D-Day, June 6, 1944 by Stephen E. Ambrose

Paratroopers and glider troops drop into France overnight, but few land on-target.

By the end of training, the troops are anxious to get into action, but lose some of their enthusiasm (along with their breakfasts) on the aircrafts and boats, once Eisenhower makes the agonizing decision to proceed, despite marginal weather conditions. The Allies train intensively, while the Germans build static fortifications. Eisenhower decides where and when to strike and then leaves it to the chain of command to figure out how best to use assets and flesh out intricate plans. The Commanders: Eisenhower, for the allies and Rommel, for the Germans, are alike in many ways, but Eisenhower is free to command as he sees fit, while Rommel is challenged from above and below. Only landing craft are in limited supply. The attackers, meanwhile, are mobile and backed by a resurrected-American industry that gives them in abundance every weapon they need. Their biggest liability is a rigid command structure that assumes the invasion will not occur in Normandy.

The Germans on D-Day have all the advantages and disadvantages of defenders everywhere. The story opens in January 1944, and closes at dark on D-Day itself, optimistic that a good beginning has been made towards liberating Europe from the Germans. The story of the planning and execution of the 'Climactic Battle of World War II' is told from the viewpoint, and often in the words of, ordinary GIs and Tommies, who fight it.

D-Day, June 6, 1944 by Stephen E. Ambrose