BrigGen Edmund W. Searby Monument
Details:
On the north side of the curve.
Monument
A stone pedestal bearing a rectangular black plaque with a commemoration message for BrigGen Edmund W. Searby. The monument is written in French and was inaugurated in 2014.
The liberation of Condé-sur-Marne occurred during the later stages of the Allied advance through France following the D-Day landings. As part of this broader push, the U.S. 80th Infantry Division, the "Blue Ridge" Division, to which Brigadier General Edmund W. Searby was attached as the artillery commander, played a crucial role in liberating French towns from German occupation, including Condé-sur-Marne.
Brigadier General Searby’s leadership was vital in coordinating the division’s artillery units, which provided critical support to the infantry during key battles in the region. His strategic direction of artillery fire often helped to neutralize German defenses, allowing the infantry to advance more effectively. His contributions were not only in planning but also in his involvement in the front lines. On multiple occasions, he directed artillery fire from dangerous forward positions, which was a key factor in the success of several operations.
Unfortunately, Searby was killed in action on September 14, 1944, during the Battle of Mousson Hill, where he was serving as a forward observer and directing artillery fire against German forces. His death occurred just as the 80th Division was continuing its efforts to secure key areas, including Condé-sur-Marne.
Source of information: militaryhallofhonor.com, warfarehistorynetwork.com/
Source of photo: www.memorialgenweb.org
Monument Text:
70ème anniversaire
de la Libération
de CONDÉ SUR MARNE
1944 – 2014
À la mémoire du Brigadier Général
Edmund W. SEARBY
Commandant l'artillerie
de la 80ème division Américaine
Libératrice de Condé sur Marne
English Translation:
70th anniversary
of the Liberation
of CONDÉ SUR MARNE
1944 – 2014
In memory of Brigadier General
Edmund W. SEARBY
Commander of Artillery
of the 80th American Division
Liberator of Condé-sur-Marne
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
80th Infantry Division
United States Army
Wars:
WWII
Battles:
Operation Cobra