The Heppner flood was the deadliest in the history of the American northwest, and among the deadliest in the nation’s history. And yet, the disaster that struck the north central Oregon town has become nearly forgotten history.
By September of 1944, the Western Allies had broken out of the Normandy beachehead, and suddenly and quickly moved across northern France . By September 7th, the 90th division was stretched across the northern sector on Patton’s Third Army’s left, advancing slowly northeast. As they did so the German defenders made a risky attack in an effort to spoil the allied advance, cutting through Allied lines in a surprise action at the small town of Mairy-Mannville.