For almost 2-years the Army Air Force had been the only U.S. fighting force taking the fight to Germany within its own borders. On this day, 6 June 1944, the ground war to retake the European continent opened the western front on the beaches of Normandy.
The skies overhead had been cleared of the Luftwaffe and huge Army Air Force bomber streams rumbled overhead unchallenged. Clouds were broken, restricting the visibility of many bombers when their time over the beach came. Many of the bombers did not release their loads to avoid the possibility of dropping on their own troops. German ground resistance was determined and close.
Thus, the liberation of Europe began 68-years ago today. Eleven months of fighting remained. Thousands more of our young men would die. When it was over, all the United States asked for was enough land to bury her dead.
News report today: Only 56% of the present American population know the significance of this day in history. Gus is surprised the percentage is that high.
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