The Americans on D-Day ─ A Photographic History of the Normandy Invasion

Although it took a multinational coalition to conduct World War II’s amphibious D-Day landings, the U.S. military made a major contribution to the operation that created mighty American legends and unforgettable heroes. In The Americans on D-Day: A Photographic History of the Normandy Invasion, WWI historian Martin K. A. Morgan presents 450 of the most compelling and dramatic photographs captured in northern France during the first day and week of its liberation. With eight chapters of place-setting author introductions, riveting period imagery, and highly detailed explanatory captions, Morgan offers anyone interested in D-Day a fresh look at a campaign that was fought seven decades ago and yet remains the object of unwavering interest to this day. While some of these images are familiar, they have been treated anonymously for far too long and haven’t been placed within the proper context of time or place. Many others have never been published before. Together, these photographs reveal minute details about weapons, uniforms, and equipment, while simultaneously narrating an intimate human story of triumph, tragedy, and sacrifice. From Omaha Beach to Utah, from Sainte-Mere-Eglise to Pointe du Hoc, The Americans on D-Day is a striking visual record of the epic air, sea, and land battle that was the Normandy invasion.

Martin K.A. Morgan is an author and historian who studies and is an expert on the American experience in World War II. He is the author of Down to Earth (Schiffer, 2004) and The Americans on D-Day (Zenith Press, 2014). Morgan is also a frequent contributor to World War II Quarterly, The American Rifleman, Aviation History, World War II, World War II History, Armchair General, The Garand Collector’s Association Journal (France), and After the Battle (England). In addition to publishing, for the past ten years Martin has been a regular talking head on TV on programs such as Discovery, National Geographic, History, H2, The Weather Channel, Syfy, The Outdoor Channel, and The Military Channel. He has worked as a park ranger and museum professional, worked for the Alabama Historical Commission at Fort Morgan Historic Site, and served as historian-in-residence at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.