On June 6, 1944, Allied forces executed Operation Neptune, one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history. We know it at D-Day. Two years prior to launching the D-Day kickoff to the Battle of Normandy (Operation Overlord), Allied forces planned, strategized, and misdirected Axis opponents (Operation Bodyguard) to ensure Operation Neptune’s success.
The D-Day invasions marked a crucial turning point in the European theatre. Within two months, France was liberated. By the following spring, the Germans were defeated.
Today, we remember the courage, valor, grit, and determination of the men and women who participated in the D-Day invasions.
Original video footage from the evening before D-Day, June 5, 1944 filmed by American Military personnel.Seen in the video members of the 101st Airborne Division, and more specifically, men of the 2nd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) are preparing the aircraft at Greenham Common Airfield in the United KingdomThe men seen are marching to the aircraft with camouflaged faces wearing their battle equipment. Before these men board and depart for the invasion of Normandy, they are read a letter, circulated from Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, the supreme commander of Allied forces in Europe.The video depicts on board aircraft of the 87th Troop Carrier Squadron (438th Troop Carrier Group). The focal point of the video is the preparation and departure of the lead aircraft named That’s All, Brother (42-92847) present at her send off are Lt. Gen. Louis H. Brereton, commander of the 9th Air Force, and Lt. Col. Louis R. Goodrich. Piloting the aircraft will be Col. John Donalson, commander of the 438th TCG and Lt. Col. David Daniel, commander of the 87th TCS.
One of the best cinematic renditions:
So many more I’d love to add, but this is a good start.
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