This is a photo essay to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Normandy invasion which marked the beginning of the end for the Nazi regime. Allied forces suffered huge losses on June 6, 1944 and subsequent days of Operation Overlord but they eventually secured France and routed the German invaders.
"You will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely....The free men of the world are marching together to victory. I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory. Good luck, and let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking." ~
General Dwight D. Eisenhower giving the D-Day order on June 6, 1944.
Supreme Command Tour Of Allied ForcesGen. Dwight Eisenhower, commander in chief of Allied Forces in Europe, reviewing troops shortly before the Normandy invasion while British Gen. Bernard Montgomery looks on over his right shoulder.
Normandy InvasionAmerican soldiers, mostly Army Air Corps, aboard LCT (tank transport) ship listen to "anchors away" instructions while en route to beaches of Normandy for Allied invasion of France, aka D-Day. (note field kitchen in foreground)
Invasion Of NormandyAmerican soldiers playing poker, using the 200 francs each was given for their trip to France, as they sit atop Army supply truck, one of many waiting on dock to be loaded onto ships for transport to their D-Day objective, the beaches of Normandy.
Injured American soldiers of 16th Infantry Div. bandaged and awaiting evacuation to field hospital after storming Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy, aka D-Day
American troops wading from troop carrier towards shore into German artillery fire on Omaha Beach during D-Day invasion of Normandy.
Dazed German prisoner puts his belongings into a white sack after being captured by American troops during the Allied push through Normandy following the D-Day invasion of France.
Bodies of 8 American paratroopers lie outside the wreckage of their glider near Hiesville, France on the day of the invasion of Normandy, aka D-Day.
Allied Military Cemetery at Omaha Beach on the coast of Normandy, the location for the great D-Day landing invasion on coast of German-held Europe during WWII. July 1951
All photos from Time/Life archives now at Google
Tags: ww 2,operation overlord,normandy invasion,omaha beach,u s soldiers,greatest generation
