PFC Norby R. Boone and Pvt George J. Ruder Monument
Details:
On the north side of the road.
Monument
A stone stele featuring a plaque that commemorates PFC Boone and Pvt Ruder who died on August 18, 1944. The plaque is written in English and French. The monument was erected on August 18, 1994, and was built by their comrades and the grateful residents of Varages in recognition of the sacrifice made by these soldiers in freeing the town from Nazi control.
The liberation of Varages on August 18, 1944, was part of Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France. The 157th Infantry Regiment, part of the 45th Infantry Division of the 7th U.S. Army, played a significant role in this effort. The liberation efforts were part of the broader push to expel German forces from Southern France, who were rapidly retreating under pressure from both Allied forces advancing from Normandy and the Mediterranean. Varages, a small village in the Provence region, was strategically important as the Allies sought to disrupt German communications and supply routes.
PFC Boone and Pvt. Ruder was involved in these critical operations when they lost their lives. Their sacrifice is remembered as part of the broader efforts of the 157th Infantry Regiment to secure freedom for towns like Varages, helping pave the way for further advances into France. This battle was marked by fierce resistance from German forces, but the Allied troops, supported by French Resistance fighters (Maquis), eventually secured victory.
Source of information: warfarehistorynetwork.com, www.nationalww2museum.org
Source of photo: monuments-aux-morts.fr
Monument Text:
En ce lieu
le 18 Aout 1944
deux soldats americains du 157e R.I de la 45e Division
de la 7eme Armee des Etats-Unis
2e cl Georges J. RUDER 20 ans
(Germantown, Pennsylvania)
et
1e cl Norby R. BOONE 30 ans
(Santa Rita, Nouveau Mexique)
furent tues au cours de l'operation
de la liberation de Varages
Monument érigé en leur mémoire par leurs camarades
et les habitants de Varages reconnaissants
LE 18 AOUT 1994
English Translation:
At this spot
on August 18th, 1944
two American soldiers
157th Reg. 45th division of US 7th Army
Prv Georges J. RUDER 20 years
(Germantown, Pennsylvania)
and
Pfc Norby R. BOONE 30 years old
(Santa Rita, New Mexico)
were killed in action during
the liberation of Varages
Erected in their memory by their comrades
and the citizens of Varages
on August 18th 1994
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Division
45th Infantry Division
7th Army
United States Army
Wars:
WWII
Battles:
Operation Anvil Dragoon