On D-Day, the 3rd Battalion of the 507th Parachute Infantry found itself badly scattered a long way from their target. Maj. Charles Johnson decided to hole up in Graignes and gather the battalion together. Eventually 180 paratroopers made their way into town along with a glider pilot. While the majority of the men were attending mass on the 10th an SS soldier was shot while scouting the village. The men quickly left mass to prepare for battle but the rest of the day passed quietly. However, the next morning a large enemy force was observed heading in their direction.

Security for a German repair party attempting to fix a nearby bridge (destroyed by US paratroopers) required that the SS division take Graignes. In their first action of the war earlier in the day the Götz von Berlichingen SS Division had been bloodily repulsed. After regrouping they launched a second attack which the Americans barely turned back. They regrouped a second time, and their determination paid off as they quickly drove the paratroopers from the town and into the swamps. After securing the town the SS promptly murdered the American wounded, medical staff, two priests, and two French women. For three days two Spaniards and a local townsman led the 87 Americans who had fled into the swamps back to friendly lines. During this time the officers fed everyone by purchasing food from local civilians using the French francs in their escape kits.

Map is available in Airborne, Airborne-IE, Airborne Remastered (print edition) or the Woods & Hills accessory.