D-DAY
Sixty years ago today, allied forces mounted the largest amphibious assault in military history. The Normandy invasion spelled the beginning of the end of Hitler's reign of terror in Europe. In addition to the massive assault from the English channel, thousands of paratroopers were dropped behind the German defenses. The drop was done in darkness. A number of paratroopers were injured in the drop. There was no medevac for those who needed it. Units were scattered over wide areas. Many an officer or NCO could not find all of his troops after the drop.

In addition to amphibous assault craft and parachutes, gliders were used to move troops and equipment into Normandy. Of the gliders launched for the invasion, less than half landed intact. The glider and airborne assault tied down the German reserves, preventing them from reinforcing the coastal defense during the allied amphibious assault.

According to a story on the FOX News website, the number of troops killed in the invasion is still unclear.

Bodies disintegrated under bombs and shells. Soldiers drowned and disappeared. Company clerks who tallied casualties were killed. Records were lost.

The final number is estimated at between 2,500 and 5,000 killed on D-Day.

I watched Saving Private Ryan on AFN earlier this week. I find the ending of the movie to be particularly touching. A much older James Ryan visits the grave of a fallen comrade with his family. He asks his wife if he has lived a good life, if he is a good man. Ryan hopes he has been worthy of the sacrifices made by others so that he could live. This scene is a metaphor for all Americans, of our obligation to be worthy of the sacrifices made by others for our freedom.