The D-Day invasion of Normandy remains the largest amphibious invasion in history.
In 1944, the Germans had conquered almost all of continental Europe. The Allies bided their time, and patiently planned the invasion to liberate France and eventually all of Europe. There were five beach heads to take: Omaha and Utah by the Americans, Juno by the Canadians, and Sword and Gold by the British. Utah beach was defended mostly by new recruits, so American's faced the most brutal resistance at Omaha. Despite the daunting challenge, the Allies were victorious on the shores, and set in motion the end of the war.
See the soldiers who braved the waves and charged down the guns.
1
One of six tank turrets reused from the VK 30.01 heavy tank project mounted on a Tobruk
June 6th, 1944
2
Storming Omaha from the landing craft
June 6th, 1944
3
Landing ships putting cargo ashore on Omaha Beach at low tide during the early days of the Allied invasion
June, 1944
4
US assault troops in an LCVP landing craft approach Omaha Beach
June 6th, 1944
5
German troops of the Indian Legion on the Atlantic Wall in France
1944
6
U.S. soldiers of the 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division advance over the sea-wall at Utah
June, 1944
7
U.S. 1st Infantry Division, leaving a Higgins Boat on Omaha
June 6th, 1944
8
Tank landing at Omaha Beach
June 6th, 1944
9
Dog White sector of Omaha after D-Day
June 6th, 1944
10
American assault troops injured while storming Omaha Beach
June 6th, 1944
11
US Rangers scaling the wall at the beach
June 6th, 1944
12
Assault troops of the 3rd Battalion, 16th RCT, from the first two waves, shelter under the chalk cliffs
June, 1944
13
2nd Infantry Division troops and equipment going up the bluff via the E-1 draw
On D+1, June 7, 1944
14
Czech hedgehogs deployed on the Atlantic Wall near Calais
June 5th, 1944
15
Royal Marine Commandos attached to 3rd Infantry Division move inland from the beach
June 6th, 1944
16
Large landing craft convoy crosses the English Channel
June 6th, 1944
17
Carrying their equipment, US assault troops move onto the beach
June 6th, 1944
18
The U.S. Navy attack transport USS Samuel Chase which carried the Omaha landing craft
19
USS Arkansas engaging shore batteries off Omaha
June 6th, 1944
20
Members of the French Resistance and the US 82nd Airborne division during the Battle of Normandy
June, 1944
