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In the early morning of June 6, 1944, many airborne units were scattered throughout Normandy as a result of miss-drops. However, the troopers from these units banded together, forming small groups, and disrupting German military maneuvers. By the early morning hours of June 6, Lt Thomas Ballew had rallied a remarkable amount of men and intended to do something with them, whatever it would be. He found his mission at the next crossroads, at a town named Ravounelle. Here, a 37mm AT Gun team had set up. Their glider had landed (crashed, more appropriately) just a few yards behind the crossroads. The team had simply wheeled the gun out and set it up, taking the responsibility of the crossroads. A Corporal James Tankersley commanded the team, and he told Ballew straightforward that the gun was staying put. So, Ballew decided, so would his makeshift platoon. At about 1000, a machine gunner advised the paratroops of advancing German vehicles, and then of infantry, about a platoon's worth. Ballew had positioned his main squads in a cluster, with crossfire areas from his 30 caliber machine guns. Tankersley patiently waited for the targets to come into view. And they did. Slowly, the German infantry made their way towards the crossroads with the halftracks. The paras held their fire until a number of the Germans were crossing open ground and then opened up, with the 37mm joining them. In seconds, the platoon headquarters of the German section was wiped out, as was one rifle squad charging into a house held by Ballew and a 30 caliber. Tankersley calmly loaded and fired, knocking out a 251/1 halftrack. The ambush drove the Germans back in disarray. Units were wiped out running away. A Panzerschreck knocked out the 60mm mortar, but was soon killed itself. A 250/1 trying to support the German retreat advanced up and was buttoned up by several close grenade blasts. While trying to reverse, the vehicle was caught in Tankersley's sights and destroyed. An FO ran up to call down a fire mission and was pinned down by the intense American fire, running away. Finally, there was only one serviceable German unit left, a 250/1 halftrack. It was driven out of its hiding place by the bazooka team, and Tankersley knocked it out as well. Then, a cease-fire was called and the casualties were counted up. The Germans suffered 34 total casualties (11 KIA) and 3 vehicles KO'd. The Americans suffered 2 wounded and a mortar knocked out. In 13 minutes, a German probe had been completely turned back. A tired Tankersley glanced around the battlefield, looked at Ballew, and said simply, "I think we're done here."
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