MEN RECEIVING CARTRIDGES OF CARBON DIOXIDE for their life preservers, prior to boarding ships for the invasion. Rations for the first days were also issued, each man receiving one K ration, one D ration, one small bottle of Halazone tablets to purify water, one bottle of salt tablets, and two packages of cigarettes.
ITALY
FULLY EQUIPPED INFANTRY SOLDIER, armed with both a carbine and a rocket launcher, boarding a transport. (2.36-inch rocket launcher M1A1, known as the bazooka.)
EN ROUTE TO SOUTHERN FRANCE
LST’S APPROACHING THE COAST OF FRANCE. Ships carrying men and equipment for the invasion sailed from ports in Africa, Italy, and Corsica, the most important loading port being Naples. In all, 853 vessels from the Allied navies formed the task force with an additional 1,267 small landing craft, deck-loaded. Several hours prior to the main assault amphibious landings were made on both flanks of the invasion area and airborne landings were made in the rear in order to isolate the beachhead from the enemy. French commandos landed at Cap Nègre and French marines landed near Cannes.
EN ROUTE TO SOUTHERN FRANCE
ON BOARD AN AMERICAN CRUISER men pass ammunition to gunners firing on the beaches of southern France. Naval ships commenced long-range bombardment of prearranged targets at 0530 on D Day. Until 0800 this fire was almost continuous, lifting only when Allied bombers were over the targets. In all, naval guns fired over 15,900 projectiles into the beach area prior to the assault landings.