CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Thursday, June 6, 2019, will mark the 75th anniversary of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Operation Overlord was the code name given for the Allied invasion of northwest Europe to include the Battle of Normandy. The assault phase of Operation Overlord was known as Operation Neptune. Both are more commonly known as D-Day.
The D-Day operation began shortly after midnight with an Allied assault by three airborne divisions – the US 82nd and 101st on the right flank of the American forces, and Britain’s 6th Airborne on the left flank of the British.
The operation marked the beginning of the end of World War II and is considered one of the most ambitious military campaigns in history.
The operation commanded by General Eisenhower, was the largest amphibious invasion in history. More than 156,000 allied troops, 5,000 ships, 50,000 vehicles, and 11,000 aircraft crossed the English Channel to France’s northern coast of Normandy. The mission was to allow the Allies to gain a foothold in Europe and end World War II.
Soldiers had a monumental task of securing the over 50 miles of Normandy coast. Soldiers landing on Omaha Beach (depicted in the opening shots of Saving Private Ryan) had to cross 200 yards of open beach, carrying packs weighing upwards of 80 pounds before reaching cover. 12,000 Allied forces were killed, wounded and missing, 8,230 being American. By September of 1944, northern France was liberated.
The D-Day operations may not have been as successful had it not been for the 101st Airborne Division Paratroopers. In the early morning of June 6, 1944, over 13,000 paratroopers of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions dropped behind enemy lines to clear the way for the incoming invasion.
They were to secure roads and bridges to prevent German counter attacks. Dark skies, clouds, and anti-aircraft fire caused many paratroopers to miss their drop zone and be scattered throughout the invasion site. However, with stringent training from each of the troopers, the mission of the 101st Airborne Division proved to be a success. It allowed the Allied forces to gain a foothold in Europe and eventually bringing the
war in Europe to an end. The 101st would see 3,836 casualties by the end of the Normandy Assault.
To honor the legacy of the D-Day invasion, 85 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division are in Normandy to commemorate the 75th anniversary. The “Screaming Eagle” Soldiers will participate in a wide range of parades, ceremonies, and military and government events.
Heroic stories from veterans and commemorative experiences are being held across the country.
Thank you to Fort Campbell Historian and Fort Campbell Museum for providing information.
Read more about the Honor Flight Bluegrass event in Louisville.
Read more about the WWII Veteran who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
Read more about the 97-year-old WWII Veteran who just parachuted into Normandy.