D-Day: The Normandy Invasion

The Normandy Invasion – 130k in 1^st day; 900k more over 3weeks; 3yrs in making; Operation Overlord

Deception – US creates much radio traffic, air filled tank balloons, etc

The Commanders – US: Eisenhower (Supreme); Brits: Montgomery (Ground), Ramsey (Naval), Mallory (Air)

Neptune – Naval portion of D-Day; largest US undertaking ever

The Plan

Initial Moves – “the sprout” – area of Eng channel cleared of mines

The Beaches – US: Utah, Omaha; Brits: Gold, June, Sword

Landing Craft – LCVP (36 troops [sm] or 200 [lrg]); DUKW (amphib truck, 25; high mobile); Tank LC (on-board artillery; sank)

Frogmen – combat Demo teams; 52% casaulties

German Defenses – Rommel in charge

Obstacles – posts put up at low tide w mines on top; Belgian Crates (like castle gate); wood ramps with mines; Iron crosses

The Landings

General – Heavy resistance at Omaha; units had NGS

Casualties – 2,500 dead, 6k wounded (1^st day); entire Op à 6k dead

Follow-On Operations – 7k tons of supplies per day; 4 July ’44 1,000,000^th US soldier hits the beach

Breakout – Patton’s new 3^rd Army breaks out and conducts Lorraine Campaign; Bastogne, Battle of the Bulge – Hitler orders 250k men and 2 tank div to counterattack (advances 70mi)