Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A. and a full historical research write-up.

*Limited Edition of 50*

Own your piece of history today!

Due to an incredibly high demand for display case options we are proud to offer one of our LIMITED EDITION series of HISTORIC DISPLAY CASE EXCLUSIVES. This incredible “Piece of History“ is professionally encased in a glass display case with plush padding and a tightly sealed display case. Each displays features a historical photograph and short description that corresponds to the artifact displayed. This display case measures a perfect 4.25 inches tall x 3.25 inches wide.

This series is a limited edition of 50 pieces, meaning that each “Piece of History” display is unique. The D-Day Sainte-Mère-Église recovered U.S. Airborne parachute cord artifact you receive may vary slightly from the display shown.

June 6, 1944, marked a pivotal moment in history, when Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion ever seen – D-Day – to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe. One of the most daring and significant components of this operation was the U.S. airborne landings, particularly the parachute assault at Sainte-Mère-Église. This operation showcased not only the remarkable courage and determination of the American paratroopers but also the precision and innovation in their gear and tactics.

This incredibly rare and very historic piece of WWII history is an original U.S. Airborne Division parachute cord that was recovered from the D-Day Sainte-Mère-Eglise drop zones designated for U.S. paratroopers during Operation Overlord Allied D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944. When they landed most of the US paratroopers were badly scattered across the area and much of their equipment was lost. This parachute cord remained lost to history until it was professionally recovered in 1994.

The Americans of the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions dropped onto the Cotentin peninsula behind Utah Beach. They blocked a main road at Sainte-Mère-Eglise and secured causeways across the flooded lowlands, helping the US 4th Infantry Division to break out from Utah Beach. Numbering more than 13,000 men, the paratroopers were flown from bases in southern England to the Cotentin Peninsula in approximately 925 C-47 airplanes. An additional 4,000 men, consisting of glider infantry were to arrive in 500 gliders later on D-Day to reinforce the paratroopers.

Private John Steele - A Daring Descent into History's Heart:

On the fateful morning of June 6, 1944, the world held its breath as Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in history, unfolded along the shores of Normandy, France. D-Day marked the turning point in World War II, and amidst the chaos and valor of that day, one story stands out as both an emblem of courage and an illustration of unexpected twists of fate – the story of Private John Steele and his daring jump into the church tower of Sainte-Mère-Église.

As the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division descended from the night sky, the objective was clear: secure vital roadways and bridges behind enemy lines to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the beaches and stalling the Allied advance. Private John Steele, a paratrooper from the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, found himself amidst the skies darkened by both night and the impending storm of battle.

Steele's descent was swift and precise, as his parachute opened to guide him toward his intended drop zone. However, fate had something different in mind. As he neared the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, his parachute caught on the spire of the village's church. Steele found himself suspended, vulnerable and exposed, high above the ground, as bullets and flames lit up the battlefield around him.

The church tower became an unlikely sanctuary for Steele, as his entangled parachute provided some semblance of cover. Despite the deafening chaos below, Steele held on with a mix of determination and fear. His perspective was both surreal and deeply grounded – a symbol of the larger struggle that was unfolding on the beaches and fields of Normandy.

For hours, Steele clung to the spire, bearing witness to the horrors of war and the valor of his fellow paratroopers below. He was eventually cut down by German soldiers, who took him as a prisoner of war. Steele's ordeal highlighted the unpredictability of warfare, where even the most meticulously planned operations could result in unforeseen challenges.

Private John Steele's story, however, does not end with his capture. He managed to escape captivity and rejoin his fellow Allied forces after several days. His experience at Sainte-Mère-Église and his daring jump into the church tower turned him into a living symbol of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers on that historic day.

Steele's story was immortalized in the 1962 film "The Longest Day," which depicted the events of D-Day. The film featured a reenactment of his entangled parachute in the church tower, bringing his tale to a wider audience and cementing his place in history.

Beyond cinematic portrayal, Steele's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought on D-Day. It serves as a reminder of the individual acts of courage that collectively shaped the course of history. His jump into the church tower captures the essence of the chaos and bravery that defined D-Day, showcasing the human element of warfare that often gets overshadowed by grand strategy and geopolitical considerations.

In conclusion, Private John Steele's story is one of unexpected turns and unwavering courage. His jump into the church tower of Sainte-Mère-Église encapsulates the essence of D-Day – a day that changed the course of history – through the eyes of one paratrooper suspended between the sky and the earth. Steele's ordeal reminds us that amidst the grand tapestry of war, it is the individual stories that resonate most profoundly, shedding light on the extraordinary within the ordinary and reminding us of the true cost of freedom.

Background and Objectives:

The Normandy landings, codenamed Operation Neptune, aimed to establish a foothold on the French coast and pave the way for the liberation of Western Europe from German control. To achieve this, the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were tasked with securing key objectives behind enemy lines, primarily the capture and control of critical roadways, bridges, and causeways to disrupt German reinforcements and establish defensive positions.

Gear and Parachute Cords:

The success of the airborne landings depended not only on the bravery of the paratroopers but also on their specialized equipment. Paratroopers were equipped with the M1 Garand rifle, Thompson submachine guns, and M1 carbines for close-quarters combat. However, it was the innovative parachutes and their cords that played a pivotal role in the mission's success.

The T-5 and T-7 parachute systems were designed specifically for the D-Day operation. These parachutes featured automatic openings to ensure a safe descent at low altitudes. The cords used were meticulously engineered to ensure proper deployment and landing. The cords were made of strong, durable materials to withstand the forces of descent and landing, minimizing the risk of entanglement during the jump.

The Missions:

The missions of the U.S. airborne divisions were diverse and challenging. In Sainte-Mère-Église, the 82nd Airborne Division was tasked with securing key bridges and roadways around the town. The town itself was a vital communications hub that needed to be liberated quickly to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the beaches.

The 101st Airborne Division's mission included capturing key causeways that connected the Cotentin Peninsula to the mainland. One of the most iconic moments of the operation occurred when Private John Steele's parachute got caught on the church steeple in Sainte-Mère-Église. His predicament left him dangling for hours, while the battle raged around him. Steele's survival and eventual rescue highlighted the audacity of the operation and the determination of the paratroopers.

Precision and Innovation:

The success of the U.S. airborne landings at Sainte-Mère-Église was due in large part to the precision of planning and execution. The paratroopers were dropped in specific drop zones to maximize their impact on securing critical objectives. A combination of gliders and parachutes was employed to transport troops and equipment, showcasing the innovation and versatility of the Allied forces.

Legacy and Impact:

The U.S. airborne landings at Sainte-Mère-Église were a resounding success. The paratroopers' ability to secure key objectives behind enemy lines disrupted German reinforcements and enabled the main amphibious invasion to proceed more smoothly. Their courage and resilience in the face of adversity stand as a testament to the human spirit's indomitable nature.

The legacy of the U.S. airborne landings at Sainte-Mère-Église lives on in the annals of history. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of airborne assaults and influenced future military tactics and strategies. The gear and parachute cords used in the operation contributed to the development of safer and more reliable parachutes, shaping the future of airborne operations.

In conclusion, the D-Day U.S. airborne landings at Sainte-Mère-Église were a defining moment in World War II, showcasing the valor, precision, and innovation of the American paratroopers. Their successful capture of critical objectives behind enemy lines played a pivotal role in the overall success of the Normandy invasion. The gear and parachute cords utilized in the operation not only ensured the safety of the paratroopers but also influenced the evolution of military equipment. The legacy of this daring operation continues to inspire generations and serves as a testament to the sacrifices made for freedom and liberation.