In the runup to June 6, 1944, the “Atlantic Wall'' was a line of defense, a layer of fortifications including obstacles in the English Channel, barriers on the beaches, artillery nests lining the cliffs and rows of ditches further inland. These were highly effective defensive measures against amphibious landings, artillery barrages from the sea, and the advance of ground troops. Additionally, the Germans were known for their air superiority, which guarded against bombing sorties and paratrooper landings. The Germans expected the Allied Forces to invade Europe, and Hitler had charged his best general, Erwin Rommel, with defending the European coastline bordering the English Channel.
Yes, the Allied Forces planned an operation for the liberation of Europe. They also predicted that France would be its focal point.
The Germans expected notorious American General George S. Patton to command allied landing forces. General Dwight Eisenhower and his other allied commanders anticipated this – concocting an elaborate ruse to disguise their planned attack. The allies sent misleading and incomplete radio messages that would be intersected by the Germans. Eisenhower tapped General Patton to create a fake inflatable Army along England’s southern coast. This “Army” would be visible to German pilots flying reconnaissance or bombing missions into the British interior.
It was decided that June 5, 1944 would be the date to launch the invasion of France in a campaign named Operation Overlord. That June began with inclement weather and rough seas, which postponed the launch of Operation Overlord by 24 hours. On June 6 the weather cleared and General Eisenhower gave the order to begin the invasion to retake France. Eisenhower delivered this speech (courtesy of the Nation Archives) to his troops:
“Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, 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.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! 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 beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
Thus began the largest amphibious operation in world history. The invading forces boasted more than 5,000 ships, 11,000 aircraft and 156,000 allied troops landed in that single day. It’s estimated that more than 4,000 allied troops were killed during the invasion along with tens of thousands of wounded.
Imagine the 18- and 19-year-old soldiers in their landing crafts, called Higgins Boats, approaching the Normandy coastline. German artillery shells raining down. Bullets fired from the cliffs above pinging the hull of their craft. All knowing as soon as the ramp of their Higgins Boat dropped into the water, those rounds were going to strike many of them.
Once in the water, they had to avoid wooden obstacles called hedgehogs, razor wire and the surf itself. They were completely exposed on the sandy beaches while they made a mad dash for the base of the cliffs. Then, they began the process of rappelling up the cliffs, avoiding gunfire and neutralizing the German defensive positions along the coast. Allied paratroopers landed behind enemy lines. Their objectives were to split the Axis defenses and open roads for allied equipment to move inland.
These troops found the Germans were a bit disorganized and caught off guard. Rommel was actually home on leave. Hitler believed the Allies would invade at the narrowest point of the English Channel at Port Du Calais. Therefore, he had moved reinforcements from the Normandy beaches further east. The Allies asserted their authority in the air.
Despite these challenges, there were many great victories over the coming days. These were earned by young men who put fear aside and do their duty. There were more events that transpired and can only be explained by the hand of God.
General Eisenhower had drafted another speech – one that he would deliver in case the invasion was a failure. In that speech, Eisenhower took full responsibility if that were to be the outcome. Thankfully, the invasion was successful. Over the coming days more than 850,000 troops and 150,000 vehicles landed at Normandy. The Allies defeated the German forces and liberated Europe.
This June 6 marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion to liberate Europe. Please take a moment to reflect and honor those troops who fought bravely against considerable odds and did their duty. Let us draw strength from them. Let us continue to fight in their honor to save our republic from this current assault from internal and external forces. Let us do our duty for the betterment of America and to be that beacon of liberty that inspires the world.
In liberty,
Brett
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