John Steele (paratrooper)

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John Marvin Steele (November 29, 1912 – May 16, 1969) was an American paratrooper in the United States Army during World War II. He is best known for his role in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, where his parachute caught on the spire of the Sainte-Mère-Église church, leaving him hanging for two hours before being captured by the German Army. Steele's story was famously depicted in the 1962 film The Longest Day, where he was portrayed by actor Red Buttons.

Early Life

John Steele was born in Metropolis, Illinois, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1940. He volunteered for the newly formed paratrooper units, seeing it as an opportunity for adventure and to serve his country in an elite unit.

Military Career

Steele was assigned to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, a unit that would play a crucial role in the Allied invasion of Europe. On June 6, 1944, during the D-Day invasion, Steele and his fellow paratroopers were tasked with dropping behind enemy lines to secure key objectives and disrupt German defenses ahead of the main amphibious assault.

The operation was fraught with difficulties, including poor weather conditions and intense enemy fire. Steele's plane came under heavy anti-aircraft fire as it approached the drop zone over Sainte-Mère-Église, a critical objective due to its strategic crossroads. In the chaos, Steele's parachute was caught on the church's spire, leaving him dangling above the town square. He played dead to avoid drawing the attention of German soldiers, eventually being taken prisoner before later escaping and rejoining his unit.

Legacy

John Steele's unusual ordeal made him a legend among the paratroopers of World War II and a symbol of the unpredictable nature of war. The town of Sainte-Mère-Église commemorates his story with a parachute and effigy hanging from the church spire in his honor. Steele was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for his service.

After the war, Steele returned to the United States and led a quiet life until his death in 1969. His story continues to be celebrated in books, films, and documentaries about D-Day and the heroism of the Allied paratroopers.

In Popular Culture

John Steele's story was prominently featured in the film The Longest Day, which helped immortalize his experience during the D-Day invasion. The town of Sainte-Mère-Église also maintains a museum dedicated to the airborne operations of World War II, where Steele's story is a highlight.

See Also

• 82nd Airborne Division
• D-Day
• Normandy landings
• Paratrooper
• Sainte-Mère-Église