65 Years Ago Today

[snwbrdr435]

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!

You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we havestriven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms onother Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German warmachine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples ofEurope, and security for ourselves in a free world.

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, wellequipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.

But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats,in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced theirstrength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our HomeFronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitionsof 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 toVictory!

I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill inbattle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this greatand noble undertaking.

SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower

65 Years Ago Today, we invaded Occupied France, remember those who lost their lives.

[boro drift]

Those were the days when America was at war. These days, the government is at war, America is at the mall. I truly appreciate all the veterans, yesterdays and today's. God bless.

[LongBeachCoupe]

"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist;Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a socialist;Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist;Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew;Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak out for me. "

-Martin Niemoller

I live my life trying to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves... Although I personally believe the US should have been involved earlier, I am grateful for the battles fought by soldiers in WWII... My girlfriends grandfather (who is visiting us and staying at our house tomorrow) being one of them.

[Beancooker]

Post of the year Marco.

[Solar_Runner]

Nice tribute - thanks for the time you took to honor America's warriors of WWII.

GeorgeUSAF, ret.1984 - 2005

[LongBeachCoupe]

Also for those who dont know what the OP is talking about...

D-Day was a significant turning point in WWII... The Battle at Normandy and Operation Overlord and Operation Neptune (pictured in many movies you may recognize the OP pics from ) was the largest ever amphibious assault.

160,000 troops landed on soil that day (73,000 american if I am correct), 195,700 men and over 5,000 ships were involved.

Over 6,000 american troops died that day, many not even setting foot on land as the Nazi forces had fortified bunkers built into the sand with high caliber weaponry on hand.

Over 425,000 Allied and German troops were killed, wounded or went missing during the Battle of Normandy.

I believe these figures are on point, but dont hold me to it...

The 65th anniversary of D-Day will find our youngest D-Day and WWII veterans turning 82 years of age. The years to come will find ever fewer of them among us, and fewer still able to travel and share their stories.

Do yourself a favor and if you see someone in their 80s wearing military gear or know someone who fought, take a moment to hear their tale... As these brave men grow older there may not be many to tell it in the future.

[93coupe]

Great post and fantastic pictures. What were all the blimps for?

[Axel Grungy]

what in the world is this? Im a bit of a ww2 buff but ive never seen anything like that.

[93coupe]

<--- See avatar.

[EpicNightMayor]

Yeah. Can't you see it's a tank next to a giant?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

America was badass. Greatest generation of all time.

[RCA]

I was watching this on the TV today. Eisenhower 360...

Great show, awesome thread.

[snwbrdr435]

what in the world is this? Im a bit of a ww2 buff but ive never seen anything like that.

That is a "doodlebug" which earned that nickname because it is a miniature remote controlled tank which would be packed with explosives and then driven towards oncoming troops.

Great post and fantastic pictures. What were all the blimps for?

The "blimps" are just balloons. They are called barrage balloons and are designed to protect the ships from getting strafed by airplanes.

[hitbychance]

<--- See avatar.

It does look like the kitty tank!

[4cefed]

Excellent post. Kind of sad that it was 65 years ago Americans were unified behind something that was going on in the world.

[snwbrdr435]

Paratroopers had an extremely difficult task.

Paratroopers The D-Day invasion began with a dangerous attack by American paratroopers. Dropped behind enemy lines to soften up the German troops and to secure needed targets, the paratroopers knew that if the accompanying assault by sea failed -- there would be no rescue.

Departing from Portland Bill on the English coast, the 101st and 82nd U.S. Airborne Divisions were dropped on the Cherbourg peninsula. From that point, the 101st was to secure the western end behind UTAH and head off an eastern German advance. The 82nd, landing farther inland, was to seize the bridges and halt an advance from the west.

Risky Operation, Heavy LossesHeavy fog and German guns proved formidable challenges. The pilots were unable to drop the paratroopers precisely as planned.

The 101st Division suffered great losses. Only one sixth of the men reached their destination points. The first regiment of the 82nd Division fared better, but the second suffered heavy supply losses -- much of the division was left without sufficient arms. Still, both divisions managed to form smaller improvised squads, and organized themselves to wage a fight. By 0430, the 82nd had captured the town of Ste-Mere-Eglise.

A Weight on Their ShouldersParatroopers carried an average of 70 pounds of equipment. Officers averaged 90 pounds of gear. With the parachute, men weighed in at 90 to 120 pounds over their body weight.

The paratroopers were jumping into unknown territory and needed to be prepared for any encounter or conditions. Here's what they took:

Standard Parachutist packM-1 Garand Rifle with 8-round clipcartridge belt with canteenhand grenadesparachute and packanti-flash headgear and glovespocket compassmachete.45 caliber Colt automatic pistolflaresmessage book

Officer pack(British, but similar to American officer pack)Sten gunspare magazines with 9mm ammunition2 lb. plastic high explosives (HE)2-36 primed hand grenadestwo full belts of Vickers.303 ammunitionwire cuttersradio batteriessmall-packbasic equipment webbing48 hours' worth of rationswatercooking and washing kit

Spread throughout pocketsloaded .45 automatic pistolmedical kit2 additional lb. HEknifeescape/survival kittoggle ropeadditional personal items

Emergency rations4 pieces of chewing gum2 bouillon cubes2 Nescafe instant coffees, 2 sugar cubes, and creamers4 Hershey bars1 pack of Charms candy1 package pipe tobacco1 bottle of water purification (Halazone) tablets to purify water. "To use: Put two tablets in canteen full of water (approx. 1 qt.) and shake briskly. Wait 30 minutes before drinking water. If water is dirty or discolored, use 4 tablets."

[Otto.]

Really amazing pictures. Thank you for this post and thank you to all of our veterans.



That is a great picture.

Wow... thank you.

[snwbrdr435]

Its truly was the greatest generation, as a whole people sacrificed their lives both overseas and at home. Everything was donated and put towards the war effort. There are old mansions and buildings around my town and surrounding area that had their iron fences shortened and sent to the war effort. It is sad that we cannot unite now against anything. That is our main weakness. I hate how people don't support our troops, be against the war all you want but support the troops.

[Loki]

Oh lord those pictures are incredible... I have never seen any like that before. God bless those men and their sacrifices

[GreGS15]

Canada played a big role in the storming of the beach. My grandfather was there and he survived. He recently passes away just about 8 months ago, god bless him and all the other soldiers that fought for our freedom, Canada and US.

[snwbrdr435]

^ They had to land at Juno, one of the five beaches. The others being Omaha, Utah, Gold, and Sword.

Check out this link. http://www.army.mil/d-day/

[sldewyz]

god bless them all. im very thankful for what they fought for. our freedom. may they all rest in peace in our hearts.

[nissangirl74]

The 65th anniversary of D-Day will find our youngest D-Day and WWII veterans turning 82 years of age. The years to come will find ever fewer of them among us, and fewer still able to travel and share their stories.

Do yourself a favor and if you see someone in their 80s wearing military gear or know someone who fought, take a moment to hear their tale... As these brave men grow older there may not be many to tell it in the future.

My dad fought in WWII for four years. He wasn't there on D-day but he survived things in Germany and France that those of us today could not even fathom. Although he told me 100 stories, I'm sure there were 100 more that he didn't because they were too painful to tell. Brian said it best. If you ever have the opportunity, PLEASE take the time to listen to the stories these brave men have to tell. They are few and far between and their stories are precious. I lost my dad three years ago, he was 94. I'd give everything in this world to sit down and hear him tell them one more time. To all of those who have come and gone and to all of those who continue to fight, thank you so much.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Believe it or not, the only first hand WW2 story I have ever heard, was from a WW2 vet in GERMANY... we were on a train together, and he told some nice stories. He explained clearly that just because he was a Nazi, didn't mean he believed in everything Hitler did... in fact, he didn't even know about it, he was just doing his duty as a countryman... really cool guy in fact. It was one of the high points of my time in Germany. He didn't speak any English either.

Its important to remember that type of stuff... just because they were on the other side, doesn't mean they were very different from us... they were just following orders.

[GreGS15]

Thats a great point papa smurf. Definitely something to take into consideration.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

One final salute before the day is over...

I appreciate everything the Vets have done... you will forever be in my thoughts...

Finally, don't let anyone give you any s***! If they do, tell them to give me a call! You deserve everything you want. I doubt that will do anything... seeing as how you are the greatest generation, you will put my generation's punk asses in their place. Bless you all, and I truly wish you the best. If any of you read this and ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask me.

[Initial_R90]

hooya, Navy

i can also help with any questions, as this is one of the things i have great deal of info in this subject

pics are a nice find, one thing i hate about the military history channel , they show the same damn video clips

[Initial_R90]

Paratroopers had an extremely difficult task.

Paratroopers The D-Day invasion began with a dangerous attack by American paratroopers. Dropped behind enemy lines to soften up the German troops and to secure needed targets, the paratroopers knew that if the accompanying assault by sea failed -- there would be no rescue.

Departing from Portland Bill on the English coast, the 101st and 82nd U.S. Airborne Divisions were dropped on the Cherbourg peninsula. From that point, the 101st was to secure the western end behind UTAH and head off an eastern German advance. The 82nd, landing farther inland, was to seize the bridges and halt an advance from the west.

Risky Operation, Heavy LossesHeavy fog and German guns proved formidable challenges. The pilots were unable to drop the paratroopers precisely as planned.

The 101st Division suffered great losses. Only one sixth of the men reached their destination points. The first regiment of the 82nd Division fared better, but the second suffered heavy supply losses -- much of the division was left without sufficient arms. Still, both divisions managed to form smaller improvised squads, and organized themselves to wage a fight. By 0430, the 82nd had captured the town of Ste-Mere-Eglise.

A Weight on Their ShouldersParatroopers carried an average of 70 pounds of equipment. Officers averaged 90 pounds of gear. With the parachute, men weighed in at 90 to 120 pounds over their body weight.

The paratroopers were jumping into unknown territory and needed to be prepared for any encounter or conditions. Here's what they took:

Standard Parachutist packM-1 Garand Rifle with 8-round clipcartridge belt with canteenhand grenadesparachute and packanti-flash headgear and glovespocket compassmachete.45 caliber Colt automatic pistolflaresmessage book

Officer pack(British, but similar to American officer pack)Sten gunspare magazines with 9mm ammunition2 lb. plastic high explosives (HE)2-36 primed hand grenadestwo full belts of Vickers.303 ammunitionwire cuttersradio batteriessmall-packbasic equipment webbing48 hours' worth of rationswatercooking and washing kit

Spread throughout pocketsloaded .45 automatic pistolmedical kit2 additional lb. HEknifeescape/survival kittoggle ropeadditional personal items

Emergency rations4 pieces of chewing gum2 bouillon cubes2 Nescafe instant coffees, 2 sugar cubes, and creamers4 Hershey bars1 pack of Charms candy1 package pipe tobacco1 bottle of water purification (Halazone) tablets to purify water. "To use: Put two tablets in canteen full of water (approx. 1 qt.) and shake briskly. Wait 30 minutes before drinking water. If water is dirty or discolored, use 4 tablets."

did you copy and paste this, or do you know all this ?

[Dire91]

Amazing pictures + cool facts = really really good post

[snwbrdr435]

did you copy and paste this, or do you know all this ?

That, is copied and pasted. But i know everything i have copied and pasted just didnt feel like typing it out. I am a historian geek on the inside and have studied ALOT about the second world war especially the eto.