Invasion of Normandy
Invasion of Normandy, 1944

Assault landing. 1 of the first waves at Omaha. Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Source: U.S. National Archives, CG 2343.

British troops walking up the gangway of SS Empire Lance from Southampton on the way to France. (June 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5237.

Follow-up troops wade ashore from landing craft on Queen sector of Sword Beach. (June 7, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5008.

Winston Churchill shows off his famous "siren suit" to General Dwight D Eisenhower, during a tour of Allied invasion forces in Kent. (May 12, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # H 38458.

Commandos of 48 (RM) Commando coming ashore from landing craft at St Aubin-sur-Mer on Juno Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5217.

2 British Navy frogmen paddle 1 of the canoes; they were the underwater experts who blasted a hole in the Nazi's Atlantic Wall to enable invasion crafts to reach the Normandy beaches on D-Day. Source: Imperial War Museums, # A 30325.

Lance Corporal Walter Ray, Royal Engineers, shares with other Beach Group personnel a bottle of rum he found floating in the sea, Gold area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5260.

Film still showing commandos of No. 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, aboard a LCI(S) landing craft on their approach to Queen Red beach, Sword area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # BU 1181.

Follow-up waves of the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade disembarking with bicycles from landing craft onto 'Nan White' sector of Juno Beach at Bernieres-sur-Mer. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # A 23938.

Troops of the 5th Engineer Special Brigade, wade through the surf to the northern coast of France, at Fox Green, Omaha Beach in order to bolster the forces after D-Day. (June 8, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190248.

Canadian troops of the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment, 8th and 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade disembark from a landing craft onto Nan Red Beach, Juno area at about 8:00 a.m. while under fire from German troops. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # IWM FLM 2570.

Canadians guarding captured German troops. Berniers Sur Mer, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Library and Archives Canada.

U.S. Army Rangers awaited the invasion signal in a landing craft in an English port; note the bazooka and the M1 Garand rifles. (Early June 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # USA C-741.

U.S. Army half-track antiaircraft machine gun vehicle backed into the well deck of a U.S. Navy LCT in prep for the Normandy invasion. (Late May or early June, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # USA C-751.

Two Nuns and a French family examined the ruins of the bombed Church of St. Malo, in Valognes, France. Near Cherbourg. (July 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # USA C-2172.

U.S. Army weapons carrier moved through the surf toward Utah Beach, Normandy, after being launched from its landing craft. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 190438.

U.S. Engineers are briefed on their objectives for the forthcoming invasion. Left to right: Albert V. Ottolino, Howard D Kraut, J. H. James. (May 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # EA 25370.

Dead American soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division on Omaha Beach in Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 189924.

Easy Company, 2nd Battalion of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles." Source: Unknown.

U.S. Army soldiers recovering remains of comrades at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. Library of Congress, Photographer: Walter Rosenblum.

An American Soldier lies dead alongside an anti-landing craft obstruction on Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2397.

German prisoners of war in a barbed-wire enclosure on Utah Beach, Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320897.

Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade approach Queen Red beach, Sword area, c. 0840 hours. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5102.

British airborne troops admiring the graffiti chalked on the side of their Horsa Mk I glider. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # 4700-37 H 39178, Photographer: Malindine.

Two Canadian soldiers looking at a German model of defenses at Courseulles sur Mer. Juno Beach, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: World War II Database.

Royal Air Force parachute packers on an RAF glider station folding coloured parachutes for use by airborne troops during the Normandy invasion. Source: Imperial War Museums, # TR 1782.

Troops of the Canadian Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiment approaching Juno Beach, Normandy, France aboard LCA landing craft. (June 6, 1944). Source: National Archives of Canada, # PA-132651.

Canadian soldiers on Juno Beach, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: World War II Database.

Men of 22nd Independent Parachute Company, 6th Airborne Division being briefed for the invasion. (June 4-5, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # H 39089.

German Obergefreiter inspects area with binoculars. France, the Atlantic Wall, south of the city of Bordeaux. (Spring 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, # Bild 1011-263-1580-13.

Eisenhower's message to Normandy invaders. (June 1944). Source: World War II Database.

German Army Field Marshal Erwin Rommel at the Atlantic Wall near Ouistreham, Normandy, France. (May 30, 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-300-1863-09.

Paratroops of 6th Airborne Division blackening their faces in front of an Albemarle aircraft at RAF Harwell. (June 5, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # H 39066.

Glider pilots of 6th Airborne Division and RAF crews are briefed at RAF Harwell for the D-Day invasion. (June 5, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # H 39062.

"Angels with dirty faces" --Airborne troops smile from their Horsa glider as they prepare to fly out as part of the second drop on Normandy on the night of D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, H 39182.

Medics attending to wounded in the lee of a Churchill AVRE from 5th Assault Regiment, Royal Engineers, on Queen beach, Sword area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5095.

Royal Marine Commandos of the 4th Special Service Brigade make their way onto the 'Nan Red' sector of Juno Beach at St. Aubin-sur-Mer, on the morning of D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5218.

Air Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham Air Officer Commander-in-Chief, 2 TAF, addresses air and ground crews at Hartford Bridge, Surrey, on the forthcoming invasion of Normandy. Source: Imperial War Museums, # CH 13271.

Royal Engineers of the 693 Road Construction Co. line up at a Field Cashiers office in the UK to exchange English money for French currency. (June 1, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5149.

Troops of 3rd Infantry Division on Queen Red beach, Sword area, circa 0845 hours. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5114.

German POWs being escorted along one of the Gold area beaches. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5257.

The crew on the bridge of the frigate HMS Holmes keep watch as gliders carrying 6th Airborne Division reinforcements to Normandy pass overhead on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # A 23925.

Members of the Womens Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) repair and pack parachutes for use by airborne troops during the Normandy invasion. (May 31, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, TR 1783.

An American soldier lends a hand to another American picking a small bit of metal from his face. Orchard Beach, France. (June 8, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190258.

A French civilian greets British troops in La Brèche d'Hermanville. The 3 CMPs (Corps of Military Police) despatch riders are from No. 5 or 6 Beach Group, attached to 3rd Division. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5028.

Nazi boy soldier relishes a cup of coffee aboard the Coast Guard-manned LCI carrying him away from war across the channel to England. He reported that he was 13 years old. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2444.

Vertical aerial photograph of the landings on Mike beach, Juno area, to the west of Courselles-sur-Mer. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # CL 41.

U.S. troops rescue men from a sunken landing craft on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320869.

Royal Engineers serving with the 50th Division Beach Group share cocoa with a French boy in the village of Ver-sur-Mer, Gold area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # B 5254.

Group of U.S. soldiers from the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division bound for Utah Beach on LCI(L)-326 on D-Day afternoon. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2402.

A U.S. Coast Guard coxswain named "Jim" is at the helm of a landing craft vehicle carrying troops from the 4th Infantry Division toward Utah Beach on D-Day. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2349.

U.S. Army M4 Sherman tanks and other equipment loaded in a LCT, readying for the invasion of France. (Late May or early June, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # USA C-724.

U.S. troops landing at Normandy on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 195567.

This girl pays the penalty for having had personal relations with the Germans. Here, in the Montelimar area, France, French civilians shave her head as punishment. (August 29, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-193785.

Troops in a landing craft approaching Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320901.

Private Clyde Peacock and the rest of the 1st Military Police Platoon of the US 1st Army wait in England to board transports to Normandy. (Early June, 1944). Source: U.S. Army.

Brian and Betty Fetch reunited after the war: On D-Day, Brian (then known as Bing) parachuted under heavy anti-aircraft fire when the Allies liberated Normandy. Source: Andrew Woolhouse.

U.S. Army Rangers awaited the invasion signal in a landing craft in an English port; note the bazooka and the M1 Garand rifles. (Early June 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # USA C-739.

American soldiers landing on Utah Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: Regional Council of Lower Normandy, U.S. National Archives.

Canadian soldiers manning a 40-mm Bofors anti-aircraft gun in Normandy, France. (June 1944). Source: World War II Database.

These two Canadian soldiers raise a Nazi flag which they captured in a quarry south of Hautmesnil, France. (August 10, 1944). Source: National Archives of Canada.

Alan Brooke, Winston Churchill, and Bernard Montgomery at Montgomery's mobile headquarters in Normandy, France. (June 12, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, #4905-03 TR 1838, Photographer: Horton.

Wounded U.S. troops of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st U.S. Infantry Division, receive cigarettes and food after they stormed Omaha Beach. Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, SC 189910-S.

Major General Rod Keller of the 3rd Canadian Division, Normandy, France. (June 20, 1944). Source: Canadian Department of National Defense, # ZK-540.

A British soldier in Caen gives a helping hand to an old lady amongst the scene of utter devastation. (1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 6794.

German prisoners awaiting transfer at the beaches of Normandy, France. A disabled Sherman Crab flail tank in background. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, #4700-29 B 5089, Photographer: J. Mapham.

Final Embarkation: 3 British soldiers of 51st Highland Division in a landing craft pass the time by reading a booklet on France which they were issued before embarkation. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5207.

A lieutenant of the air force and paratroopers holding rifles present a table with candles and pictures of Hermann Goering. Normandy, France. (June 21, 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-584-2153-12.

Troops wading ashore. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5092.

Two German paratroopers with handcarts loaded with equipment running through bushes. Normandy, France. (June 21, 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-587-2253-05.

2 Ohio Coast Guardsmen (John R. Smith, on the left, and Daniel J. Kaczorowski) stand at their guns aboard a Coast Guard-manned invasion transport during the invasion of Normandy. Source: U.S. National Archives, 513179.

American troops marching through a British port town on their way to the docks. (June 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

A German shell splashed near a LST off Utah Beach, Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 190276, Photographer: Collier.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower gives the order of the day: "Full victory-nothing else" to paratroopers in England. (June 5, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-194399

U.S. Army Rangers showing off the ladders they used to storm the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-45716.

A soldier gets a hair cut in France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Scene on Omaha Beach in Normandy. LCI(L)-553 in background and a LCVP from APA Samuel Chase in left center. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 189899.

Scrubbing sidewalks in France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Knapper and Chief Yeoman Cook of USS Texas examining damaged German pillbox at Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France. Covered dead U.S. Army Ranger at right. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-235595.

Men of the British 2nd Army waiting to move off Queen White Beach of Sword Beach, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, # 4700-29 B 5091, Photographer: J. Mapham.

Two German officers in a group of prisoners who surrendered to the Canadians in Courseulles, Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: National Archives of Canada, # PA-114493, Photographer: Ken Bell.

Troops of the Canadian Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiment marching in Normandy, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: National Archives of Canada, # PA-116528.

Canadian infantrymen aboard a landing craft launched from HMCS Prince Henry, off Normandy beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Library and Archives Canada, Photographer: Dennis Sullivan.

Army medics administering blood plasma to a survivor of a sunken landing craft on Omaha Beach during D-Day. Source: Center of Military History, U.S. Army.

Paratroopers of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division after having seized Ste. Marie du Mont from the Germans. (June 7, 1944).

Landing ships putting cargo ashore on Omaha Beach. (Mid-June, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2517.

Medic helping injured soldier. France. (1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 208-YE-22.

327th Infantry Regiment going ashore on Utah Beach during D-Day. (1944). Source: William Shoemaker Jr.

German Jagdpanther tank destroyer traveling across a field in France during the Allied invasion. (June 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-721-0397-18.

A German tank destroyer crewman posing next to his Jagdpanther. France. (June 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-721-0396-24.

German paratrooper taking a nap with his MP 40 submachine gun at his side, Normandy, France. (1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-583-2148-37.

General-Field Marshal Erwin Rommel conducted inspections of the Atlantic waves. (February 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-719-0206-13.

A German soldier spray painting a Jagdpanther tank destroyer for camouflage. France. (June 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-721-0397-19.

German troops transporting a wounded soldier with a SdKfz. 251 halftrack vehicle. Eastern Front. (June 21, 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, #Bild 101I-695-0401-17A.

German soldier with MG42 machine gun. Caen, France. (June 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 146-1983-109-14A.

German paratrooper with MG42 machine gun. France. (June 21, 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, # Bild 101I-587-2253-17.

German soldiers inspect a downed air transport aircraft Artillery British Airspeed AS 51 "Horsa." Normandy, France. (June 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 146-2004-0176.

A German Jagdpanther tank destroyer crewman atop the vehicle during the Allied invasion of France. (June 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, Bild 101I-721-0397-12.

German troops transporting a wounded soldier with a SdKfz. 251 halftrack vehicle. Eastern Front. (June 21, 1944). Source: German Federal Archive, #Bild 101I-695-0401-16A.

Private Clarence C. Ware applies last second make-up to Private Charles R. Plaudo (members of the 101st Airborne Division) in England before D-Day. June 1944. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-193551.

American troops of the 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st U.S. Infantry Division, after gaining safety by the chalk cliff at their backs. They take a "breather" on Omaha Beach. (June 8, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2342.

U.S. assault troops of the 3d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st U.S. Infantry Division, assemble on a narrow strip at Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC-189935.

Smoking LCVP approaches Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2342.

Railway station and city of Saint-Lô destroyed after the Invasion of Normandy. Source: U.S. National Archives.

LCVP landing craft put troops ashore on "Omaha" Beach on "D-Day." (6 June 1944). Source: National Archives, #26-G-2337.

The "Fighting First Division." Photo taken just before D-day. On the far bottom left is 2nd Lieutenant John Burkhalter, who landed on Omaha beach in Normandy. Source: Joseph Giove III of High Rock Cafe.

Commandos of 1st Special Service Brigade after landing on Queen Red beach, Sword area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5075.

Commander of 21st Army Group, General Sir Bernard Montgomery, during his 1st press conference for Allied war correspondents after the invasion of Normandy. (June 11, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5337.

A jeep and other vehicles and troops passing through La Breche as they move inland from Sword Beach, Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5036.

Captain Lasdun of 693 Road Construction Co., Royal Engineers, uses a blackboard to brief the men aboard LST 406 at a south coast port. (June 4, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5157.

Vehicles and men aboard LST 406 with other landing craft during the passage to Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5160.

Troops come ashore on one of the Normandy invasion beaches, past the White Ensign of a naval beach party. (June 7, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, A 24012.

German POWs disembarking from LCI(L)-500 on 1 of the Gold area beaches. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5256.

Royal Engineers (Sappers) operating the valves of one of the Phoenixes to submerge it after it has been placed in position. (June 12-15, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, A 24358.

Men of 4 Commando, 1st Special Service Brigade, being briefed by Lt Col R. Dawson just before embarking for Normandy. (June 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5098.

British troops study French guidebooks onboard LCT 610 taking 13th/18th Royal Hussars to Normandy. (June 4 or 5, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5109.

A Commando officer of 1st Special Service Brigade (left) with 3rd Division signalers using man-pack radio sets during the move inland. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5065.

Troops wading ashore from an LCI(L) on Queen beach, Sword area. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5092.

47 (RM) Commando coming ashore on Jig Green beach, Gold area. LCTs unloading priority vehicles of 231st Brigade, 50th Division, can be seen in background. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5245.

Commodore Douglas-Pennant and his staff interested in one of the mine obstacles found on the French beach-head. (June 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, A 23945.

American Medical Officer, who landed with the 82nd Airborne Division in France, hands a lighted cigarette to a fellow officer who had an adverse landing. St. Mere Eglise, France. (June 12, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190289.

Nazi prisoners chat with Coast Guardsmen aboard a LCI which is transporting them from the French coast to a war prisoner's camp in England. The Coast Guardsmen are (from left to right): Allen Aylward and Harold Goodwin (back to camera). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2447.

Shortly after the landings on the French coast, two Yanks make friends with the younger locals in France. (June 9, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190066.

Army nurses spanning the English Channel play a game of bridge aboard a Coast Guard-manned infantry landing craft. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2605.

Private William Bonneville, U.S. Army, after an exhausting struggle with the chill currents of the English Channel, is wrapped in a blanket and given hot coffee in the galley of the Coast Guard Rescue Cutter (credited with more than 1,100 rescues since D-Day) that picked him out of the water. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2690.

Left to right: Private Roland Bonnell and Sergeant James Devine, both members of an engineer unit take time out to comfort a French girl as U.S. troops force ahead in France. Colleville, France. (June 13, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190253.

American soldiers who died in the crash-landing of their glider during the invasion. Near St. Marie du Mont, France. (June 12, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190292.

Nazi prisoner on the left was a Brooklyn butcher for 10 years before returning to Germany to fight for Hitler. Captured in Normandy, a Coast Guard-manned transport carries him back to the U.S. for internment. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2579.

American reinforcements pile from a Coast Guard landing barge into the surf on the French coast. They will replace the fighting units that secured the Normandy beachhead and spread north toward Cherbourg. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2409.

The mayor of a liberated French town and his wife join American troops in paying their last respects to the American casualties who are buried in the first American cemetery on French soil. (June 12, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190279.

Waist deep in the surf, American reinforcements pour ashore from landing barges replacing earlier troops in the liberation waves and spreading inland through Normandy. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2412.

4 Coast Guardsmen, proceeding as scouts in an LCM to the French invasion beach shortly before H-hour, get their heads together and display their full accord with General Sherman on the subject of war ("War is hell"). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2410.

G.I. of the 82nd Airborne Division helps a French woman carry her belongings back to Eglise Sur-Mer, Utah Beach, France. The village was evacuated during the Normandy invasion. (June 8, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190287.

Wounded German prisoners follow doctor's orders and get plenty of fresh air attired in robes and slippers provided for them aboard a Coast Guard-manned transport carrying them to the U.S. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2587.

A couple miles from the French beach-head in this little chapel, American soldiers, sailors and Coast Guardsmen attend services for the first Sunday after D-Day. (June 10, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2412.

Long lines of Nazi prisoners are marched from a British landing craft at a wharf at an undisclosed English port. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2359.

Aboard a Coast Guard-manned LCI bound from the French coast to England, Nazi prisoners give a U.S. Coast Guardsman the lowdown on how they happened to be captured. German prisoner with his finger pointing upward is translating his colleague's remarks about Allied air power and the U.S. Coast Guardsman, at his right, is Robert E. O'Connell. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2448.

Left to right: 1st Lieutenant Morris W. Self, Private First Class James E. Stanton, change into dry clothing after rescuing 8 soldiers from the channel when the LCVP they were being transported in sunk off the French Coast. (June 12, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190252.

Nazi 88mm guns pound Utah Beach as American troops push into Normandy, France. (June 11, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190109.

Wrecked German tanks and trucks mark the road of American advancement outside a town in France. St. Mere Eglise, France. (June 10, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190122.

Troops wade ashore from an LCVP on Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320902.

LCI(L)-553 landing troops on Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-421288.

"Rhino" ferry and tug approaches the Normandy shore. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2335.

LST approaches the Normandy coast on D-Day. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2358.

Transferring Normandy invasion casualties to a transport from a LCM. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-231247.

Troops give first aid to survivors of sunken landing craft on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320870.

Convoy of LCI(L)s en route to the Normandy invasion beaches. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-231247.

USS LCI(L)-217 en route to Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-252368.

USS LST-21 unloads British tanks and trucks off Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2370.

The Northampton-class heavy cruiser USS Augusta (CL-31) dominates the background of this photo while landing crafts from the Elizabeth C. Stanton pass in the foreground on the way to Omaha Beach carrying men from the 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Division. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-45720.

A U.S. Coast Guard landing craft brings wounded U.S. soldiers out to a transport for evacuation from the combat zone. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2386.

American boat team from the 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division loading onto a Higgins boat. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2338.

Coast Guard-manned LCI(L)-85 at about noon on D-Day after having sustained heavy damage that morning on Omaha Beach after a failed landing attempt at 8:30 a.m. at the cost of many wounded men. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-0610443.

Men of the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division transfer from LCI(L)-326 to a waiting Higgins Boat on the afternoon of D-Day. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2408.

An LCT (Mark 6) packed full of men about to make the run into Utah Beach on the afternoon of June 6, 1944. Some of these men are from the 1st Engineer Special Brigade. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2380.

"You name it Boss, we'll hit it." An inscription chalked on the Turret Two of battleship USS Arkansas (BB-33). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-244214.

German prisoners being questioned and searched in encampments on Allied beachhead in France. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-231663.

German prisoners being questioned and searched in encampments on Allied beachhead in France. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 80-G-231665.

Soldiers coming ashore on a pontoon causeway built by the SeaBees. This causeway was laid down at Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 6682629.

The Gare Maritime de Cherbourg railway station after the Normandy Invasion of 1944. Source: U.S. National Archives

While crew members of a Coast Guard-manned assault transport prepare to receive wounded from the beach-head, American troops stand-by to go into the beach aboard the same landing boat bringing out the wounded. Source: U.S. National Archives, # 26-G-2345.

A platoon of black troops surround a house as they prepare to eliminate a German sniper holding up an advance, on Omaha Beach, near Vierville Sur-Mer, France. (June 10, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-190120.

Members of a landing party help injured soldiers to safety on Utah Beach during the Allied Invasion of Europe on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Army.mil.

Medics attend to wounded soldiers on Utah Beach in France during the Allied Invasion of Europe on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Army.mil.

German troops surrender to Soldiers during the Allied Invasion of Europe on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Army.mil.

A paratrooper boards an airplane that will drop him over the coast of Normandy for D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Army.mil.

Army Air Corps photographers documented D-Day beach traffic, as photographed from a Ninth Air Force bomber on June 6, 1944. Source: U.S. Air Force # 52406 A.C.

General Charles de Gaulle speaks to the people of Cherbourg from the balcony of the City Hall during his visit to the French port city. (August 20, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 208-MFI-5H-1.

American troops in tank passing the Arc de Triomphe after the liberation of Paris. (August 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 208-YE-68.

American troops of the 28th Infantry Division march down the Champs Elysees, Paris, in the 'Victory' Parade.' (August 29, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-193197.

American howitzers shell German forces retreating near Carentan, France. (July 11, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-191933.

An American officer and a French partisan crouch behind an auto during a street fight in a French city. (1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # 111-SC-217401.

The British 2nd Army on 'Queen Red' Beach, the Sword Area at approximately 8:40 a.m. Brigade commander, Lord Lovat, can be seen striding through the water to the right of the column of men. The figure nearest the camera is bagpiper, Bill Millin. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5103.

Landing ships putting cargo ashore on Omaha Beach. (June 1944). Source: U.S. Coast Guard Collection, Naval Historical Center, 26-G-2517.

Operation Tonga. 4 'stick' commanders of 22nd Independent Parachute Company, British 6th Airborne Division, synchronize their watches at about 11 p.m. prior to take off from RAF Harwell, Oxfordshire. Officers, left to right: Bobby de la Tour, Don Wells, John Vischer, Bob Midwood. (June 5, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, H 39070.

U.S. Soldiers of the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, move out over the seawall on Utah Beach after coming ashore. (June 6 or 9, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, U.S. Navy, SC 190062.

German forces surrendering in Saint-Lambert-sur-Dive. (August 21, 1944). Source: Library and Archives Canada, PA-116586.

Soldiers on the outskirts of the Haye du Puits in the area of farmland back down their wounded. (July 7, 1944). Source: Archives Normandie 39-45 #013885.

Canadian Private MacDonald gives first aid to a child. (1944). Source: Ken Bell.

Aerial photograph of Royal Navy ships massing off the Isle of Wight before setting off for the Normandy beaches. (June 6, 1944.) Source: Imperial War Museums, A 23720A.

British 2nd Army: B Company, North Shore Regiment, 8th Canadian Brigade, take cover by tank obstacles while advancing on German strongpoint WN27 in St Aubin-sur-Mer. (June 6, 1944.) Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5228.

Young Japanese man wearing a Nazi uniform in a round-up of German prisoners on the beaches of France, gives his name and number to an American army captain. Source: U.S. National Archives, 513174.

German prisoners being brought in by men of the 13th/18th Hussars in Lion-sur-Mer on D-Day. Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5079.

A gun crew mans a Bofors gun stand ready to open fire on any surprise enemy aircrafts as England prepares for D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5152.

Commando troops coming ashore from a landing craft infantry. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5245.

French civilians show their identity cards to a British Royal Army Service Corps captain in Lion-sur-Mer. (June 6, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums, B 5042.

General Montgomery chats with troops near Caen. (July 11, 1944). Source: Imperial War Museums.

Invasion of American troops onto Utah Beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

American landing party helping out on Omaha Beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

Three rhino barges and a petrol barge on the coast. Source: Center of Military History.

Capture of German forces. Source: Center of Military History.

Supplies on D-Day. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

G.I.s helping other Americans get to shore. (June 12, 1944). Source: Center of Military. History.

The build-up of Omaha Beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

A medic at Omaha Beach, France. (June 6, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

A group of paratroopers in Utah Beach, France. (June 8, 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

Engineers cleaning the streets. (1944). Source: Center of Military History.

Artillery equipment is loaded on before the assault. (June 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

American assault troops approaching Omaha Beach. (June 6, 1944). Source: U.S. National Archives, # SC 320901.

Port in England; in foreground, jeeps are being loaded onto landing craft tanks. (June 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

Paratroopers before leaving for Normandy. Source: U.S. National Archives, RG-208-MO-10H.

American troops in a landing craft tank awaiting the signal for the assault. (June 1944). Source: Center of Military History.

Map indicating routes of allied flights over Normandy. (June 6, 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Charles Luther Blount.

Certificate of the 29th Infantry Division. (June 6, 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Herbert L. Cartwright, Jr.

Letter awarding Adam Kirschner the Bronze Star medal. (June 30, 1945). Source: Veterans History Project, Kirschner.

Cookie the dog in Germany; mascot for the 553rd Military Police Escort Guard Company. (May 1945). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Two soldiers with a belt-fed machine gun. (September 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Bernard Horowitz with his rifle in Villique Armand, France. (September 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Inside of a church in France. (September 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Two soldiers chat outside a military vehicle in France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Two soldiers in France. (August 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

A soldier reading outside his tent in France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

A soldier patrolling the streets in France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Two soldiers outside a tent in Blosville, France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

A soldier with his gun outside his tent in Blosville, France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

2 soldiers dig a ditch. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Bernard Horowitz in Blosville, France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Soldiers on their way to the mess hall. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Brame Jr. in a military car. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Bernard digging a foxhole in Blosville, France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Bernard with a knife in Blosville, France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

A group of soldiers in Blosville, France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Guard duty at a water well in Blosville, France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Soldier in France. (June 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

Commando kids in Fort Custer, Michigan. (January 1944). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

A soldier at Camp Grant. Illinois. (April 1943). Source: Veterans History Project, Bernard Horowitz.

A veteran with his award. Source: Veterans History Project, Gale E. Garman.

A soldier in uniform. (1943). Source: Veterans History Project, Gale E. Garman.

Seven soldiers; Ken, Bud, Shirey, Ken, Syd, Bob, Kraut. Source: Veterans History Project, Kenneth T. Delaney.

Two soldiers and a pipe. Source: Veterans History Project, Kenneth T. Delaney.

Private First Class Delaney after discharge. Source: Veterans History Project, Kenneth T. Delaney.

Two G.I.s, Ken and Batch. Source: Veterans History Project, Kenneth T. Delaney.

Kenneth Delaney being awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross. (January 27, 1980). Source: Veterans History Project, Kenneth T. Delaney.

Three G.I.s: Kraut, Ken, Bob. Source: Veterans History Project, Kenneth T. Delaney.