By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jack Hoppe, Regional Media Center AFN Europe
LEY, France – U.S. service members, distinguished guests and local nationals gathered to unveil a memorial honoring the sacrifices of two American World War II heroes, U.S. Army Technician 4th Grade Ewing Boggs and Pfc. George Popovitch, in Ley, France, Sept. 20, 2026.
Both Soldiers lost their lives during a battle in the quaint French village 82 years ago. Today, their memory lives on, not just engraved in the newly commissioned stone and granite memorial that bears their names, but in the everlasting friendship and partnership between the U.S. and France.
“It’s been fantastic to have the reception with the French people here,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Saxion, battalion commander, 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division. “Remembering the two Soldiers, Ewing Boggs and George Popovitch, it’s really remarkable that we’re still able to come together.”
Saxion, who is the present-day commander of the same regiment Boggs and Popovitch fought with, said it was an honor to represent the unit, and pay respects to the two men who made the ultimate sacrifice all those years ago.
“The feeling of closure, to relive some of our legacy and pay homage to those who came before us has been wonderful.”
Boggs and Popovitch, who landed in Normandy, on D-Day, fought through France until they met their fates when their tank was destroyed in combat, on Sept. 20, 1944.
The monument today represents a lasting tribute to the two men and the 37th Armored Regiment, moreover, it serves a physical place where their memory and sacrifice can be honored for generations to come.
The newly-commissioned memorial in Ley, France, is open to the public.
