U.S. soldiers ave ancient church. American soldiers pass the ancient church of St.

U.S. soldiers ave ancient church. American soldiers pass the ancient church of St. Gilles, dating back to the 12th Century,. after driving the Nazis from the town July 26, 1944, the day following the launching of the big offensive west of St. Lo. The church was burning when U.S. forces entered St. Gilles. The American soldiers raced to the edifice and put out the fire by pulling aside burning timber. As a result, the church, althoug damaged, is reparable.