OMAHA BEACH  June 6th, 1944 -

At Omaha Beach, the 1st U.S. Infantry Division (Big Red One) hit the beaches
at 0630 hours. The preliminary bombardment was ineffective as the shells
landed too far inland. The strong German defenses remained untouched and
were manned by the veteran 352nd Infantry Division. After losing most of 
their tanks in the high seas, the Americans were pinned down by a tremendous
volume of German gunfire. It took the rest of the day and some very brave
men to open up gaps in the German defenses. By nightfall the 1st Infantry
Division had a secure beachhead but only after taking very heavy losses.
