Sainte-Mère-Eglise - June 06, 1944 (Memoir 44)

Historical Background: Establishment of a defensive base at Ste. Mère-Église was one of the key objectives of the US 82nd Airborne Division. In contrast with other regiments, the 505th Parachute Infantry, landing northwest of Ste. Mère-Église, had one of the most accurate drops. Rapidly regrouping and tipped by a French native to the presence of German troops in town, the paratroopers planned to surround Ste. Mère-Église and move in with knives, bayonets and grenades.  In the meantime, to the north, Lt. Turner Turnbull deployed his force on high ground near Neuville-au-Plain, engaging and fighting the enemy to a draw. This bought some crucial time for the battalions around Ste. Mère-Église, giving them a chance to meet the German southern thrust and annihilate several enemy units. This led to an overestimation by German command of American strength in this sector, and as a result, the Germans withdrew. 

The American paratroops storm Sainte-Mère-Église (in the center), while also blocking the German advance on Neuville-Au-Plain (on the right). (Allies 0, Axis 0)

The Americans take Saint-Mère-Église but are hard pressed by German reinforcements, while the Germans push hard on Neuville-Au-Plain. (Allies 1, Axis 1)

The Americans counterattack around Sainte-Mère-Église. (Allies 1, Axis 1)

The Germans repel the American counterattack. (Allies 1, Axis 2)

The Germans fortify themselves in Sainte-Mère-Église and its surroundings, while also taken care of any paratroopers in the vicinity. Meanwhile, in Neuville-Au-Plain the Germans occupy part of the town. In the face of this determined resistance, the American paratroopers are forced to pull back. (Allies 1, Axis 4)