After experiencing numerous delays and undergoing significant planning adjustments, the originally scheduled D-Day of June 5 approached. However, on June 4, adverse weather conditions disrupted the preparations as paratroopers were readying to board C-47 Skytrains for their mission behind enemy lines. This prompted a critical decision to delay the operation by 24 hours, necessitating a portion of the naval force destined for Utah Beach to return to port. Seizing a brief weather window, General Dwight D. Eisenhower ultimately gave the order to proceed, setting D-Day for June 6, 1944.
The first paratroopers touched down shortly after midnight, coinciding with the positioning of the massive invasion force off the coast. Preceding the landings, a brief but intense naval and aerial bombardment occurred, commencing at around 6:30 am.
For American forces landing at Omaha and Utah, the outset proved exceptionally challenging. At Omaha Beach, early waves of troops encountered formidable resistance. Meanwhile, the landing force en route to Utah was tragically blown off course, causing troops to land nearly a mile from their intended location. American airborne units from the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions found themselves scattered across the Utah area, often miles away from their designated drop zones.
On the western front, the landings proceeded more according to plan for British and Canadian forces. Despite facing various challenges and at times fierce enemy opposition, Allied forces tenaciously persevered in establishing a crucial beachhead in Normandy.
CBS D-DAY Broadcast (June 6, 1944) this audio is part of the collection: Old Time Radio at the Internet Archive
Directive to Supreme Commander Allied Expeditionary Force (12 February 1944)
FDR's Prayer on D-Day, (June 6, 1944)
General Eisenhower's Message Sent Just Prior to the Invasion
Initial Joint Plan-Neptune Operation (Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
Contained in the binder are extracts of pertinent portions of the initial joint plan for the Neptune operation received from Supreme Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force. Mission: to secure a lodgment on the continent from which further offensive operations can be developed. It is not an isolated operation, but is part of a large strategic plan designed to bring about the total defeat of Germany by means of heavy and concerted assaults upon German-occupied Europe from the UK, Mediterranean, and Russia. Table of contents: general (mission, target date, chain of command); intention (general plan of action); resources for assault; preliminary operations; assault phase; the build-up; mounting; operational policy; administration; and intelligence."
Operation Overlord Related Documents (Combined Armys Research Library Digital Library)
