Here is an article on the subject of "D" Day which describes the history of this special day. (courtesy of Wikipedia):
Normandy landings
The Normandy
landings, codenamed Operation Neptune, were the landing operations on 6 June 1944 (termedD-Day)
of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. The largest seaborne invasion in
history, the operation began the invasion of German-occupied western Europe,
led to the restoration
of the French Republic, and contributed to an Allied victory in the
war.
Planning for the operation began in 1943.
In the months leading up to the invasion, the Allies conducted a substantial military deception,
codenamed Operation Bodyguard,
to mislead the Germans as to the date and location of the main Allied landings.
The weather on D-Day was far from ideal, but postponing would have meant a
delay of at least two weeks, as the invasion planners had requirements for the
phase of the moon, the tides, and the time of day that meant only a few days in
each month were deemed suitable. Hitler placed
German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in
command of German forces and of developing fortifications along the Atlantic Wall in anticipation of an Allied invasion.
The amphibious landings were preceded by extensive aerial and
naval bombardment and an airborne assault—the landing of 24,000
British, US, and Canadian airborne troops shortly after midnight. Allied
infantry and armoured divisions began landing on the coast of France
starting at 06:30. The target 50-mile (80 km) stretch of the Normandy coast
was divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword Beach. Strong winds blew the landing
craft east of their intended positions, particularly at Utah and Omaha. The men
landed under heavy fire from gun emplacements overlooking the beaches, and the
shore was mined and covered with obstacles such as wooden stakes, metal
tripods, and barbed wire, making the work of the beach clearing teams difficult
and dangerous. Casualties were heaviest at Omaha, with its high cliffs. At Gold,
Juno, and Sword, several fortified towns were cleared in house-to-house
fighting, and two major gun emplacements at Gold were disabled using
specialised tanks.
The Allies failed to achieve all of their
goals on the first day. Carentan, St. Lô, and Bayeux remained
in German hands, and Caen,
a major objective, was not captured until 21 July. Only two of the beaches
(Juno and Gold) were linked on the first day, and all five bridgeheads were not
connected until 12 June. However, the operation gained a foothold that the
Allies gradually expanded over the coming months. German casualties on D-Day
were around 1,000 men. Allied casualties were at least 12,000, with 4,414
confirmed dead. Museums, memorials, and war cemeteries in the area host many
visitors each year.
The actions by these brave men and woman, allow us to enjoy the many freedoms this country
has to offer.
Freedom
to buy and own a home is one that comes to mind. Remember to exercise that
option as we are in this busy Real Estate Season.
Rob (USCG) and Bob (USMC) are both veterans. Each served during a different era and we are both very proud to have served.
Let
us help serve you in the process of buying or selling your home.
We
look forward to hearing from you.
God
Bless America
Petit
Home Team
(704)
728-6944
www.PetitHomeTeam.com
