What Is D Day

D-Day: The Allied Invasion of Normandy

What is D-Day?

D-Day is the name given to the June 6, 1944 invasion of the beaches at Normandy in northern France by troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. It was the first day of Operation Overlord, the Allied attack on German-occupied Western Europe.

The Planning of D-Day

The planning for D-Day began in 1943, when the Allies decided to launch an invasion of Europe. The invasion was planned by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander. Eisenhower's plan was to land troops on five beaches in Normandy: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. The troops would then push inland and capture the port of Cherbourg, which would give the Allies a foothold in France.

The Invasion of Normandy

The invasion of Normandy began at 6:30 AM on June 6, 1944. The Allies landed troops on all five beaches, and they quickly made progress inland. However, the fighting was fierce, and the Allies suffered heavy casualties. By the end of the day, the Allies had established a foothold in Normandy, but they had not yet achieved their objectives.

The Battle of Normandy

The Battle of Normandy continued for two months after D-Day. The Allies fought their way through German defenses, and they eventually captured Cherbourg on June 27. The Allies then began to push inland, and they liberated Paris on August 25. The Battle of Normandy ended on September 12, when the Allies reached the German border.

The Legacy of D-Day

D-Day was a turning point in World War II. The Allied invasion of Normandy led to the liberation of France and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. D-Day is also remembered as one of the most courageous and heroic military operations in history.