Leaders from the 3rd Infantry Division participated in a commemorative visit to Southern France to honor the 80th anniversary of Operation Dragoon from Aug. 12-28.
The delegation, led by Col. Stephen E. Capehart, deputy commander of support, and French Brig. Gen. Lionel Meny, deputy commanding general of readiness, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Reffeor, the division senior enlisted advisor, visited towns liberated by 3rd ID to reaffirm the enduring bond between the U.S. and France and participated in 20 ceremonies.
Operation Dragoon, which commenced on August 15, 1944, involved over 100,000 Allied troops, including American, British, Canadian, and French forces. The operation played a key role in liberating Southern France from Nazi occupation and complementing the more famous D-Day landings in Normandy.
The 3rd ID, under Maj. Gen. John W. O'Daniel, made significant contributions to the operation by landing near Saint-Tropez and rapidly advancing to liberate key towns such as Aix-en-Provence, Draguignan, and Marseille.During their visit, Col. Capehart and Brig. Gen. Meny took part in ceremonies across the region, including wreath-laying, speeches, and reenactments in the towns of Saint-Tropez, Aix-en-Provence, Draguignan, Brignoles, and Le Luc. These events honored the soldiers who fought for the towns’ liberation and showcased the lasting gratitude of local residents.
Col. Capehart emphasized the importance of remembering the past while strengthening future alliances.
“The courage and determination displayed by the soldiers of the 3rd ID during Operation Dragoon is a testament to the enduring spirit of freedom and democracy,” he said. “It is our duty to honor their legacy by continuing to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies, just as they did in 1944.”
Brig. Gen. Meny echoed this sentiment, stating, “This visit is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the shared values of bravery, freedom, and partnership that were defended during the liberation of Southern France.”
Local leaders and residents expressed their deep appreciation for the visit, which they viewed as a gesture of goodwill and a reaffirmation of the ties between France and the United States.
