The casualty lists for that one day are brutal. For the U.S. there were 1,465 dead and 1,928 missing (If you're missing, it's a safe bet you are dead).
I am named for a cousin of my father's who was never found. About 19 years old. I believe he was in one of those amphibious tanks that turned out to be not so amphibious – most of them sank before reaching the beach.
The total American death toll for the entire Normandy campaign (not the campaign in France; just the breakout from Normandy) was over 51,000 when you include the air force numbers.
The toll of French civilians killed during the campaign was between 15,000 and 20,000.
In the late 70's I visited the Normandy beaches, including the cemeterys above the beaches. An incredible, bittersweet experience. Rows of Crosses, with an occasional Star of David. All those young men.
Some people, like the founder of the Catholic Worker movement, Dorothy Day (who is up for sainthood), would say it wasn't worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions for D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
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