Thankfully, they were turned in by a man passing by who said his vision was too bad to read them.
German forces had been expecting the attack to come at Pas de Calais—the closest point between the UK and Europe.
Spanish-born double agent named Garbo fed the Germans misinformation that the D-Day landings were a trick.
All-in-total, the beaches comprised 50 miles of land. American forces were joined by Canadian and British soldiers.
To ensure the best chance to success, Eisenhower enlisted the help of three teams of meteorologists who predicted if they didn’t hit in early June, they would have to wait until the end of the month.
Brigadier General Robert Schultz, an Eisenhower aide, responded to an inquiry that “D-Day” is a term use to described any amphibious operations ‘departed date.’
In addition to more than 156K Allied troops, the invasion used almost 7000 nautical vessels and more than 10,000 aircraft (outnumbering German aircraft 30-to-1).
A lumberman who had trouble extracting trees from the bayou designed the shallow boats, eventually selling the design to the U.S. Government.
These amphibious behemoths were known as ‘Donald Ducks.’
Allies employed the use of flame-throwing tanks called “the crocodile” and collapsible motorbikes.
A total of 10,521 combat aircraft flew a total of 15,000 sorties on D-Day, with 113 lost.
The Fuhrer had been up until 3am the night before entertaining Joseph Goebbels and other guests in the Alps.
He penned a statement the night before the invasion to release if the invasion failed. “Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.”
“You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you.”
Around 24,000 Paratroopers dropped in behind enemy lines and not only took out communications, but gun installations as well.
After his landing craft was pushed 2000 yards astray from its destination, he rallied his troops, telling them “We’re going to start the war from right here.” Though he walked with the use of a cane, he led his troops into the fight. He was the oldest and only general in the first wave to hit the beaches.
Estimates put the allied losses around 10,000, with 4,414 confirmed dead.
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Something that is unconceivable nowadays
You forgot Australia, Belgium, France, Czechoslovakia, Greece, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway and Poland.