Maj. Gen. Jeffery Broadwater, the V Corps deputy commanding general, delivers featured remarks June 3 in Mortain, France, during a ceremony commemorating the Battle of Mortain held on “Hill 314” – the site of a remarkable defensive stand by 30th Infantry Division Soldiers 79 years ago. For five days, the DCG told an engaged local national crowd, around 700 surrounded Americans fought off assaults by the 17th Panzer Division, despite running dangerously low on ammunition and almost entirely lacking food and supplies. Despite losing 400 men during fierce fighting, the “GIs” held their crucial position until relief arrived, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy during the process. Their courageous stand helped ensure the continued success of the U.S. breakout from Normandy in June 1944. The DCG joined town and regional officials, the USAF-E Band, support Soldiers, organizers and citizens of the small, picturesque Norman town for a captivating ceremony. Grateful local officials presented the DCG the town medal after the event. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Litchfield, USACAPOC)