The Germans built this fortification at Pointe du Hoc. It survived the war. The full version of this photo gives the viewer a good idea of the size and scale of the structure. The land at Pointe du Hoc still shows the scars of war. A thin layer of grass now covers the ground, but there are still many, large bomb craters in the area, making it look like a moonscape.
Some depressions are over ten feet deep.
This picture was taken from the bottom of a large one. When you are in one there is a stillness in the air that is a bit spooky. On the night of June 5-6, American paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division were to land and seize control of an important crossroad in the town. This action would isolate the Germans defending the beaches, cutting them off from their rear echelons. The Americans were to land to the west of the town, but many ended up coming down in the middle of the town square.