WMOK – Metropolis, IL – On D-Day—June 6, 1944—Private John Marvin Steele of the 82nd Airborne Division cemented his place in military history. During the chaotic early hours of the Normandy invasion, his parachute caught on the church steeple in Sainte-Mère-Église, France. Hanging there suspended for hours amidst intense gunfire and chaos, Steele witnessed the liberation of the very first French town taken by the Allies.
His unforgettable story has been shared globally through books and Hollywood film, it remains a proud point of local heritage as Steele was born right here in Metropolis.
Now, his legendary experience is being told in a striking new graphic novel by Jean-Marc Lainé and Thierry Olivier, titled “John Steele: The Paratrooper of the Steeple.”
Support a Piece of Local Heritage
This release offers the perfect opportunity for history buffs, military enthusiasts, and community members alike to own a visual retelling of a local hero’s bravery while directly giving back.
All proceeds from the sales of the book go directly to support the John Steele WWII Memorial.
The graphic novel is available now at these local locations:
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Circuit Clerk’s Office
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Creations the Florist
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City National Bank
Bringing the Story HOME: The Heroes of Massac Endeavors
The arrival of this graphic novel marks an exciting connection and step forward for the Heroes of Massac Endeavors (HOME), a local non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and paying tribute to notable historical figures born right here in Massac County.
Founded after a local visit to France revealed the massive global pride surrounding our hometown hero, the group is currently channeling 100% of these book proceeds directly into their inaugural project: funding the construction of a permanent John Marvin Steele Statue and World War II Monument on the Massac County Courthouse lawn.
Looking ahead, HOME plans to continue preserving our rich regional heritage with future memorials dedicated to other legendary local trailblazers like Oscar Micheaux and Annie Turnbo Malone.
By purchasing your copy of the graphic novel today, you are directly investing in our community’s history and helping HOME build a lasting tribute to the brave individuals who left their mark on the world.
Be sure to stop by any of these local establishments to secure your copy, add an incredible piece of Metropolis history to your shelf, and support this meaningful memorial.
