AP/Wide World Photos: U.S. infantrymen wade from their landing craft toward Omaha Beach. An earlier assault wave lies broken on the shore.

SPLASH!
"The barge gate falls, crashing into the surf and you get your first real look at the turbulent, bloody waters of Normandy beach. Thousands of men have gone and died before you. God knows if you're prepared; if today is your day too.
        The waters are shallow though frigid, but your concentration must be to reach the shore. From there the top of the hill, and from there reclaiming France for the Allies.
        We are invading check point "Omaha Beach," while thousands of other Americans are rushing ashore at checkpoint "Utah Beach." The British are landing on "Gold Beach" and "Sword Beach;" the Canadians are inbetween them, fighting at site "Juno Beach."
        God help us if we are to make it through this day alive...

Into the water...