The trip, dubbed the Battle Study in Normandy and Belleau Wood, began at Normandy, where the group visited the Allied landing sites, the nearby American cemetery, and the surrounding cities that experienced heavy fighting during the invasion. It then moved to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and the Belleau Wood Battle Trail, the site of a historic World War I battle in Northeastern France, before winding up in Paris.
The course was the first in what promises to be an annual trip. Another battle study at Pearl Harbor is already in its third year. “There is no better way to learn than being present,” said Price Professor and Director of ROTC programs, Frank Zerunyan, a strong supporter of experiential learning.
The Price School of Public Policy is the academic home of the USC ROTC programs, which include Naval, Army and Air Force ROTC units.
The trip took place between Aug. 12 and 18 and was made possible by a generous endowment from a USC NROTC alumnus. It was co-led by Vanderschans, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Tracy Perry, Executive Officer U.S. Navy Commander Josh Ragadio, and U.S. Navy Lt. Krishna Peri.
After Normandy, the midshipmen visited Caen and Sainte-Mère-Église, one of the first French towns liberated on D-Day by the Allies including the legendary Easy Company from the 101st Airborne Division. Their heroic exploits were depicted in the book and miniseries, Band of Brothers.
The second portion of the trip took place in Belleau Wood near Marne, France, the site of one of the fiercest battles of World War I.