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Operation Dragoon &
the ‘Champagne Campaign’

After its battles in Tuscany and its relief on June 26, 1944, the 517th Prcht. Regtl. Combat Team is sent to Frascati, south of Rome, on July 3.

For over a month of rest and preparation, the Combat Team is in sealed status on August 10. Starting from the 11th, it is sent to several airfields north of Rome.

On August 15, the paratroopers are part of the Operation Dragoon - Mission Albatross. It has to land on Drop Zone A from several aircraft serials. Serial 6, Serial 7, Serial 8, and Serial 9. The Combat Team is tasked with seizing and defending three objectives: the heights north of La Motte, Roque Rousse, and the hill north of Les Arcs.
The Combat Team thus participates in the liberation of La Motte, Les Arcs-sur-Argens, Seillans, Fayence, Tourrettes, Callian, Montauroux, Callas, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey, Bar-sur-Loup, Pont-du-Loup, Courmes, Coursegoules, Bezaudun-les-Alpes, Bouyon, Gilette, Bonson, La Roquette-sur-Var, Levens, Comtes, and occupies L'Escarène, Le Touët-de-l'Escarène, Luceram, Peïra-Cava, the Col de Braus, and then Sospel.

On November 16, 1944, it is relieved by elements of the 14th Armored Division.

After a period of rest in La Colle-sur-Loup, the RCT is sent to Soissons in northern France on December 7, 1944.