By: The Stream –  stream.org –  June 6, 2019

75 years ago today, Allied troops embarked on one of the most significant endeavors in human history: D-Day.

These images recount that unforgettable day.

Preparing for the Big Assault

The official plan for D-Day was to deploy every available resource in an all-out assault on the Nazi-held coast of Normandy, France. So there was a lot of work to be done in preparation.

Original caption: June 1944 — These American troops are marching through the streets of a British port town on their way to the docks where they will be loaded into landing craft for the big assault.

 

 

 

 

Original caption: June 1944 — View of an LCT with American troops and equipment loaded aboard awaiting the signal for the assault against the continent.

 

 

 

 

The Ghost Army

To ensure the success of the Normandy Invasion, the Allied Forces took on a massive deception campaign, called Operation Fortitude. Fake bases and inflatable tanks, trucks and planes were set up to intimidate the Nazis and divert their attention and forces away from Normandy.

Original caption: May 20, 1944 — Fifth Army. Anzio Area, Italy. Dummy tank designed by British, made of rubber and inflated when used. Can be assembled in 20 minutes. When used in field can simulate tank positions. Inflating the turret assembly with the forge pump. In the background can be seen the fully-inflated body assembly with is resting on its side in order to show the air-tube supporting framework. Photo by: Gallagher

 

 

 

 

Original Caption: May 20, 1944 — Dummy tank designed by British, made of rubber and inflated when used, can be assembled in 20 minutes. When used in field can simulate tank positions. Comparison between United States Army medium tank, Mark IV, and the completely inflated and assembled dummy which is slightly smaller. Photo by Gallagher, 163rd Signal Photo Company

 

 

When the Day Arrived

When the day arrived to launch the assault on Normandy, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower made sure to give a hearty, inspiring send-off. His message was simple: “Full victory — nothing else.”

Original caption: June 6, 1944 — Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower gives the order of the day, “Full victory, nothing else,” to paratroopers somewhere in England just before they board their planes to take part in the first assault of the invasion of France. England.

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Many Were Injured

So many brave men were lost in the initial assault. And so any were injured.

Original Caption: American Medics render first aid to troops in the initial landing on Utah Beach. Les Dunes de Madeleine, Northern Coast, France. In the background other members of the landing parties dig into the soft sand of the beach. June 6, 1944.

 

Help is On the Way

But reinforcements kept coming, and the Allied Forces kept on taking ground.

Caption: American assault troops in a landing craft huddle behind the protective front of the craft as it nears a beachhead, on the Northern Coast of France. Smoke in the background is Naval gunfire supporting the land. June 6, 1944.

 

Back Home

Back in America, pews were filled and streets crowded as people awaited the news of how their loved ones fared.

June 6, 1944 — Noon mass at Saint Vincent de Paul’s Church in New York, New York.

 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. God bless those who paid the ultimate price on D-Day.

There are 14 MORE photos! To see them all full size, click read more.

Source: D-Day: A Photo Essay | The Stream