Activation of 505th Port Battalion Pedro Rodón's military unit
Mulberry A was the American man-made harbor used to unload supplies in the beaches of Normandy. It was destroyed after the storm that took place in June 19th.
Mulberry B was the British version of the man-made harbor. It survived the storm that hit Normandy in June 19th, 1944.
#285177: Rhino barges and smaller landing craft bring supplies to Normandy beach in France. Off shore (center) is a pontoon causeway being towed into position in US Mulberry.
#285126: The pontoon causeway at Utah Beach forming part of US Mulberry, the man-made harbor off coast of France, built to protect landing craft from storms in English channel. Reinforcement troops march over causeway. Low tides leaves some sections of the latter dry.
#285223: Landing craft unloading supplies of beach of France after completion of US Mulberry. Barrage balloons overhead. LCT 7012 in foreground. LST's in background.
#285226: American troops "dug in" near beach of Normandy, France. The 279th remained in foxholes in Utah Beach from June to November 1944.
Letter to Juanita Rodón informing about Pedro's burial
Interviews
RM 2/C Raymond L. Acosta Naval radio operator. Helped set up with others an operational Communications Center near Utah Beach. Their job was to support the Naval-Officer-in-Charge (NOIC) of Utah Beach who, along with the Beachmaster of the 2d Naval Beach Battalion (2d NBB), was responsible for the landing of men and equipment on the beach during the day of the invasion and also, beyond that time. He met Pedro Rodón in Utah Beach when one of his comrades recommended Pedro to give him a haircut for an important interview for officer's school. He was surprised to meet another hispanic in Utah Beach.
Margaret Rodón Email interviews were conducted with Peter Rodón's wife. She was a valuable source of information since she was the direct link with Pedro's wife Barbara Rodón. Through Margaret, Barbara provided most of the information about Pedro's origins, family, and cause of death.
Pedro Rodón's Pictures
Pedro Rodón Full Portrait
Pedro Rodón Portrait
Family Pictures
Barbara and Pedro's son Peter Rodón
Newspaper interview to Barbara
Barbara Rodon in front of plaque unveiled for Americans stationed in Wales during WWII.