Video

Video by 1st Sgt. Jessica Barnett

Son, Netherlands, renames bridge in honor of World War II American Paratrooper

105th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Sept. 15, 2024 | 6:46

Mayor of Son en Breugel Suzanne Otters and U.S. Army Col. Trevor Voelkel, commander of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, give speeches during a bridge renaming ceremony in honor of 2nd Lt. James L. Diel commemorating Market Garden’s 80th anniversary in Son, Netherlands, Sept. 15, 2024. Diel, assigned to Able Company, 2nd Battalion 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, gave his life defending what was at the time a Bailey bridge during Operation Market Garden in 1944, securing the critical corridor for the 101st Airborne Division and British XXX Corps. The Dutch commemorate Operation Market Garden with parades, reenactments and educational programs. These activities honor the bravery of both the soldiers and the civilians involved. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Sgt. Jessica Barnett)