Band of Brothers*
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Market Garden:* 
Zon Bridge at Wilhelmina Canal*
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US Army Airborne Assaults Germany*

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September 17, 1944*

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Design:  Dick Burleigh*

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Operation Market Garden starts today.  The US 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions jump into Holland to secure key bridges along the road to Arnhem. Holding the road open will allow the British XXX Corps to advance and relieve the British First Airborne Division and a Free Polish Airborne Brigade at Arnhem.  The 101st is assigned to the Eindhoven area.*
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After a nearly flawless daylight jump near Eindhoven on 17th September the 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Division is tasked with securing the bridge over the Wilhelmina Canal at Zon.*
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1st Battalion, led by A Company will advance to the bridge through the Zoenche Forest.  2nd Battalion led by Easy Company will form up on the Arnhem-Eindhoven Road and advance to the Wilhelmina bridge via the town of Zon.  German occupation forces of unknown strength are known to be quartered in the area.*
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Historical note:  1st Battalion's advance was met with mortar, 88mm AA and machinegun fire from the Zon bridge.  2nd Battalion's advance was delayed by celebrating citizens in the streets of Zon.*  As troopers from Easy Company raced to within a few hundred yards of the Zon bridge, it was blown by withdrawing German Engineers.*