D-Day page 1

D-Day page 1 by ric gustafson


June 6 1944 stands alongside Gettysburg as the most important battle in U.S. history. Six divisions of American, British and Canadian troops had to grab 50 miles of heavily defended French coastline. It was the largest amphibious invasion ever attempted. For many, the day began in terror and confusion and death for hundreds of soldiers. Fined tuned plans floundered due to the weather, enemy resistance, Allied errors and plain bad luck. The Allies struck back as small ad hoc groups of soldiers got together and began to reach objectives.
By the end of the day, 150,000 soldiers came ashore in 6,900 ships and landing craft. More than 11,500 planes were involved. When the day was over, more than 4,400 soldiers died and 8,000 wounded. Thirty five men from Nebraska and Iowa died on D-Day. All are buried in Europe. Others were buried in stateside cemeteries and some were never recovered.
Next, we will look at the special connection Nebraska has with D-Day.


research help: An Omaha World Herald article


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric