After much of Europe had been occupied by the Axis powers for four years, the Allies finally launched their campaign to liberate Western Europe, codenamed Operation Overlord, on 6 June Over three million service personnel were involved and it all hinged on the success of the Normandy Landings on D-Day. If the German troops were able to prevent the initial landings, the campaign to liberate Western Europe would fail and German occupation would continue for another year. D-Day invasion of Normandy June 6,

Allied soldiers wade through the surf during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. June 6, 1944 American soldiers, under German artillery fire, disembark from a landing craft off the shores of Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion of France. June 6,

D-Day Invasion of Normandy June 6, 1944 Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven 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 on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world. I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking. General Dwight D. Eisenhower Supreme Allied Commander

Lying on the rocks are the bodies of dead American assault troops killed in action while storming Omaha Beach. France. June (Stop at 4:30!) D-Day invasion of Normandy Crossed rifles serve as a tribute to an American soldier killed during the D- Day invasion. Normandy France, June 1944 Saving Private Ryan