Normandy Invasion

Story Summary

Photograph of General Dwight David Eisenhower taken on December 31, 1943 (the day he was named to command Allied forces in Europe.  Note the "SHAEF" (Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force) patch on his left shoulder.

Photograph from the Army Signal Corps Collection in the U.S. National Archives.  Image:  USA C-2175.

OK, let's go.

General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Order to Proceed with Normandy Invasion

The phase of the moon (full) and the level of the tide (three hours past its ebb) would dictate the invasion’s start.

For a few days each month those conditions were possible. A full moon would provide sufficient light. The tide had to be low enough to allow those manning the landing crafts to see German-placed obstacles on the French shore but high enough for troops to avoid too much unprotected beach. The best day in June, 1944, was the 5th - a Monday.

But would the weather cooperate?

Key to Color-Coded Links

Original Release Date:  May, 2004
Updated Quarterly, or as Needed