VII Corps Objectives 19 June 1944

Reproduction map of Normandy owned by a WWII hero.

This map, a modern reproduction, shows the Contentin Peninsula in northern France, a region of major fighting during the Normandy invasion known as Operation Overlord. It highlights the disposition of the various units that comprised the United States Army VII Corps less than two weeks after D-Day, on June 19, 1944. Various positions are shown with a front advancing on Cherbourg, with Utah Beach noted in the lower right.

The map was originally issued in 1948 as part of UTAH BEACH TO CHERBOURG, a commemorative volume of the American Forces in Action Series published by the Historical Division of the War Department. This particular example has a notable history, as it was part of the personal library of Major Richard “Dick” Winters at the Gettysburg Museum of History.

Major Winters is best known for having commanded Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the renowned 101st Airborne Division. The company’s legendary experience during the war was commemorated by the bestselling book and subsequent miniseries, Band of Brothers. Comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by the curator of the museum, as well as additional provenance on the sale history.