Affixed on the wall of the cemetery.

Plaque

A rectangular gold plaque commemorating T5 Polanowski and Sgt Small who died on November 27, 1944. The plaque was inaugurated on November 27, 2014, and is written in French.

On November 27, 1944, the small town of Valff, located in the Alsace region, witnessed intense fighting as part of the Allied campaign to liberate Alsace from Nazi control. The region had strategic importance due to its proximity to Germany and had long been contested. 

The liberation of Valff was part of a series of operations aimed at driving German forces out of the region, especially after the successful liberation of Strasbourg just days earlier. However, German forces were determined to defend the area, leading to fierce resistance. Polanowski and Small were among the many soldiers who faced deadly combat as they advanced through the region. Their deaths were part of the sacrifices made during this push, as the Allies continued to suffer significant casualties despite making gains.

The battle for Alsace, including the operations in Valff, was part of the final phase of the war in Western Europe, as Allied forces closed in on Germany. The German defense of Alsace, which included counterattacks and efforts to retain control over the region, would culminate in the Battle of the Bulge shortly after.

Source of information: en.wikipedia.org, www.memorialgenweb.org

Source of photo: http://www.histoiredevalff.fr

IN MEMORIAM

________________

Technicien Raymond J. POLANOWSKI

Mort pour la France à VALFF le 27.11.1944

Sergent Charles E JR. SMALL

Mort pour la France à VALFF le 27.11.1944

Soldats américains

English Translation:

IN MEMORY

________________

Technician Raymond J. POLANOWSKI

Died for France at VALFF on 27.11.1944

Sergeant Charles E JR. SMALL

Died for France at VALFF on 27.11.1944

American soldiers