A Hero's Story: WWII vet recalls D-Day invasion

Posted: Jun 06, 2014 8:59 AM CDTUpdated: Jun 06, 2014 9:01 AM CDT

By Jake Hamilton, FOX 32 News Reporter - bio | email

 

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -

Seventy-years ago Friday, allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France in what was a turning point of World War II.

On June 6, 1944, 18-year-old Dom Erichiello landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy carrying 26-pounds of equipment. In his hands was an M1 rifle.

Seven decades later, he tells his story with vivid details of a hell few could ever understand.

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D-Day On June 6, 1944

Allies invade Western Europe in the largest amphibious attack in history.


During World War II (1939-1945), the Battle of Normandy, which lasted from June 1944 to August 1944, resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany’s control. Codenamed Operation Overlord, the battle began on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France’s Normandy region. The invasion was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history and required extensive planning. Prior to D-Day, the Allies conducted a large-scale deception campaign designed to mislead the Germans about the intended invasion target. By late August 1944, all of northern France had been liberated, and by the following spring the Allies had defeated the Germans. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe.

http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/d-day

Photo wikipedia.com

D-Day: A never-to-be-forgotten morning, 70 years ago

By Walter R. Borneman

Published June 06, 2014

FoxNews.com

Every generation has its generational markers. For those of the World War II era, December 7, 1941, stands supreme, but the events of June 6, 1944, rank a close second. Seventy years ago on that day, 156,000 Allied soldiers, supported by many more sailors, airmen and marines, embarked on the long-awaited invasion of occupied Europe. This was an Allied effort, but American fighting men bore the brunt of the combat and the resulting sacrifice.

For decades, the members of the World War II generation have remembered where they were that June morning when they heard the news that the Allies had landed in Europe. The road to victory, still to be hard, nevertheless now appeared assured. 

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/06/06/d-day-never-to-be-forgotten-morning-70-years-ago/

Photo ushmm.org

D-Day memorial service in Normandy, France

http://video.foxnews.com/v/2553193403001/d-day-memorial-service-in-normandy-france/#sp=show-clips

Photo irrl.org