D-Day: Debunking the myths of the Normandy landings
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
American troops storm the beaches of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. D-Day was the largest amphibious invasion in history. More than 160,000 Allied troops -- about half of them Americans -- invaded Western Europe, overwhelming German forces in an operation that proved to be a turning point in World War II.
Hide Caption
1 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
U.S. troops wait to disembark a landing craft on D-Day.
Hide Caption
2 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
American troops help their injured comrades after their landing craft was fired upon. Allied forces secured the beaches at a cost of about 10,000 casualties.
Hide Caption
3 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
French commandos equipped with bicycles disembark from their landing craft after Allied forces stormed the Normandy beaches. Germans rained mortars and artillery down on Allied troops, killing many before they could even get out of their boats. Fighting was especially fierce at Omaha Beach, where Nazi fighters nearly wiped out the first wave of invading forces and left the survivors struggling for cover.
Hide Caption
4 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
The British Army's 50th Infantry Division lands on beaches in Normandy. This photograph is part of an exhibit in London at the Imperial War Museum.
Hide Caption
5 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
An aerial view shows 32 intentionally sunk American merchant ships that served as a breakwater as well as anti-aircraft platforms.
Hide Caption
6 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
Traffic builds up on the beach and on the road leading to Le Hamel, France, during the landing of the 50th Infantry Division.
Hide Caption
7 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
U.S. troops and vehicles are ready to disembark. D-Day was one of history's most consequential and gut-wrenching battles.
Hide Caption
8 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
A sign outside of Trinity Church in New York invites worshippers to pray for Allied victory in the D-Day invasion.
Hide Caption
9 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
Commandos with the Royal Navy's 4th Special Service Brigade advance to Juno Beach at Saint-Aubin-sur-mer.
Hide Caption
10 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
Lance Cpl. Walter Ray of the British Army shares a bottle of rum he found floating in the sea.
Hide Caption
11 of 15
Photos: The Allied invasion of Normandy
U.S. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, left, supreme commander o