Image courtesy of Tarlton

GRAFTON, Ill. – Tarlton served as construction manager on the first phase of a $6 million plan for a national memorial in the City of Grafton, Ill.

The project architect is Henderson Associates Architects in Edwardsville, Ill.

Tarlton installed 12 bronze life-size statues − each weighing more than 500 pounds – directly upon the face of the 100-foot limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Grafton. Each statue depicts and honors members of the U.S. Army Provisional Ranger Group Second Battalion in their historic efforts to scale the precipice of Pointe du Hoc on the northwestern coast of Normandy, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

In a nod to the project’s authenticity, Tarlton also constructed a replica of a concrete German “pillbox” or bunker – a fortified stronghold used by German troops to maximize their line of sight − at the top of the Grafton bluffs. The logistical planning and efforts of the D-Day operation are widely considered a major turning point for the Allies in World War II.

Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow, a retired colonel in the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, first launched the idea to create the National Memorial of Military Ascent following family trips to Normandy, France. “Grafton’s iconic limestone bluffs inspired the idea that we could simulate the historic ascent by the U.S. Army Rangers on D-Day to create a national memorial that recognizes their bravery and dedication to service,” Morrow said.

A public dedication of the memorial was held June 6.

Inspiration Becomes Reality

Through ongoing fundraising efforts, the City of Grafton commissioned the bronze statues with Carolina Bronze Sculpture Inc., in Seagrove, N.C. The company modeled each statue using scanned photographs of current members of the Second Ranger Battalion, a reenactor group with origins rooted in past members who famously scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc during the D-Day landings. A few Grafton residents also provided their likenesses toward the project.

“This has been one of the most unique, impactful projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on,” said Mike Jones, Tarlton senior project manager. “The installation involved intricate site and geological testing in preparation for hoisting and positioning each bronze statue that would be permanently placed upon the face of the limestone bluff.” Prior to the installation, the NMMA team made a prototype of each statue, which was 3D scanned and printed. From this scope of work, a life-size replica comprised of recycled materials was made to ensure proper positioning and placement of each bronze sculpture.

“Large mechanical lifts were utilized that enabled construction workers to embed stainless-steel anchors − each measuring two feet in length − directly into the face of the limestone cliff to provide ample support to each individual sculpture,” said Jones. “When the team was ready to lift the sculptures into their designated position, we used wire ropes to stabilize each sculpture as the crane carefully guided them into position. The ironworkers team safely and skillfully secured them in place.”

The Mission Continues

The City of Grafton is launching the second phase of the project, which includes the installation of a plaza near the visitor’s center, as well as the construction of a new 2,500-square-foot interactive museum to honor those who served in the Vietnam War. The museum will hold permanent and rotating exhibits and recognize Grafton’s key role in the construction of Navy Seal Team Assault Boats during the Vietnam War era. The plaza will also feature five distinctive architectural pillars that represent each branch of the U.S. military.