D-Day Landings: Omaha Beach

When the Allied invasion of Normandy began on June 6, 1944, American troops stormed two beaches, codenamed Omaha and Utah. Many lives were lost in battle and since the end of World War II a number of memorials and war museums have been established in France. My tour last year to the landing sites of D-Day included Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc and the Normandy American Cemetery.

Omaha Beach, Normandy

Two monuments in the town of St. Laurent-sur-Mer commemorate the American soldiers who lost their lives on the beaches of Normandy.

Les Braves, Anilor Banon (2004):
The Wings of Hope, Rise of Freedom and the Wings of Fraternity

Omaha Liberation Monument

On a promontory at Pointe du Hoc is a memorial to the American Rangers who scaled 100-foot cliffs to seize artillery that could've been fired on both Omaha and Utah beaches. The granite pillar represents a Ranger's dagger and stands atop a German bunker.

Craters Left by Allied Bombings on Pointe du Hoc

The 100-Foot Cliffs of Pointe du Hoc

Barbed Wire

Pointe du Hoc Ranger Memorial

Pointe du Hoc Memorial Plaque

The Normandy American Cemetery, where 9,388 souls have been laid to rest, is located nearby on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach.

Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer

"Czech Hedgehog" in the Visitor Centre

WW II Photo of Hedgehogs on Omaha Beach

The Bluff Overlooking Omaha Beach

Normandy American Cemetery

For more information about these and other D-Day sites in Normandy, visit the Normandy Tourism website.

Related Posts:
D-Day Landings: Pegasus Bridge
D-Day Landings: Juno Beach