Remembering the Battle of Normandy
“Operation Overlord” a continuation of “Operation Neptune” where over 150,000 Allied troops storm Normandy beach. The battle for Normandy continued for more than two months, with campaigns to establish a foothold in France, concluding with the closing of the Falaise and the subsequent liberation of Paris in August and the German retreat across the Seine.
In the East, the vastness of space will… permit a loss of territory… without suffering a mortal blow to Germany’s chance for survival. Not so in the West! If the enemy here succeeds… consequences of staggering proportions will follow within a short time. – Adolf Hitler
In June of 1940 Hitler had been victorious in the greatest triumph: the fall of France. Overlord was the name assigned to the establishment of a large-scale engagement on the Continent. The first phase, the establishment of a secure foothold – Neptune.
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. – Dwight D. Eisenhower in letter to the Army
So 66 years later we should take pause of the soldiers lost at the Normandy landing. There was a lot of celebrations and recognitions last year, the 65th anniversary.
CBS created a great slide show for D-Day’s 65th Anniversary
“People of Western Europe: A landing was made this morning on the coast of France by troops of the Allied Expeditionary Force. This landing is part of the concerted United Nations’ plan for the liberation of Europe, made in conjunction with our great Russian allies … I call upon all who love freedom to stand with us. Keep your faith staunch. Our arms are resolute. Together we shall achieve victory.” – broadcast by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 6, 1944.
A different time with different leaders in a different country. My grandfather said to me once that he longed for those days to return, but he knew it would never be the same.
I get that now, more and more each day.
‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Forest Gump’ headed to cinemas for Anniversary Events
“Into the Jaws of Death — U.S. Troops wading through water and Nazi gunfire” photo Chief Photographer’s Mate (CPHoM) Robert F. Sargent
A LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) from the U.S. Coast Guard-manned USS Samuel Chase disembarks troops of Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One) wading onto the Fox Green section of Omaha Beach (Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France) on the morning of June 6, 1944. American soldiers encountered the newly formed German 352nd Division when landing. During the initial landing two-thirds of Company E became casualties.
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