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The great
Allied invasion of Hitler’s fortress Europe, the largest
amphibious operation in military history, began under General Dwight
David Eisenhower at 6:00 a.m. as forces began to land along the
coast of northern France, between Cherbourg and Le Havre. Within 24
hours, more than 4,000 ships discharged 176,000 soldiers on the
shore. They were defended by 9,500 aircraft and 600 warships.
American
forces captured Utah Beach as British forces overcame most of the
German resistance and advanced toward Caen. Serious resistance
occurred only at Omaha Beach, where it took the forces until sundown
to establish a toehold. Despite immense losses and difficulties in
advancing, it was clear that the invasion had succeeded. Within 10
days, Field Marshal Rommel and General von Rundstedt knew there was
no further point in attempting to hold the lines, and urged Hitler
to authorize a retreat.
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