D-Day. Info graphic really puts the scale of the assault in perspective. Have you seen it?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 09:48:06 -0500

I know this is out of the blue, but I came across this info graphic on a BBC website. Breaking the invasion down by the numbers. As we all should know D-Day was the Largest Amphibious Assault conducted by the U.S. Army and her partnered nations. To break Hitlers Atlantic Wall.

I grew up listening to my grandfather talk of his days as an RAF pilot flying mission that day. His duty was to pilot a plane of paratroopers from 6th Airborne Division. His engined failed from antiaircraft fire comig up from below and he purposely glided his plane low and away from the troops still coming down. He and his crew survived the landing and got out before the plane fully engulfed. He linked with US troops (who he says were way off their mark and not the other way around) and fought with them through the invasion days until he made contact back to a English unit and back to the RAF. Even after Alzheimer's took everything from my grandfather. Talking about his days flying would always seem to bring the glint of life back to his eye. Sometime he would tell the stories as he did when i was younger other times I believe he thought we were his old crew and would banter as if as well. Because of him I've constantly wanted to know more about the men of WW2. Reading everything I could get my hands on during my younger years. It's probably what let me to joining and serving today.

Anyway that's my little story. Anyone else have some tales from their parents or grandparents?

Link to the story with the info graphic.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zgvyyrd?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=BBC_iWonder&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=knowledge_and_learning

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Nov 12 at 2015 9:50 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 09:50:07 -0500

Massive assaults require a large amount of support!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 9:58 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 09:58:54 -0500

Great graphic. Thanks.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 12 at 2015 10:08 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 10:08:25 -0500

Great story. I was fortunate enough to be able to take my son (serving as a Sniper in 1ST RANGER BN) to Normandy for Christmas last year. The feat that these men accomplished was nothing short of amazing, the mission from the air, from the sea and to scale the sea wall that goes straight up carrying everything they would fight with and use to take out the fortified well defended positions. If you have an opportunity to get to Normandy, Point Du Hoc, I really encourage you to go. Thanks for sharing SPC Private RallyPoint Member.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 10:51 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 10:51:38 -0500

My grandfather was an Oberstleutnant commanding a Panzer battalion kazarened near Caen, his garrison a specifically targeted objective of the 82d Airborne. They saw little action on D-Day, but got all they could bargain for later. Most of his armor was destroyed by tank buster aircraft on D-Day+1.
He used to tell me stories of scraping together scratch units and having squad sized chance engagements in the hedgerows, often times just stumbling upon each other.
The funny part was he told me that he was sitting in a sheltered spot in a field having coffee in September, and looked around. He thought to himself that there sure were a lot of Americans around, and that he hadn't see very many Germans lately. He hadn't gotten the word that Army Group G had been ordered to break out, and he was now over 150 miles from German lines. Just like that, he decided to make his way East to friendly lines. He nearly had to walk all the way to Germany to find them, taking two months to make his way.
He made it in time to be assigned a new command, and led a Panzergrenadier Battalion in the Bulge.
But that is another story.

Response by MSgt Daniel Attilio made Nov 12 at 2015 11:09 AM

MSgt Daniel Attilio — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:09:12 -0500

There is a survivor of that invasion being restored to her original glory. This C-47 led the airborne invasion and is in good hands today thanks to a lot effort.
There is even chance I may have the opportunity to turn wrenches on her if she makes it to Tulsa for part of her restoration.
http://commemorativeairforce.org/rss/379-help-us-save-a-piece-of-history

Help us Save a Piece of History

The transport aircraft that led the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France more than 70 years ago has been rediscovered in an aircraft boneyard in Wisconsin.  Believed lost to history, the airplane was slated to be cut apart and remanufactured as a modern turbo-prop.  The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is launching a Kickstarter funding campaign to save and restore the plane to flying condition.

Response by SGT Chris White made Nov 12 at 2015 11:48 AM

SGT Chris White — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:48:53 -0500

In my opinion, that generation of soldiers, Marines, and sailors literally saved the world. It was their hard work and sacrifice that paved the way for the rest of us who served. It's sad we are seeing the last of them slip away. We all owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.