About Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument

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Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument

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Beginning August 1, 2024, the platform on top of the Observation Bunker at Pointe du Hoc will be closed to the public due to visitor safety and preservation concerns. Access to the interior of the Observation Bunker and path around the front of the structure will be permitted.

Overview

The World War II Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument is located on a cliff eight miles west of Normandy American Cemetery, which overlooks Omaha Beach, France.

It was erected by the French to honor elements of the American Second Ranger Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. James E. Rudder. During the American assault of Omaha and Utah beaches on June 6, 1944, these U.S. Army Rangers scaled the 100-foot cliffs and seized the German artillery pieces that could have fired on the American landing troops at Omaha and Utah beaches.

The monument consists of a simple granite pylon positioned atop a German concrete bunker with tablets at its base inscribed in French and English. The monument was formally transferred to ABMC for perpetual care and maintenance on January 11, 1979. This battle-scarred area on the left flank of Omaha Beach remains much as the Rangers left it.

Getting There

Pointe du Hoc sits on cliffs overlooking the English Channel. The site is seven miles west of Normandy American Cemetery.

Directions

Pointe du Hoc is open to the public daily. Hours of operation for the visitor center are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 1 to September 30, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the rest of the year. It is open on host country holidays. To ensure your safety, stay on the designated walking path. Because the site has remained relatively unchanged since 1944, large bomb craters and uneven ground fill the landscape.

Admission is FREE and does not require booking in advance.

14450 Cricqueville-en-Bessin

France

Download the Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument brochure.

Travel via car

From Paris, travel via highway A-13 to Caen. Continue onto N-13 towards Bayeux in the direction of Cherbourg. continue onto D-517 into St. Laurent-sur-Mer and then turn left on D-514 towards Pointe du Hoc. At a roundabout 6 miles west of St. Laurent-sur-Mer, you will see a sign that reads La Pointe du Hoc. Follow this sign to reach the parking lot.

Travel via train

There is train service between Paris (Gare St. Lazare) and Bayeaux, where taxi and tour bus service is available. Travel by rail takes approximately three hours.Travel via AirplaneParis is approximately 180 miles east of Pointe du Hoc.

Lodging

Hotels are available in Bayeux and Port-en-Bessin.

Timeline

By mid-1944, German forces manned formidable defenses along the French coast. Of concern to the Allies were German 155mm artillery positions on Pointe du Hoc. They could wreak havoc on Utah and Omaha Beaches. Lt. Col. James E. Rudder, commanding the 2nd Ranger Battalion, received the mission to land at 6:30 a.m., scale the 100 foot cliffs, and disable the German positions. Lt. Col. Max F. Schneider’s 5th Ranger Battalion would follow and reinforce them.

June 6, 5:50 a.m.: Naval bombardment of Pointe du Hoc began, including guns of the battleship USS Texas. Three companies (70 men per) of Rudder’s 2nd Ranger Battalion were to land at Pointe du Hoc at 6:30 a.m., but were delayed. Per plan, Schneider’s command (plus three companies of the 2nd) joined the Omaha Beach assault.

June 6, 7:10 a.m.: Two landing craft were lost, but the Rangers debarked and started up the cliffs. They pressed upward, supported by the destroyer USS Satterlee. One of the Rangers’ DUKWs was disabled by enemy fire en route to Pointe du Hoc. The engine failed. Three Rangers were casualties, including one killed.

June 6, 7:40 a.m.: Most of the remaining Rangers reached the top.

June 6, 9:30 a.m.: The Germans had previously moved the guns southward from their initial prepared positions. Despite fierce resistance, Rangers found and destroyed the guns pushing onward to cut the highway south of Pointe du Hoc.

June 6-8: After fighting two days, only about 90 Rangers stood when relieved by Schneider’s Rangers and the 29th Division from Omaha Beach.

Burial Search

More than 200,000 fallen service members are honored at an ABMC site. Search the burial database.

Vintage Poster

Vintage posters convey the beauty, tranquility, and solemnity of the place as a sign of respect for those who fought so that we can live free today.

A vintage poster was created by French artist DOZ for all ABMC cemeteries and five monuments and memorials to mark ABMC’s centennial. Inspired by the famous photographers from the 1950’s who made a point of capturing joyful, light hearted moments of life, these posters represent the most symbolic and iconic elements of each site.

At this time, we are not offering printed versions of the posters, but the high-resolution printing file for each poster is available here for personal use. Please note that the posters are copyrighted and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes. Please contact ABMC Public Affairs at publicaffairs@abmc.gov with any questions.

NEWS & EVENTS

The latest happenings at Pointe du Hoc Ranger Monument

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Before you visit

Etiquette, FAQs, and other trip planning resources

Etiquette

Please remember that ABMC cemeteries are sacred burial grounds, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We ask that you conduct yourself with the utmost respect and solemnity during your visit. Kindly refrain from any behavior that might disturb the peace and dignity of this hallowed place. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.