D-Day June 6th, 1944 – 67 Years in Memoriam

Although the term D-Day has nothing to do with June 6th, 1944 specifically, it has become synonymous with that day’s events. For it was on that day that 9 allied countries fought together against 1 common enemy on the beaches of Normandy, France.

The beach landing, codenamed Operation Neptune was the start of a full-fledged attack on German forces occupying Western Europe. H-Hour for Omaha beach was set 0630 with the greatest fleet ever assembled moving in from the English Channel—2,727 ships and 2,606 other, smaller craft, 5,333 in all. Once on the beaches, Operation Overlord went into effect and by nightfall, allied forces had captured all beachheads.

Three days later, all D-Day objectives were completed and a 3-week military buildup began, after which a full-scale land attack, dubbed Operation Cobra went into effect, further pushing back German forces into open country. By August 25th, Paris had been liberated.

At the time, these attacks were considered very controversial and to some degree, were not very popular among the American public and our troops. It was thought that an attack of this size would draw too many vital resources from other theatres of war including the Italian and Pacific fronts. During those three operations in 1944, it was estimated that well over 12,000 casualties were suffered by the allied forces.

In remembrance of that day and the freedoms and liberties won on those beaches and in memory of those who fought and survived and died there, thank you — you will never be forgotten. And to those who currently serve in all branches of the United States Armed Forces, thank you—my work pales in comparison to what you do for our country and for what you have at stake.