Bloody Omaha

Posted on February 8, 2008
Filed Under Education |

Bloody Omaha is one of the most well known battles of World War II. Omaha Beach was a code name for one of the attack points on a part of France occupied by Germany. It was the goal of the Americans to take over this stretch of coast, and on June 6, 1944, the battle got underway.

On D-Day, the United States, in particular the 29th Infantry Division, was to attack the western portion of the beach. The 1st Infantry Division was more experienced, and was to take on the eastern half of the beach. Generally speaking, the main goal of the United States on D-Day was to capture five miles of the coast.

Already on the beach, the Germans 352nd Infantry Division was waiting. They were set up along the coast, and were basing their strategy on turning back any assaults that were taking place at the water line.

For the United States, there was not too much that went right on D-Day. Many boats missed their drop off points, which caused issues with navigation. Additionally, the Germans were holding up better than expected.

Over time, the United States forces eventually overtook the beach. But this did not happen before 3,000 lives were lost. On the German side, 1,200 troops were killed.

As you can see, the name “Bloody Omaha” came from the thousands of casualties that were a result of this battle.

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