"Operation Overlord"
That was the code name for the greatest amphibious invasion of our time. D-Day occured on June 6, 1944, and involved U.S., Canadian, and British troops invading the beaches of Normandy in order to
liberate the oppressed European peoples and stop the Nazi Army.
The man who orchestrated the invasion was General Dwight D. Eisenhower of the United States. He originally planned the invasion for the morning of the 5th, but had to postpone it due to stormy weather in the English Channel. Once word was set out, the troops moved from England and across the channel during the early hours of the 6th.
It was the largest number of naval and land crafts ever to invade an area, including paratroopers, gliders, and airforce. The soldiers pushed ashore and the Americans landed at their designated beaches of Utah and Omaha, and also Pointe du Hoc, while the British landed at Gold and Sword beaches, and the Canadians landed at Juno beach. When the day was over, the Allies suffered nearly 10,000 casualties and more than 4,000 were dead, just that day alone.
But thanks to these brave young men (most were twenty years old or younger), the Allies established a stable beachhead and quickly took control of occupied France. The D-Day invasion led the way to Berlin and thus, the end of the war.
General Eisenhower's Letter to the D-Day Soldiers
SOLDIERS, SAILORS AND AIRMEN OF THE ALLIED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE!
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.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United States have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned ! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory !
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory !
Good Luck ! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
[signed] Dwight D. Eisenhower