A SMOKE SCREEN is laid to cover landing operations on the left flank of the American assault area. While engineers, using a mine detector (SCR 625), clear the beach of enemy mines, a DUKW with a 105-mm. howitzer approaches the shore.
FRANCE
EXPLODING MINE. On D Day morning no fire on ships or craft from coast defense guns was reported, and on the beaches resistance consisted mostly of small arms and mortar fire. Underwater obstacles and land and marine mines were insufficient to delay the landings materially. The first waves of assault troops located and removed many of these obstacles. Note wire matting in lower left used to form a roadbed over loose sand.
FRANCE
ENEMY TRENCHES ON BEACH and two American casualties. A waterproofed 2½-ton 6 x 6 truck offshore. Shortly after U. S. troops landed the enemy came out of shelters and opened fire with small arms and mortars. However, amphibian tanks, tank destroyers, and howitzers which had landed from DUKW’s were in position to meet this fire, and the infantry continued to advance inland against scattered and light opposition. The first enemy prisoners seemed dazed and well shaken by the preliminary naval and aerial bombardment.
FRANCE
