Background on world war ii
Soldiers move into Normandy beaches on D-Day.
World War II grew out of the issues remaining after the First World War, in which Lt. Barclay's father, Richard de Charms Barclay fought. Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist Party, or rather, Nazi Party, rose to power within an economically and politically unstable Germany. Hitler became Reich Chancellor of Germany in 1933, and the Fuhrer, or Supreme Leader, in 1934. His main goal was for world domination and the achievement of creating a "pure" country of Germans with blonde hair and blue eyes, the "Aryans." In order to achieve this, Hitler began rearming Germany, against the Versailles Treaty. Hitler then signed alliances with Italy and Japan against the Soviet Union and began to occupy nearby countries such as Austria in 1938, going nearly unnoticed due to internal political conflicts at the time.
In August 1939, Hitler and Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, signed the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact. This meant that if Hitler invaded Poland, he would have Soviet support and would not have war on two fronts, as Poland was a country that Great Britain and France had promised military support if attacked by Germany. On September 1, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland with the help of the Soviet Union, causing both Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany. British and German navies fought furiously, despite the lack of action between Germany and the Allies in the west, and German submarines attacked merchant ships bound for Britain. On December 7th, 1941, the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was attacked by 360 Japanese aircraft. It claimed the lives of more than 2,300 American troops and unified America in the decision of entering World War II.
In August 1939, Hitler and Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, signed the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact. This meant that if Hitler invaded Poland, he would have Soviet support and would not have war on two fronts, as Poland was a country that Great Britain and France had promised military support if attacked by Germany. On September 1, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland with the help of the Soviet Union, causing both Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany. British and German navies fought furiously, despite the lack of action between Germany and the Allies in the west, and German submarines attacked merchant ships bound for Britain. On December 7th, 1941, the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was attacked by 360 Japanese aircraft. It claimed the lives of more than 2,300 American troops and unified America in the decision of entering World War II.
d-day Airborne and beach assault
Soldiers try to secure a Normandy beach on D-Day
The allied forces chose the Normandy beaches because they were less heavily defended than the Pas de Calais and lay in a range of air cover. Six divisions, a mix of U.S., British, and Canadian soldiers, were scheduled to land on the first day. Then two more divisions were to follow up through the way that was already cleared up. However, the landings were characterized by chaos and commotion. The airborne landings were badly scattered, as were the units on the assault beaches. The Normandy beaches attacked were Utah Beach, omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach. Despite the disorganization, the Allies were able to achieve their objective.
Utah Beach, the beach that Lt. Barclay fought in, was not originally a part of the plans. The flooded, rough terrain that blocked the way north was the major obstacle, but was necessary in the fact that the allies needed a major port that would put U.S. Corps in the best position for assault.
The airborne assault was the largest use of airborne troops at that time. More than 13,000 paratroopers were assigned the task of night jumps behind enemy lines before the beach landings. Another 4,000 men were then to reinforce the paratroopers on D-Day. The chaos and confusion of badly scattered jumps resulted in most of the men injured or killed and much of the equipment lost. However, the objectives of the airborne assault were accomplished, as the paratroopers fought fiercely and caused chaos within German troops.
The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive of the war as Hitler attempted to drive the Americans and British back from Germany. Germany formally surrendered May 8th, 1945.
Utah Beach, the beach that Lt. Barclay fought in, was not originally a part of the plans. The flooded, rough terrain that blocked the way north was the major obstacle, but was necessary in the fact that the allies needed a major port that would put U.S. Corps in the best position for assault.
The airborne assault was the largest use of airborne troops at that time. More than 13,000 paratroopers were assigned the task of night jumps behind enemy lines before the beach landings. Another 4,000 men were then to reinforce the paratroopers on D-Day. The chaos and confusion of badly scattered jumps resulted in most of the men injured or killed and much of the equipment lost. However, the objectives of the airborne assault were accomplished, as the paratroopers fought fiercely and caused chaos within German troops.
The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive of the war as Hitler attempted to drive the Americans and British back from Germany. Germany formally surrendered May 8th, 1945.
"Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers in arms on other fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened, he will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man to man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our home fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to victory!
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."
-- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower
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