louis came to support our newly formed Veterans Commission and our planning efforts for our Veterans Memorial,” said Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow.
“The St. Louis-based Army re-enactors are excited about the proposed Grafton Memorial and its centerpiece replicating the Army Rangers climbing the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc.”
“Our mission is to educate the public about D-Day,” said Technical Sergeant John Pietrusinski, a founding member of the re-enactor group.
“We purchase our own equipment: just uniforms and rifles cost about $2,500. Our two tanks are privately owned and some of us who own World War II Jeeps offer rides to visitors.”
The slightly uneven terrain at flat rock provided adults and children with a safer sense of Army Jeep travel versus the rougher ride most military members experienced.
In addition to the climbing equipment, the Rangers brought displays of medic items, army cots, a mess kit, weapons, grenades, smoke bombs, posters and photographs. Visitors were treated to a walk back in time, learning about World War II army life and equipment, as well as its hardships, dangers of battle and the incredible loss of life on Omaha Beach.
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“Our tents are made by Armbruster Tentmakers in Springfield, from the same pattern and duck fabric they used to make World War II tents, so they are not reproductions,” said Kevin Owens, president of the 501(c)3 organization.
As for carrying on their mission, both Owens and Pietrusinski agree that attracting young people to the Army Rangers is no problem but the purchase cost of equipment for 16- to 18-year-old re-enactors is a challenge, even though some items can be loaned.
For more information see the reenactment group’s site at