Monument

A stone stele featuring two rectangular bronze and golden plaques, both inscribed in French and English. The upper plaque carries a commemorative message honoring the 13 American soldiers who lost their lives on November 30, 1944, while the lower plaque lists the names, ranks, and hometowns of the fallen soldiers.

The liberation of Kintzheim on November 30, 1944, was a significant moment during the Allied advance through Alsace. The village, strategically located in the Vosges region, was a focal point of intense combat involving American and German forces. The 142nd Infantry Regiment, part of the 36th Infantry Division ("Texas Division"), played a crucial role in this operation. Within this regiment, Company L was actively involved in the efforts to liberate Kintzheim from German control.

The 142nd Regiment, with its long history of fighting in Italy and southern France, was engaged in clearing the Germans from the Alsatian towns and villages. As they pushed through the region, they encountered strong German resistance, including entrenched positions and fortified buildings. Company L, alongside other companies of the regiment, worked to dislodge these positions and secure the town. Their efforts were marked by intense close-quarters combat and coordination with other Allied units, including armor support from the 14th Armored Division.

The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with several American soldiers losing their lives in the operation. The liberation of Kintzheim was not only a tactical victory but also an important part of the broader Allied strategy to secure the Alsace region and push the Germans back toward the Rhine.

Source of information: texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org

Source of photos: www.geneanet.org

Upper plaque:

HONNEUR

AUX ARMEES ALLIEES

AUX 13 SOLDATS AMERICAINS

TUES LORS DE LA LIBERATION

DE KINTZHEIM

LE 30 NOVEMBRE 1944

English Translation:

HONOR

TO THE ALLIED ARMIES

TO THE 13 AMERICAN SOLDIERS

KILLED DURING THE LIBERATION

OF KINTZHEIM

ON NOVEMBER 30, 1944

Lower plaque:

142éme Régiment d'infanterie

Company ''L'' Cont'D

(142nd Infantry Regiment

Company ''L'')