Troops disembark from a Higgins boat. The photo is from Jerry E. Strahan’s book, “Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats That Won World War II.” (Higgins family)
“I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in battle.” — General Dwight D. Eisenhower, in a message to troops before D-Day.
Courage. Devotion. Duty.
They are the words most often used to describe the brave Allied troops who landed on Normandy 74 years ago and helped win World War II.
Not to be forgotten, though, is this word: Technology.
World War II was won not just with courage, devotion and duty, but with American and British technological advances that gave Allied troops the upper hand in many facets of battle.
The most famous and fearsome: the Manhattan Project atomic bombs that led to the surrender of the Japanese in 1945. But there were many others.
Radar helped the Allies know what was coming at them from the enemy.
Bombsights employing complicated gyroscope technology allowed planes to pinpoint bomb attacks. Before World War II, pilots simply dropped bombs and hoped for the best.
Nylon, the synthetic material invented by DuPont for women’s stockings, was used to make parachutes, glider tow ropes, aircraft fuel tanks and flak jackets, according to Smithsonian magazine. Some people dubbed it “the fiber that won the war.”
But one of the most crucial bits of technology, the one that helped the Allies launch the surprise attack on Normandy, was the hull of a boat — the Higgins boat.
You have probably seen pictures of this hulking nautical miracle, the one that carried troops right onto Normandy’s beach.
It was built by a wily, hard-drinking inventor named Andrew Higgins, the man Dwight D. Eisenhower once credited with winning World War II.
“It is Higgins himself who takes your breath away,” Raymond Moley, a former FDR adviser, wrote in Newsweek in 1943. “Higgins is an authentic master builder, with the kind of will power, brains, drive and daring that characterized the American empire builders of an earlier generation.”
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Higgins grew up in Nebraska, where, at various ages, he was expelled from school for fighting. Higgins’s temperament improved around boats. He built his first vessel in the basement when he was 12. It was so large that a wall had to be torn down to get it out.
He moved South in his early 20s, working in the lumber industry. He hadn’t thought much about boats again until a tract of timber in shallow waters required him to build a special vessel so he could remove the wood. Higgins signed up for a correspondence course in naval architecture, shifting his work from timber to boats.
In the late 1930s, he owned a small shipyard in New Orleans. By then, his special shallow-draft boat had become popular with loggers and oil drillers. They were “tunnel stern boats,” whose magic was in the way the “hull incorporated a recessed tunnel used to protect the propeller from grounding,” according to the Louisiana Historical Association.
Andrew J. Higgins, who made the D-Day invasion of Europe possible, in a photo from Jerry E. Strahan’s book, “Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats That Won World War II.” (Higgins family)
Higgins, who died in 1952, called it the “Eureka” boat. The war brought interest by U.S. forces in a similar style vessel to attack unguarded beaches and avoid coming ashore at heavily defended ports. The Marines settled on the Higgins boat, transforming what had been a 50-employee company into one of the world’s largest manufacturers.
[D-Day’s heavy toll on Dwight D. Eisenhower, one of America’s greatest generals]
Though Eisenhower and even Hitler acknowledged the importance of the Higgins boat — military leaders came to call it “the bridge to the beach” — its builder went mostly unmentioned in histories of the war. That is, until 18 years ago, when the World War II Museum opened in New Orleans and recognized Higgins’s life, displaying a reproduction of his boat.
Still, there’s been just one biography written: “Andrew Jackson Higgins and the Boats that Won World War II,” by historian Jerry E. Strahan.
“Without Higgins’s uniquely designed craft, there could not have been a mass landing of troops and matériel on European shores or the beaches of the Pacific islands, at least not without a tremendously higher rate of Allied casualties,” Strahan wrote.
Courage. Radar. The Higgins boat. Victory depended on all of them.
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Normandy veterans lay wreaths as they attend an official service of remembrance at Bayeux Cemetery during the D-Day 74th anniversary commemorations in Normandy on June 6, 2018 in Bayeux, France. (Photo: Matt Cardy, Getty Images)
Wednesday marked the 74th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day: the largest invasion by air, land and sea in history. More than 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes and 150,000 soldiers from the U.S., Britain and Canada stormed the Nazi-occupied French beaches of Normandy in a deadly surprise attack in World War II.
Large events are planned for 2019 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the invasion. This year, smaller celebrations are being held around the U.S. and France, including at the Normandy beaches and cliffs where the battles took place. The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Va., was holding a day-long remembrance.
Here are five things you should know:
Who led the mission?
Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower commanded the Allied Expeditionary Forces during D-Day, known then as Operation Overlord. The highly coordinated and secretive mission included a last-minute weather delay and attempts to throw Germans off course. Eisenhower would go on to become the 34th president of the United States.
“You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months,” Eisenhower wrote in an encouraging message to his troops. “The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”
How long did it last?
Following the mass casualties of D-Day, the battles of Normandy continued for roughly three more months, until Allied troops had pushed all the way to the Seine River and liberated Paris from Nazi control. Less than a year after D-Day, Adolf Hitler committed suicide and Nazi Germany surrendered.
David Chamberlain, left, grandfather Charly Powers and his son Steve, from Atlanta, pay their respect by placing a U.S. flag on the grave of a U.S. soldier who died during World War II at the Colleville American military cemetery in France on June 6, 2018, the 74th anniversary of the D-Day landing. (Photo: David Vincent, AP)
How many people were killed?
More than 4,000 Allied soldiers, most of them younger than 20 years old, died in the June 6, 1944, invasion. Up to 20,000 French civilians were reportedly killed in the bombings. More than 4,000 German troops died, and ultimately, the invasion is credited for changing the course of the war and ultimately pushing Nazi troops back to Germany.
More: Missing WWII Nazi U-boat found after nearly 73 years
How many WWII veterans are left?
About 450,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in WWII are still living, according to projections by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. An estimated 362 WWII veterans die every day in the U.S. A decade from now, it’s estimated that fewer than 50,000 WWII veterans will remain.
What does the ‘D’ stand for?
The ‘D’ in D-Day simply stands for ‘day.’ The term D-Day is used to identify the start date of a military invasion, according to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation. H-Hour represents the hour an operation is set to begin.
According to a reconstructed timeline of veteran accounts, thousands of paratroopers dropped in just after midnight. As aircraft continued bombing targets, Navy ships started firing just before 6 a.m., and troops invaded on foot soon after.
More: VR: See D-Day veterans make tearful return to Normandy
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Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images Image 1 of / 90 Caption Close
Image 1 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Troops of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are landing at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer on D-Day. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Troops of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are landing at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer on D-Day. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 2 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, British Navy Landing Crafts (LCA-1377) carry United States Army Rangers to a ship in Southern England. 1st June 1944. There are British soldiers in the conning station. Rangers embark and remain consigned five days on board English ships for safety measure. The troops will participate in the invasion of Normandy, France. Weymouth, United Kingdom. less Operation Overlord Normandy, British Navy Landing Crafts (LCA-1377) carry United States Army Rangers to a ship in Southern England. 1st June 1944. There are British soldiers in the conning station. Rangers ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 3 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are on patrol near Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadians were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are on patrol near Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadians were ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 4 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, United States Army trucks, jeeps and other vehicles have entered a town in Normandy, France. June 1944. They are part of the invasion troops fighting the German Army. France. Operation Overlord Normandy, United States Army trucks, jeeps and other vehicles have entered a town in Normandy, France. June 1944. They are part of the invasion troops fighting the German Army. France. Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 6 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, German prisoners of war are on board a Landing Craft Transport (LCT). June 1944. They will be taken to a Liberty Ship in the English Channel during the Allied invasion of Normandy. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, German prisoners of war are on board a Landing Craft Transport (LCT). June 1944. They will be taken to a Liberty Ship in the English Channel during the Allied invasion of Normandy. ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 7 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, United States Rangers have boarded a Landing Craft Assault (LCA) in a port in Southern England. 5th June 1944. They are holding a 60mm mortar, a Bazooka, a Garand rifle and a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. The ship and will depart for Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. United Kingdom. less Operation Overlord Normandy, United States Rangers have boarded a Landing Craft Assault (LCA) in a port in Southern England. 5th June 1944. They are holding a 60mm mortar, a Bazooka, a Garand rifle and a pack ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 8 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A United States truck is entering a Landing Craft Tank (LCT) in a port in Southern England. June 1944. The ship and will depart for Omaha Beach , Normandy, France. United Kingdom. Operation Overlord Normandy, A United States truck is entering a Landing Craft Tank (LCT) in a port in Southern England. June 1944. The ship and will depart for Omaha Beach , Normandy, France. United Kingdom. Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 9 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A truck of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army is loaded into the Landing Ship Tank in Southern England. June 1944. The LST forms part of Group 30 of the LST Flotilla. The 1st Division was one of the two divisions that stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day suffering high casualties. Dorset, United Kingdom. less Operation Overlord Normandy, A truck of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army is loaded into the Landing Ship Tank in Southern England. June 1944. The LST forms part of Group 30 of the LST ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 11 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A group of 15 injured soldiers is on the deck of a boat. June 1944. Six nurses are taking care of them. Coast of Normandy, France. Operation Overlord Normandy, A group of 15 injured soldiers is on the deck of a boat. June 1944. Six nurses are taking care of them. Coast of Normandy, France. Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 12 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army have boarded the Landing Craft Transport (LCT) named ëChannel Feverí ) in Southern England. 5th June 1944. They are ready for the landing in France. The 1st Division was one of the two divisions that stormed Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day suffering high casualties. Dorset, United Kingdom. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army have boarded the Landing Craft Transport (LCT) named ëChannel Feverí ) in Southern England. 5th June 1944. They are ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 13 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers are checking their assignments in a tent near the port. June 1944. The sign at the entrance says: ëCheck Rosters Hereí. They will leave from here to participate in the invasion of Normandy, France. Weymouth, United Kingdom. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers are checking their assignments in a tent near the port. June 1944. The sign at the entrance says: ëCheck Rosters Hereí. They will leave from here to participate in the ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 14 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A United States Army ambulance jeep is entering a Landing Craft Transport (LCT) in a port in Southern England. June 1944. The ship and will depart for Normandy, France. United Kingdom. less Operation Overlord Normandy, A United States Army ambulance jeep is entering a Landing Craft Transport (LCT) in a port in Southern England. June 1944. The ship and will depart for Normandy, France. United ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 16 of 90 United States Rangers from E Company, 5th Ranger Battalion on board a landing craft assault vessel (LCA) off the port of Weymouth, Dorset, 5th June 1944. They are holding a 60mm mortar, a Bazooka, a Garand rifle and a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. The ship is bound for Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. less United States Rangers from E Company, 5th Ranger Battalion on board a landing craft assault vessel (LCA) off the port of Weymouth, Dorset, 5th June 1944. They are holding a 60mm mortar, a Bazooka, a Garand ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 17 of 90 Landing Ship Tank (LST-357) loading an ambulance at Portland Harbour, Dorset, before the D-Day landings, 5th June 1944. It will soon depart to participate in the cross channel invasion of Omaha Beach in Normandy. less Landing Ship Tank (LST-357) loading an ambulance at Portland Harbour, Dorset, before the D-Day landings, 5th June 1944. It will soon depart to participate in the cross channel invasion of Omaha Beach in ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 18 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Troops of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are landing at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer on D-Day. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Troops of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are landing at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer on D-Day. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 19 of 90 Operation Overlord, Vessels are waiting for the start of D-Day operations in an English port of embarkation. 4th June 1944. USS LST-314 (center) departed English waters as part of the second wave on 6th June. 9th June, it was torpedoed by a German E-boat and sank off the coast of Normandy. Great Britain. less Operation Overlord, Vessels are waiting for the start of D-Day operations in an English port of embarkation. 4th June 1944. USS LST-314 (center) departed English waters as part of the second wave on 6th June. ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 21 of 90 Operation Overlord, Three American GIs are playing dart in a camp near their port of embarkation in the south of England. June 1944. The D-Day invasion fleet consisted of 5,000 ships carrying 170,000 assault troops. Great Britain. less Operation Overlord, Three American GIs are playing dart in a camp near their port of embarkation in the south of England. June 1944. The D-Day invasion fleet consisted of 5,000 ships carrying 170,000 assault ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 22 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, An American ambulance, a jeep and other vehicles are driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo. August 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord in June. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, An American ambulance, a jeep and other vehicles are driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo. August 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 23 of 90 US troops on the Esplanade at Weymouth, Dorset, on their way to embark on ships bound for Omaha Beach for the D-Day landings in Normandy, June 1944. US troops on the Esplanade at Weymouth, Dorset, on their way to embark on ships bound for Omaha Beach for the D-Day landings in Normandy, June 1944. Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 24 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Two American soldiers are watching two United States Army jeeps driving through the ruins of the center of Saint-Lo. August 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord in June. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Two American soldiers are watching two United States Army jeeps driving through the ruins of the center of Saint-Lo. August 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 26 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Three American soldiers from the 1st Engineer Special Brigade are looking at photos from home. June 1944. Landing Ships Tank (LST) and other vessels are on the beach at Omaha and barrage balloons are up in the air for protection. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Three American soldiers from the 1st Engineer Special Brigade are looking at photos from home. June 1944. Landing Ships Tank (LST) and other vessels are on the beach at Omaha and ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 27 of 90 (page 32 du livre : Jour J à l'aube, les troupes d'assaut américaines en Normandie de Jonathan Gawne chez Histoire & Collections, 1998) " La 1st Division s'apprête à prendre la mer pour la Normandie. L'insigne de la Big Red One figure sur presque tous les casques d'acier, et souvent à l'épaule gauche. Tous ces hommes portent la tenue de combat avec pantalon de laine et blouson de combat M1941 ou blouson de tankiste. Derrière ces hommes sont visibles les grues sur ponton qui serviront au génie à débarder des approvisionnements sur les plages dès la fin de l'assaut. A droite se tient un soldat noir en tenue de treillis, qui appartient probablement au 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion ou à l'un des éléments de soutien de la 5e brigade amphibie du génie. Le soldat assis au premier plan, dont le bas du pantalon est retroussé, est assis sur un gilet d'assaut de toile verte. La plupart des brodequins sont noircis par la graisse anti-vésicants. " less (page 32 du livre : Jour J à l'aube, les troupes d'assaut américaines en Normandie de Jonathan Gawne chez Histoire & Collections, 1998) " La 1st Division s'apprête à prendre la mer pour la Normandie. ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 28 of 90 Embarquement sur les navires, début juin 1944 - Opération Overlord Embarquement sur le LST-134 d'un camion GMC équipé d'un shelter type HO/HQ-17 et devant la remorque K-52/PE95, sur le pare-choc un filet de camouflage depuis Portland, prévu pour Easy Red transporte les unités attachées au HQ Division, de la 1st ID. Présent au sein de La Task Force 124.5 (Assault Groupe 0-3) Elle devait débarquer les unités du 18th RCT sur les plages de Fox Green et d'Easy Red (secteur Est d'Omaha Beach) le 6 juin 1944. Ce LST fait partie du Groupe 30 de la LST Flotilla 12 Voir la p013195. A H+860 Débarque sur le Rhino ferry RHF 14/3 des éléments 701st Ord LM Co, 1st QM, de la 1st ID B Co du 37th ECB, B Co du 336th ECB, attaché 4042nd QM Trk Co et des détachements du 1st Med Depot, du 5th ESB, 635th TD Bn attaché à la 1st ID 320th Ballon Barrage Bn VLA attaché au V Corps, soit (115 hommes et 38 véhicules) et à H+950 des éléments Détachements du 175th Signal Repair Co attachés au ESB, 3250th Signal Sv Co, Bn du V Corps. Soit (100 hommes et 24 véhicules) Le personnel débarque sur des LCVP Détachements du 218th Signal Depot Co attachés au ESB, 302d MP Escort Co élément du HQ Prov ESB Gp, 3205th QM Sv Co élément du 6th ESB, Soit (62 hommes) less Embarquement sur les navires, début juin 1944 - Opération Overlord Embarquement sur le LST-134 d'un camion GMC équipé d'un shelter type HO/HQ-17 et devant la remorque K-52/PE95, sur le pare-choc un filet ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 29 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A catholic nun and two young girls are standing in front of the ruins of the bombed Eglise Saint-Malo in Valognes, Brittany. July 1944. The town was badly damaged during the Allied drive on Cherbourg in June. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, A catholic nun and two young girls are standing in front of the ruins of the bombed Eglise Saint-Malo in Valognes, Brittany. July 1944. The town was badly damaged during the Allied ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 31 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, United States Army trucks and jeeps are driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo. July 1944. A group of American soldiers is walking along the street. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord in June. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, United States Army trucks and jeeps are driving through the ruins of Saint-Lo. July 1944. A group of American soldiers is walking along the street. The town was almost totally ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 32 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, The church Notre Dame has been heavily damaged during the attacks on Saint-Lo. August 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German troops stationed there during Operation Overlord in June. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, The church Notre Dame has been heavily damaged during the attacks on Saint-Lo. August 1944. The town was almost totally destroyed by 2,000 Allied bombers when they attacked German ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 33 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division have set up anti-aircraft guns on Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. German Luftwaffe war planes are still active in the area. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division have set up anti-aircraft guns on Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. German ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 34 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, An Allied plane has crashed during the fighting in Normandy. June 1944. Whatever is left is burning. France. Operation Overlord Normandy, An Allied plane has crashed during the fighting in Normandy. June 1944. Whatever is left is burning. France. Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 36 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are trying to set up an anti-aircraft gun. June 1944. The emplacement is near Juno Beach. German Luftwaffe war planes are still active in the area. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division are trying to set up an anti-aircraft gun. June 1944. The emplacement is near Juno Beach. German Luftwaffe war planes are still active ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 37 of 90 Boats full of United States troops waiting to leave Weymouth, Southern England, to take part in Operation Overlord in Normandy, June 1944. This location was used as a launching place for Allied troops participating in the invasion of Nazi-occupied France on D-Day, 6th June 1944. less Boats full of United States troops waiting to leave Weymouth, Southern England, to take part in Operation Overlord in Normandy, June 1944. This location was used as a launching place for Allied troops ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 38 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Four Allied soldiers are looking at a map in the center of a town in Normandy. June 1944. Two French policemen are also looking. France. Operation Overlord Normandy, Four Allied soldiers are looking at a map in the center of a town in Normandy. June 1944. Two French policemen are also looking. France. Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 39 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division have set up a mortar on Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadians were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, Soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division have set up a mortar on Juno Beach where they landed on D-Day on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadians ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 41 of 90 Operation Overlord Deutsche Gefangene am Strand Normandie Juni 1944 Foto: Signal Corps Galerie Bilderwelt, Berlin Operation Overlord Deutsche Gefangene am Strand Normandie Juni 1944 Foto: Signal Corps Galerie Bilderwelt, Berlin Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 42 of 90 Deutsche Gefangene Prisonniers allemands 1944 Foto: Signal Corps Galerie Bilderwelt, Berlin Deutsche Gefangene Prisonniers allemands 1944 Foto: Signal Corps Galerie Bilderwelt, Berlin Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 43 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A street in Cherbourg, which has recently been liberated by the United States Army. July 1944. Two American sailors and a GI are in the street. More than 10,000 German prisoners have been taken. 2,800 American soldiers died in the battle. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, A street in Cherbourg, which has recently been liberated by the United States Army. July 1944. Two American sailors and a GI are in the street. More than 10,000 German prisoners ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 44 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A catholic priest is performing a religious service in the Normandy American Cemetary of Colleville sur Mer. July 1944. The town is near Omaha Beach where the largest battle of the invasion took place after the landings on 6th June. less Operation Overlord Normandy, A catholic priest is performing a religious service in the Normandy American Cemetary of Colleville sur Mer. July 1944. The town is near Omaha Beach where the largest battle of the ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 46 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A boy and a girl are standing in the market in Cherbourg, which has recently been liberated by the United States Army. July 1944. More than 10,000 German prisoners have been taken. 2,800 American soldiers died in the battle. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, A boy and a girl are standing in the market in Cherbourg, which has recently been liberated by the United States Army. July 1944. More than 10,000 German prisoners have been taken. ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 47 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, American troops with German prisoners of war on board a Landing Craft Transport (LCT). June 1944. They will be taken to a Liberty Ship in the English Channel during the Allied invasion of Normandy. less Operation Overlord Normandy, American troops with German prisoners of war on board a Landing Craft Transport (LCT). June 1944. They will be taken to a Liberty Ship in the English Channel during the Allied ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 48 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, A Canadian soldier is directing traffic in Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. The Canadians landed at Juno Beach which is nearby. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, A Canadian soldier is directing traffic in Bernieres-sur-Mer. 6th June 1944. The Canadians landed at Juno Beach which is nearby. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 49 of 90 United States Rangers from E Company, 5th Ranger Battalion on board a landing craft assault vessel (LCA) off the port of Weymouth, Dorset, 5th June 1944. They are holding a 60mm mortar, a Bazooka, a Garand rifle and a pack of Lucky Strike cigarettes. The ship is bound for Omaha Beach, Normandy, France. less United States Rangers from E Company, 5th Ranger Battalion on board a landing craft assault vessel (LCA) off the port of Weymouth, Dorset, 5th June 1944. They are holding a 60mm mortar, a Bazooka, a Garand ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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Image 51 of 90 US troops of the 5th Army, 1st Division, loading tanks onto land from naval ships during World War Two, prior to the Battle of Anzio, Italy, 1944. US troops of the 5th Army, 1st Division, loading tanks onto land from naval ships during World War Two, prior to the Battle of Anzio, Italy, 1944. Photo: A. E. French, Getty Images
Image 52 of 90 US troops of the 5th Army, 1st Division, loading tanks onto land from naval ships during World War Two, prior to the Battle of Anzio, Italy, 1944. US troops of the 5th Army, 1st Division, loading tanks onto land from naval ships during World War Two, prior to the Battle of Anzio, Italy, 1944. Photo: A. E. French, Getty Images
Image 53 of 90 MARINE DIVE BOMBERS, PACIFIC THEATRE, WORLD WAR II MARINE DIVE BOMBERS, PACIFIC THEATRE, WORLD WAR II Photo: Petrified Collection, Getty Images
Image 54 of 90 USA BOMBER FORMATION OVER GERMANY IN WORLD WAR II USA BOMBER FORMATION OVER GERMANY IN WORLD WAR II Photo: Petrified Collection, Getty Images
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Image 56 of 90 A milkman delivering milk in a London street devastated during a German bombing raid. Firemen are dampening down the ruins behind him. A milkman delivering milk in a London street devastated during a German bombing raid. Firemen are dampening down the ruins behind him. Photo: Fred Morley, Getty Images
Image 57 of 90 US TROOPS DURING THE ALLIED INVASION, FRANCE US TROOPS DURING THE ALLIED INVASION, FRANCE Photo: Archive Holdings Inc., Getty Images
Image 58 of 90 1939: Steel helmeted German troops marching into Prague during the invasion of Czechoslovakia. By-standers are giving them a Nazi salute. 1939: Steel helmeted German troops marching into Prague during the invasion of Czechoslovakia. By-standers are giving them a Nazi salute. Photo: Three Lions, Getty Images
Image 59 of 90 A woman working in an airplane assembly plant checking the electrical assembly in the 1940's. A woman working in an airplane assembly plant checking the electrical assembly in the 1940's. Photo: FPG, Getty Images
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Image 61 of 90 UNITED STATES - JANUARY 01: A Machine Gunner In Action In A Bombardier In Us Air Force UNITED STATES - JANUARY 01: A Machine Gunner In Action In A Bombardier In Us Air Force Photo: Keystone-France, Getty Images
Image 62 of 90 UNITED STATES - JANUARY 01: Bomber And Gunner In Full Action In His Marauder B 26 At Unite States In North America During Forties UNITED STATES - JANUARY 01: Bomber And Gunner In Full Action In His Marauder B 26 At Unite States In North America During Forties Photo: Keystone-France, Getty Images
Image 63 of 90 Operation Overlord Normandy, The Saskatchewan Regiment of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division is landing at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer on D-Day. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were put ashore and 340 lost their live in the battles for the beachhead. France. less Operation Overlord Normandy, The Saskatchewan Regiment of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division is landing at Juno Beach on the outskirts of Bernieres-sur-Mer on D-Day. 6th June 1944. 14,000 Canadian soldiers were ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
Image 64 of 90 B-29's in flight & above clouds on bombi B-29's in flight & above clouds on bombi Photo: LOOMIS DEAN, Getty Images
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Image 66 of 90 Streetcars running through ruins of bldg Streetcars running through ruins of bldg Photo: WILLIAM VANDIVERT, Getty Images
Image 67 of 90 World War II, Bomb Damage, England, pic: 1945, Tower Bridge overlooks a scene of destruction at Great Tower Street, London with rubble and the shells of buildings after German wartime bombing World War II, Bomb Damage, England, pic: 1945, Tower Bridge overlooks a scene of destruction at Great Tower Street, London with rubble and the shells of buildings after German wartime bombing Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images
Image 68 of 90 Female pilot of the US Women's Air Force Service p Female pilot of the US Women's Air Force Service p Photo: PETER STACKPOLE, Getty Images
Image 69 of 90 As pedestrians watch, an American sailor passionately kisses a white-uniformed nurse in Times Square to celebrate the long awaited-victory over Japan. August 14, 1945. This is an outtake that is not the iconic image for which Eisenstaedt is widely know. less As pedestrians watch, an American sailor passionately kisses a white-uniformed nurse in Times Square to celebrate the long awaited-victory over Japan. August 14, 1945. This is an outtake that is not the iconic ... more Photo: Alfred Eisenstaedt, Getty Images
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Image 71 of 90 A view of a 50 calibur gun being used during US Army manuvers. A view of a 50 calibur gun being used during US Army manuvers. Photo: John Phillips, Getty Images
Image 72 of 90 OKINAWA, JAPAN - MAY: American soldier under fire of Japanese machine guns in the Death Valley where 125 US soldiers were killed in May 1945 in Okinawa, Japan. OKINAWA, JAPAN - MAY: American soldier under fire of Japanese machine guns in the Death Valley where 125 US soldiers were killed in May 1945 in Okinawa, Japan. Photo: Keystone-France, Getty Images
Image 73 of 90 The children of hop-pickers take cover in a trench in Kent, whilst watching a dogfight overhead during the Battle of Britain, UK, 1940. This image was published in Life Magazine in the States, with the aim of arousing public interest in the war in Europe. less The children of hop-pickers take cover in a trench in Kent, whilst watching a dogfight overhead during the Battle of Britain, UK, 1940. This image was published in Life Magazine in the States, with the aim of ... more Photo: Paul Popper/Popperfoto, Getty Images
Image 74 of 90 Taking winter warfare lessons from the Finns, men of the 28th Infantry ski down a slope during winter maneuvers, Pine Camp, New York, January 1940. Taking winter warfare lessons from the Finns, men of the 28th Infantry ski down a slope during winter maneuvers, Pine Camp, New York, January 1940. Photo: Underwood Archives, Getty Images
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Image 76 of 90 An American soldier from 7th Armored Division mans the machine gun of his tank while on maneuvers, 1940s. An American soldier from 7th Armored Division mans the machine gun of his tank while on maneuvers, 1940s. Photo: PhotoQuest, Getty Images
Image 77 of 90 A soldier bids farewell to two young ladies as he waits at a military siding in Britain during World War II, 1939. A soldier bids farewell to two young ladies as he waits at a military siding in Britain during World War II, 1939. Photo: Fox Photos, Getty Images
Image 78 of 90 A 16-year-old Princess Elizabeth registers for war service under the Ministry of Labour's Youth Registration Scheme, 25th April 1942. She is wearing her Girl Guide uniform. A 16-year-old Princess Elizabeth registers for war service under the Ministry of Labour's Youth Registration Scheme, 25th April 1942. She is wearing her Girl Guide uniform. Photo: Central Press, Getty Images
Image 79 of 90 An African American soldier of the 12th Armored Division, stands guard over a group of Nazi prisoners captured in the surrounding German forest, April 1945. He is holding a bayonet in his right hand and has his rifle tucked in his left arm, while the prisoners raise their arms in surrender. less An African American soldier of the 12th Armored Division, stands guard over a group of Nazi prisoners captured in the surrounding German forest, April 1945. He is holding a bayonet in his right hand and has his ... more Photo: Interim Archives, Getty Images
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Image 81 of 90 Solomon Islands, Bougainville, General Infantry using Flame Throwers Against Japanese during World War II Solomon Islands, Bougainville, General Infantry using Flame Throwers Against Japanese during World War II Photo: SuperStock, Getty Images
Image 82 of 90 Civilians atop bombed out ruins of buildings watching American C-54 cargo plane fly overhead during Allied Berlin airlift to bring food & supplies to beseiged citizens of Soviet controlled Berlin. Civilians atop bombed out ruins of buildings watching American C-54 cargo plane fly overhead during Allied Berlin airlift to bring food & supplies to beseiged citizens of Soviet controlled Berlin. Photo: CHARLES FENNO JACOBS, Getty Images
Image 83 of 90 American Nazis parade on East 86th St, New York. Dated around 1939, During the Second World War. American Nazis parade on East 86th St, New York. Dated around 1939, During the Second World War. Photo: Universal History Archive, Getty Images
Image 84 of 90 War and Conflict, World War Two, pic: circa 1939, A German airman painting a rooster on the side of his plane, aided by a live bird sitting on the fuselage War and Conflict, World War Two, pic: circa 1939, A German airman painting a rooster on the side of his plane, aided by a live bird sitting on the fuselage Photo: Popperfoto, Getty Images
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Image 86 of 90 Sailors and civilians celebrate the end of the war, 1945. Sailors and civilians celebrate the end of the war, 1945. Photo: Underwood Archives, Getty Images
Image 87 of 90 German Farming German Farming Photo: FPG, Getty Images
Image 88 of 90 World War 2: Winter on the Western Front. Caption: Wearing white camouflage, British troops exercise in Arctic weather on the Western Front. Official British postcard issued by the Ministry of Information. War Office Photograph B. 1508. (Photo by Culture Club/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** less World War 2: Winter on the Western Front. Caption: Wearing white camouflage, British troops exercise in Arctic weather on the Western Front. Official British postcard issued by the Ministry of Information. War ... more Photo: Culture Club, Getty Images
Image 89 of 90 Five U.S. Army soldiers are engaged in combat near Cologne cathedral, which has suffered seventy hits by aerial bombs during World War II. April 1945. Most of the town in this area was destroyed during the war. The last tank battle took place March 6, 1945 and it took another 5 weeks to liberate all of Cologne, Germany. less Five U.S. Army soldiers are engaged in combat near Cologne cathedral, which has suffered seventy hits by aerial bombs during World War II. April 1945. Most of the town in this area was destroyed during the war. ... more Photo: Galerie Bilderwelt, Getty Images
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June 6, 2018, marks the 74th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, also called Operation Overlord, which saw 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces land on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of Normandy region to begin the liberation of France and turn the tide of the war against the Nazis.
(Pictured) Lt. Commander D.W. Pifers, D.S.C., R.C.N., of Halifax, commanding officer of H.M.C.S. Algonquin, one of Canada’s most powerful destroyers, briefs his ship’s company, while on route to the invasion beachhead in 1944.
