From 1941to 1944, American and the Allies pursued their goal of defeating “Germany first.” Their strategy rested on a key assumption that there would ultimately have to be a massive invasion of Northwest Europe, at the heart of the Axis empire. By creating this second front in Europe, German pressure on the Soviet Union would be reduced and Germany would be trapped between the Soviets in the east and the American and British in the west. …showed first 75 words of 442 total…

…showed last 75 words of 442 total…its special task force also captured key bridges over the Caen Canal and Orne River. When the sea borne units began to land about 6:30AM, the British and Canadians on Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches overcame light opposition. So did the Americans at Utah. The American 1st Division at Omaha Beach, however, confronted the best of the German coast divisions, the 352nd, and were roughly handled. Only dedicated local leadership eventually got the troops inward.