France - Normandy Day 4 - Omaha Beach

 

Omaha beach was one of two American designated landing areas. It was the most hard fought landing sites of D-Day. 7% of those who landed died. This is the Eastern part of the beach.

 This is the Western part of the beach.

 This is a view of the valley that was critical for the Americans to take. This was so that Allies could move inland faster. It was also heavily defended by the Germans.

 This is one of the bunkers defending the valley.

 Here is another side of the bunker with a large gun. This was used to fire on the landing craft, tanks and infantry assaulting the beach. There were many like it on the Normandy beaches.

 This is a view from higher up the valley. As you can see there was no cover for landing troops nor for their advancement off the beaches.

 I found two large holes that had concrete walls inside at various levels from the valley floor. I surmise that they were for machine guns and/or mortars. This way the Germans could offer multiple arcs of fire against those attacking the bunkers and beaches.

 Here is another area of Omaha. Note the bunker in the side of the hill.

Omaha also was the site of temporary docking areas for boats to land troops, vehicles and supplies. This bridge, that once sat upon floating pontoons, was found in a scrap yard and is now on display.