Jean-Loup and Gilles, attached is a PDF file containing scans of 517th Daily reports that were written by each unit commander of the 517th in the days following the initial Dragoon operations (timeframe from D-day to D+3).  I don't believe many people have seen this material.  Years ago I tried having it transcribed, but the typist had little appreciation for military terms and the quality was poor.  There is nothing better than the original source material.  As I understand from my father (Col. Thomas R. Cross, USA Ret.) he pulled the mimeographs scanned in the attached file from a waste paper basket after the war when he was attached to the 505 of the 82nd Airborne.  Many of the original officers and men of the 517th were absorbed into the 82nd after the war.  I think as you and Giles read this material it would be helpful to refer to the map Clark Archer constructed that lists the various sticks and drop zones.  This map was recently added to the 517th website by Ben.

Ben, I think these daily reports might come in handy for the film project that is being planned of the 517th.  They might help troopers with their recollections and in many instances the KIA and WIA are mentioned in the reports.  This certainly should be kept in mind as people think about commemorative plaques that they might want to present at locations in S. France that were liberated by the 1st Airborne.

Jean-Loup and Gilles, thanks for getting me off my duff and getting this finished.  It is something I've promised myself I would do for some time.  Thank you also for keeping the memory of these brave men alive.  It is a large file so please confirm back to me that you received it.  regards, -wayne