On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in history, to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control. More than 156,000 troops from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other nations landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, supported by thousands of aircraft and naval vessels. The landings took place on five beaches—Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Despite heavy German defenses, the Allies established a crucial foothold in France. D-Day mar