In the heart of Normandy, France, lies a historic church that played a unique and symbolic role during World War II. Located in the small town of Sainte-Mère-Église, this church became world-famous after a paratrooper from the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division, John Steele, landed on its roof during the early hours of D-Day, June 6, 1944. His parachute got caught on the church steeple, where he remained hanging for hours, pretending to be dead to avoid being shot by German forces. This extraordinary event has since become an iconic representation of the bravery and chaos experienced during the Normandy invasion.
Historical Background of Sainte-Mère-Église
Sainte-Mère-Église is a small but historically significant town located near Utah Beach, one of the key landing sites during the D-Day invasion. The town’s strategic location made it a primary target for American airborne troops during Operation Overlord. Capturing Sainte-Mère-Église was essential for the Allies to secure roads leading inland and to disrupt German communication and reinforcement routes.
The Importance of the Town
Situated along key roadways, Sainte-Mère-Église was critical in establishing control in the Cotentin Peninsula. Its early capture allowed Allied forces to move further into occupied France with greater ease. The night before the amphibious landings, paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were dropped into the area to secure bridges, destroy enemy strongholds, and block German advances. The town became one of the first liberated by American troops on D-Day.
The Paratrooper Incident
One of the most memorable and human moments of the invasion took place at the town’s church, Église Notre-Dame de Sainte-Mère-Église. As paratroopers descended in the dark early morning hours, some drifted directly into the center of the town, where fierce fighting was already underway. Among them was Private John Steele, whose parachute snagged on the church’s tall spire.
John Steele’s Ordeal
Steele hung helplessly from the church tower, witnessing intense combat below. He was wounded in the foot and had no way to descend safely. To avoid drawing attention, he remained limp and silent, playing dead as German troops moved through the area. After several hours, he was eventually taken prisoner by German soldiers but later escaped and rejoined his unit. His survival became one of the most well-known stories of the Normandy landings.
- John Steele was a member of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment
- He was shot in the foot during descent
- He pretended to be dead for hours
- Was taken prisoner but escaped and returned to his unit
The Church of Sainte-Mère-Église
The Église Notre-Dame de Sainte-Mère-Église is a medieval church dating back to the 11th century. It is Romanesque in design and features a classic bell tower that was central to the famous paratrooper episode. Today, the church stands as both a place of worship and a historical monument, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Symbolism and Memory
In memory of Steele and the many paratroopers who fought during D-Day, a replica paratrooper and parachute have been permanently installed on the church’s steeple. This display serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by Allied forces during the liberation of France. Inside the church, stained glass windows depict scenes of paratroopers descending from the sky, adding a unique and emotional tribute within a sacred space.
- The church dates back to the 11th century
- Features symbolic stained glass artwork
- Hosts a replica of John Steele on the bell tower
- Serves as both a religious site and a war memorial
Tourism and Remembrance
Today, Sainte-Mère-Église is a major destination for tourists, veterans, and historians. Visitors come to see the iconic church and its surrounding sites, including the Airborne Museum, which chronicles the role of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions during World War II. The town actively commemorates D-Day each year, with ceremonies, reenactments, and educational events that honor the memory of those who fought for freedom.
Airborne Museum and Exhibits
Located just across from the church, the Airborne Museum features exhibits of uniforms, weapons, parachutes, and personal stories from the soldiers who landed in Normandy. It includes immersive displays, such as a C-47 aircraft and interactive experiences that allow visitors to understand the dangers faced by paratroopers on June 6, 1944.
The Cultural Impact
The story of the paratrooper on the church has been immortalized in films, books, and documentaries. The most notable representation is in the 1962 movieThe Longest Day, which portrays the events of D-Day and includes John Steele’s dramatic landing. The church and the paratrooper have since become enduring symbols of courage, sacrifice, and the turning point in World War II.
Legacy in Popular Media
The visual of a soldier hanging from a church steeple became one of the most striking images associated with the Normandy invasion. This story continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, serving as a poignant example of the unexpected moments that define history. The town’s residents, too, take pride in preserving the memory and honoring the veterans who changed their lives forever.
The French church with a paratrooper on its roof stands as more than just a building it is a living monument to one of the most decisive and emotional chapters of World War II. Through the bravery of soldiers like John Steele and the sacrifices of countless others, towns like Sainte-Mère-Église were freed, and history was forever changed. Visitors today can walk the same streets, gaze up at the church tower, and feel the deep reverence that this quiet town continues to hold for the heroes of D-Day. The story of the paratrooper and the church serves as a lasting reminder that even in war, moments of humanity, survival, and symbolism endure long after the conflict has ended.