Affixed on the wall to the right of the hallway.

Plaque

A rectangular beige plaque honoring Pvt. James MacRacken and Sgt Robert Edwards, who died on August 5, 1944. The inscription is in both English and French, with the 90th Infantry Division insignia engraved at the top.

On August 5, 1944, the town of Mayenne in northwestern France was liberated during the Allied advance following the D-Day invasion. The 357th Infantry Regiment of the 90th American Army Division played a crucial role in this operation. Two soldiers from the regiment, James Dougald MacRacken and Robert Edwards, are particularly remembered for their bravery.

Private James MacRacken became a local hero, known as the "Savior of Mayenne," for his attempt to disarm explosives set by the Germans to destroy a bridge during their retreat. Despite being mortally wounded, MacRacken succeeded in saving the bridge, a key structure that could have been used for the German counteroffensive. His actions are commemorated in both the United States and France, where a memorial was dedicated to him near the bridge he saved. His efforts significantly contributed to the liberation of Mayenne, and he is remembered as a symbol of sacrifice.

The liberation of Mayenne involved fierce fighting, with the Germans trying to defend and regain key positions. The 357th Infantry Regiment, supported by tanks and artillery, faced stiff resistance but ultimately secured the area. This victory was part of a larger push towards Le Mans as the Allies advanced deeper into France.

Source of information: www.dday-overlord.com, www.ncpedia.org

Source of photo: pierresdememoire.fr

A la mémoire des soldatsdu 357ème 

Régiment d'infanterie de la 90éme 

Division de l'armée Américaine, tombés 

pour la libération de Mayenne 

le 5 Août 1944, morts au service de 

leur patrie et pour la liberté de l'humanité.  

Nous n'oublierons jamais. 

Soldat James Mac Racken

Soldat Robert Edwards

In memory of these soldiers of the 

357th Infantry, 90th Division US Army 

who died in the liberation of Mayenne 

5 August 1944 in the service of their 

country and for the freedom of mankind.  

We shall never forget.