Cover Photo: General James Doolittle statue detail – Photo Courtesy of 8th Air Force Public Affairs, via afgsc.af.mil.
LA FIÈRE BRIDGE, Normandy, France — A four‑figure bronze sculpture commemorating the World War II legacy of the U.S. 8th Air Force was unveiled June 5 at the newly dedicated memorial site just south of La Fière Bridge—steps from the D‑Day landing...
Cover Photo: Stuart Tank recovered in the English Channel (Kevin Dennehy).
COMMES, France—One of the more interesting museums in Normandy, and often overlooked, is the Musée des Épaves Sous‑Marines du Débarquement (Museum of Landing Shipwrecks), which allows visitors to gain insight into underwater wrecks that played a crucial role in World War II coastal operations.
The museum, founded in 1970 and...
Photo: Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, lay a wreath at the Normandy American Cemetery. Photo: Regina DeCoster.
COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — Nearly 2,000 people honored the 150,000 Allied troops who landed on D-Day, June 6, 1944, at the Normandy American...
(Cover Photo: First Army Staff and Rangers Gather for Staff Ride. Photo: Regina DeCoster).
POINTE DU HOC, France--The United States First Army recently led a staff ride that retraced the footsteps of U.S. Army Rangers during the June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion here. As part of a combined effort to silence three batteries of giant German guns that threated both...
While many Hollywood and sports stars served in World War II, the number who were specifically involved in D-Day and/or the Normandy Campaign is more focused. Here are a few notable individuals:
Hollywood Stars:
David Niven: The Oscar-winning British actor served as a lieutenant colonel in the British Commandos. He was reportedly among the first officers to land in Normandy.
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Photo: Filthy Thirteen Monument (U.S. Army).
During World War II, a group of American paratroopers known as the Filthy Thirteen gained notoriety for their rebellious spirit and fierce combat effectiveness. Officially designated as the 1st Demolition Section of the Regimental Headquarters Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, these soldiers were tasked with critical demolition missions behind enemy lines...
A groundbreaking monument honoring the U.S. Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) and Scouts and Raiders (S&Rs) for their pivotal, yet costly, actions on Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings was dedicated in Normandy on May 30, 2024. The memorial, the first of its kind and down the same two-lane road (Rue del la 2eme Division d'Infanterie US) from the...
Eighty years after the historic D-Day landings, the American Legion unveiled a second "Statue of Liberation" in Sainte-Mère-Église, the first French town freed from Nazi occupation by Allied forces on June 6, 1944. The new monument, dedicated for the 80th anniversary of the invasion in June 2024, honors Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe who bore...
Beyond the poignant historical sites and picturesque landscapes, the Normandy region of France offers a rich and diverse culinary experience for tourists. From creamy cheeses to fresh seafood and apple-infused delights, the local gastronomy provides a delicious complement to any visit.
One of Normandy's most celebrated culinary treasures is its cheese. Camembert, originating from the village of the same name,...
Sainte-Mère-Église, Normandy, a key location in the D-Day landings, is a popular destination for history buffs. The town has expanded its appeal with new attractions that complement its historical significance, making it a great place for families interested in World War II history and French culture.
The Airborne Museum remains a central attraction, drawing visitors interested in the history of...
