June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord, or more commonly known as D-Day.
Historically, it is the largest seaborne military operation and a pivotal moment in World War 2.
Two years of planning, over 160,000 Allied Forces, and the fortitude of the soldiers all led to the success of this day and the start of Hitler’s downfall.
Why It’s Called D-Day
This is a favorite topic for debate among history buffs and a frequent question at the WWII museum.
Some will say the “D” stands for “doom” or “deliverance.” However, according to the U.S. Department of Defense, all amphibious operations have a “departed date,” or in short, “D-Day.”
The Lead Up
To infiltrate Nazi Germany’s controlled land and begin dismantling it, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill were discussing the urgency for an invasion of Western Europe in 1941.
But it was not until 1943 that General Dwight D. Eisenhower was entrusted with executing Operation Overlord. He strategically chose to land in Normandy, where there were less German troops.
The Landing
Eisenhower originally planned for the attack to be on June 5th; however, due to weather conditions, it was postponed by one day.
On June 6th, 1944, thousands of allied forces stormed five beaches under the leadership of the U.S.A, Britain, and Canada.
The Aftermath
The Allied Forces seized all five beaches by June 11th, 1944. Now, that they had successfully penetrated Western Europe, they could start taking back Nazi occupied land and make their way to Germany.
Thanks to strategic planning and, most importantly, the bravery of thousands of soldiers, D-Day led to the defeat of Hitler and end of WWll.
As we reflect on the heroism and sacrifice displayed on D-Day, it’s a powerful reminder of the dedication and courage of our military forces.
At Military AutoSource, we honor this legacy every day. Our deep commitment to the history and heritage of the U.S. Military is at the core of everything we do, because serving those who serve is not just our mission, it’s our privilege.
About Military AutoSource
Built for and by the military, Military AutoSource provides a factory-direct program tailored to the unique circumstances and needs of military life. As the only Exchange and DoD authorized car-buying program, MAS is the exclusive military distributor and retailer for Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Ram, Toyota, Volkswagen vehicles and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Through our program service members stationed or deployed overseas can purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle for delivery in the US or to more than 50 overseas duty locations. Learn more about your overseas U.S. Military car-buying benefits.
