For almost four years, the American people-soldiers and civilians alike-made considerable sacrifices to defeat Nazism, from serving in the military to supporting the war effort at home. By the end of June, the Allies had seized the vital port of Cherbourg, landed approximately 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy, and were poised to continue their march across France.The United States entered World War II in December 1941, after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. In the ensuing weeks, the Allies fought their way across the Normandy countryside in the face of determined German resistance, as well as a dense landscape of marshes and hedgerows. Moreover, the Germans were hampered by effective Allied air support, which took out many key bridges and forced the Germans to take long detours, as well as efficient Allied naval support, which helped protect advancing Allied troops. He also hesitated in calling for armored divisions to help in the defense. Reinforcements had to be called from further afield, causing delays. At first, Hitler, believing the invasion was a feint designed to distract the Germans from a coming attack north of the Seine River, refused to release nearby divisions to join the counterattack.

Less than a week later, on June 11, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy.įor their part, the Germans suffered from confusion in the ranks and the absence of celebrated commander Rommel, who was away on leave. According to some estimates, more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion, with thousands more wounded or missing. However, by day’s end, approximately 156,000 Allied troops had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. forces faced heavy resistance at Omaha Beach, where there were over 2,000 American casualties. The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture beaches codenamed Gold, Juno and Sword, as did the Americans at Utah Beach. The amphibious invasions began at 6:30 a.m. By dawn on June 6, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were already on the ground behind enemy lines, securing bridges and exit roads.

1942 call of war day change