Lake County Gazette

On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 Allied troops crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of German-occupied Normandy, France, in what is now known as "D-Day." Codenamed "Operation Overlord," this operation marked the largest amphibious assault in world history.

Allied forces spent months planning how to break through the Nazi defenses known as the Atlantic Wall. To maintain secrecy, they created a fake invasion plan titled "Operation Bodyguard" to mislead Nazi forces about their intended landing sites. The United States and its allies aimed to land on five different positions along Normandy's coast: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword.

Despite careful planning, Operation Overlord faced significant challenges from the start. Originally scheduled for June 5, poor weather conditions delayed the assault until the following day. Many vessels were still pushed off course by turbulent waters. Troops that made it ashore were immediately pinned down by fortified German machine gunners and mortar teams who had seen through parts of the Allied attack and fake plans listed within Operation Bodyguard. American and other Allied troops fought to gain control of this strategic battleground.

During the battle, more than 4,400 Allied troops lost their lives, including 2,500 Americans. Thanks to well-coordinated strategy and support from naval and aerial units, as well as collaborative efforts by forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other nations, the beachhead of Normandy was eventually captured after a protracted struggle with German forces.

The success of this operation is widely regarded as a turning point in the European theater of World War II. It initiated the Allied Powers' liberation campaign across Europe and marked the beginning of the end for the Third Reich. Eight decades later, the skill and bravery demonstrated by the 73,000 U.S. troops who participated in Operation Overlord remain powerful examples of heroism.

As we reflect on our liberties today, it is important to honor those who sacrificed their lives for freedom on Normandy's beaches 80 years ago. The Illinoisans who paid this ultimate price are commemorated at the WWII Illinois Veterans Memorial in Springfield.