Iron Mike statue at La Fiere Bridge, Sainte- Mere- Eglise, Normandy.
2018 first memorial jump to honor American paratroopers come to liberate France. The jumps prior to D-Day were quite different and executed in the early morning hours of June 5. I have the “stick” of GBT’s flight which was scheduled at 1:30 AM. Not only was it dark and foreign but the sky was lit with German rockets and bullets. The planned element of surprise was negligible.
The Iron Mike Statue is just above the bridge on a hill overlooking the beautiful countryside of Normandy. The name “Iron Mike” is a uniquely American slang expression to refer to men who are “tough, brave, and inspiriting.”
Many thanks to Thulia van Maanen and Eric Labourdette for their vision and work to honor my brother and all the other Iron Mikes who sacrificed so much to free France.
To learn more about my brother George Bowler Tullidge lll, please visit our website.
http://www.aparatroopersfaith.org/
Iron Mike Airborne Memorial
The Airborne Trooper Statue is a tribute to the American Airborne Soldiers of D-Day. The monument is located next to the Bridge in La Fiere where on the 6th-9th of June members of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment and 325th Glider Regiment fought against repeated German attacks to hold the bridge.
The base of the statue contains the inscription
“A grateful tribute
to American Airborne soldiers
of D-Day
6 June 1944 to 7 June 1997”
The monument is a replica of the “Iron Mike” statue located in Fort Bragg. The original was sculpted by Leah Hiebert in 1960-1961 modelled on Sgt. Major Runyon.
Also on the site is a bronze table orientation table shaped as a folded parachute and a bronze book of remembrance.
“To pass on the memory,
to remind that today
We live in peace,
Freedom, dignity and
Because others Gave their life for us.
AMEN
TalesAlongTheWay 
Outstanding – Thulai and Eric are remarkable people honoring our heroes.
Thulai is our Dutch Angel!!!
My love and respect to the Tullidge family.
Jim Farrell
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Eric and Thulai are guides. . . Eric was remarkable guiding us with his stories through Normandy and dealing with 11 people ages 7 through 70!
Thulai has guided me through all through the visit from The Netherlands. My only regret was that she was unable to join us in person due to work commitments.
Hopeful yet to meet her!
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May your brother always be remembered and honored!!
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Thank you so , dear friend.
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what a great honor
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Indeed it was and the Tullidge family is most appreciative!
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Great tribute Anne.
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I hope you received my email, I never heard back from you.
Plus, wanted to tell you that I finished “Polio to Paratrooper” and think it is an outstanding tribute to your brother. I must commend you on the work.
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Dear friend, I did receive your address. Forgive my rudeness! I will mail your little gift on Monday. I will give you a heads up when it is posted!
So glad you enjoyed Mama’s book.
Smiles!
Anne
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