D-Day

D-Day

D-Day refers to the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, during World War II. This operation, codenamed Operation Overlord, was the largest seaborne invasion in history and marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.

Background

The planning for D-Day began in earnest after the Tehran Conference in 1943, where the Allied leaders agreed on the necessity of opening a second front in Western Europe to alleviate pressure on the Eastern Front.

Planning and Preparation

The operation was meticulously planned by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF), led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower. The invasion involved extensive deception operations, collectively known as Operation Bodyguard, to mislead the Germans about the actual landing site.

Forces Involved

The invasion force consisted of:

• The U.S. Army
• The British Army
• The Canadian Army
• Forces from Free French and other Allied nations

The Invasion

On the morning of June 6, 1944, Allied forces landed on five beachheads in Normandy, codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

Airborne Operations

Prior to the amphibious landings, airborne troops were dropped behind enemy lines to secure key objectives and disrupt German defenses. Notable operations included the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.

Naval and Air Support

The invasion was supported by a massive naval bombardment and air support from the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces.

Outcome

By the end of D-Day, the Allies had established a foothold in Normandy, although they faced stiff resistance, particularly at Omaha Beach. The success of D-Day was a turning point in the war, leading to the liberation of Paris and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

Legacy

D-Day is remembered as a pivotal moment in World War II history. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial and other sites in Normandy serve as lasting tributes to the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied forces.

See Also

• Battle of Normandy
• Operation Neptune
• V-E Day

References

• Ambrose, Stephen E. D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II. Simon & Schuster, 1994.
• Beevor, Antony. D-Day: The Battle for Normandy. Viking, 2009.

External Links

• National D-Day Memorial
• D-Day Story Museum