High in the rolling hills of Normandy, not far from the peaceful town of Mortain, lies Hill 314—a place of beauty today, but once the site of incredible bravery and sacrifice during one of the most pivotal moments of World War II: the Mortain Counterattack. 🇫🇷🪖
🔙 A Desperate German Gamble: Operation Lüttich
In early August 1944, as Allied forces broke out of the Normandy beachheads after D-Day, the German High Command launched a bold counteroffensive to try and split the Allied front. Their target: Mortain, a key road junction in Normandy. This desperate push, known as Operation Lüttich, began on August 7th, 1944, and was designed to drive west toward the coast and cut off General Patton’s rapidly advancing forces.
The German offensive, however, was doomed from the start. Thanks to Allied air superiority, intercepted communications, and courageous resistance on the ground, it would ultimately become a decisive failure.
🏔️ Hill 314: A Hill of Heroes
Overlooking Mortain, Hill 314 (Colline 314) became the scene of an epic stand. 700 men from the 2nd Battalion of the U.S. 120th Infantry Regiment of the 30th Infantry Division took up positions on this commanding height. From August 6–12, they endured six grueling days of encirclement, relentless German artillery, tank assaults, and infantry attacks.
Outnumbered and cut off from supplies, the American soldiers held firm. Food and water ran low, and wounded comrades could not be evacuated. Yet their radios still worked, and they continued to call in devastating artillery and air strikes that blunted the German attack.
By the time reinforcements finally broke through, fewer than half of the 700 men remained combat effective—but they had held the hill. Their defense played a critical role in stopping the German advance and preserving the momentum of the Allied breakout.
🌅 A Visit to Hill 314 Today
Today, Hill 314 is peaceful and serene, its slopes covered in greenery and crowned by a memorial commemorating the brave defenders. Visitors can climb the hill, reflect on the past, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Normandy countryside. Standing there, one can almost hear the echo of artillery and the quiet determination of those who refused to yield.
A visit to Mortain and Hill 314 is a powerful reminder of the human cost of freedom—and the courage it took to defend it. It’s a place not just for history buffs, but for anyone who wants to understand the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.
📍 Practical Tips for Visitors
- Location: Mortain-Bocage, Normandy, France
- Accessibility: There is a marked path up to the memorial site on Hill 314. Wear sturdy shoes!
- Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss the Cascades of Mortain, beautiful waterfalls located a short walk from the town center.
✨ Why Hill 314 Still Matters
The Mortain counterattack and Hill 314 tell a story of bravery, resistance, and strategic importance. The men who fought there didn’t just defend a hill—they defended the path to liberation for an entire continent.
Their legacy lives on, carved into the soil of Normandy and etched into the memory of a grateful world.
📚 In-Depth Articles & Historical Analyses
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The 30th Infantry Division’s Heroic Stand at Mortain, August 1944
An in-depth account of the 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment’s defense of Hill 314, highlighting the strategic importance of their stand during the German counteroffensive.
🔗 Read more -
Desperate Days On Hill 314
A detailed narrative focusing on the experiences of two young Forward Artillery Observers who played a crucial role in breaking the siege at Mortain.
🔗 Read more -
Hallowed Ground: Hill 314, Mortain, France
An exploration of the geographical and tactical significance of Hill 314, providing context to the fierce battles fought there.
🔗 Read more -
Operation Lüttich – Wikipedia
A comprehensive overview of the German counteroffensive, known as Operation Lüttich, including its objectives, execution, and outcomes.
🔗 Read more
🖼️ Visual Resources & Memorials
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Hill 314 – Mortain-Bocage – TracesOfWar.com
Information about the current state of Hill 314, including remnants from the battle and memorials dedicated to the soldiers who fought there.
🔗 Explore the site -
Battle of Mortain – National Guard Bureau
Features a historical painting and description of the Battle of Mortain, emphasizing the National Guard’s role in the conflict.
🔗 View the painting
🎥 Multimedia
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Hill 314 and Mortain in Operation Lüttich
A YouTube video detailing the events surrounding Hill 314 and the broader context of Operation Lüttich.
▶️ Watch the video
