Bloody day at Omaha Beach

On June 6, 1944, the Allies landed on various beaches at Normandy, France to combat the German armies. June 6th 1944 is also referred to as D- Day. Little did the Allies know that this was definitely not going to be an easy war. In fact, the battle became a nightmarish blood bath for the 29th infantry division and 9 companies of Army Rangers.

When people think about D-Day, they are most likely to think about Omaha Beach. Why is this? It is because Omaha Beach suffered more casualties than any other beach that day. The reason why Omaha suffered so many death is because of the terrain, weather, experienced German troops, and no DD tanks. All of these reasons contributed to the reason why Omaha was the bloodies battle fought on D-Day.

The Germans definitely had the advantage because they stationed themselves on the bluffs where they could dominate the battlefield. The terrain itself was the American’s mortal enemy. The beach was crescent shape surrounded by bluffs and a highly unlikely place for an army to attempt a successful landing. The Germans also had the advantage of more experienced men, unlike the Allies who had many inexperienced young men who had never seen combat.
DD tanks (Duplex Drive Sherman tanks nicknamed Donald Ducks were equipped with propellers making them sea worthy) had been trying to make it to shore, but because of the inclement weather, 27 out of the 32 who attempted the landing sank. This resulted with the troops having dangerously little back-up. The storm raged around the men adding to the already bleak situation. The Germans were prepared for the assault. They had put four lines of obstacles in the water which were set with mines. Against the incoming boats and tanks the Germans set up hedgehogs, which were metal obstacles that would be effective in destroying the bottom of the boats and keep the tanks from getting through the line of defense. Even when they tried to roll the hedgehog over it was still effective as a wepon because of the way they were constructed.

Even before they landed, many of the men were already weakened by seasickness. Fear was upon them even before the landing doors opened as they could already hear the attack upon them. Even as they took their first steps onto the ramps, they were cut down in the initial minutes of their descent. Those who tried to avoid exiting by the ramp, through themselves into the water and quickly drowned by the weight of their equipment. Once the men landed, they forgot all instruction and it became a matter of self-preservation. The casualties were happening fast and shock spread rapidly through the ranks. Within the first 15 minutes of the initial landing, 66% of the men were already killed. The remaining men were in clusters on the beach trying to take cover behind the hedgehogs placed on the beach. The preset mines were taking their toll.

Allied intelligence had been wrong. They had not expected such an assault. They thought that they would be facing only a single, second rate battalion. They were wrong. Omaha Beach alone was the resting place for over 2,000 American troops that day. The sea ran red with blood. Omaha had 1,000 more casualties than any other landing beach that day. It was miraculous that the Americans were victorious in the end. With the leadership of their officers, the men slowly ascended the bluffs and wagered their fight in a more equal terrain. They stood strong and fought with courage. By the end of the battle, Victory was in the hands of the Allies. However, It was a great price to pay in lives for this victory.

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