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June 5 marks the 80th anniversary of World War II D-Day, the invasion of Normandy. The D-Day operation of June 6, 1944, brought together the land, air and sea forces of the allied armies in what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history.

The operation, given the codename “Overlord,” delivered five naval assault divisions to the beaches of Normandy, France. The beaches were given the code names “Utah,” “Omaha,” “Gold,” “Juno” and “Sword.” The invasion force included 7,000 ships and landing craft manned by over 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries. Almost 133,000 troops from the United States, the British Commonwealth and their allies landed on D-Day. Casualties from these countries during the landing numbered 10,300. By June 30, over 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles and 570,000 tons of supplies had landed on the Normandy shores. Fighting by the brave soldiers, sailors and airmen of the allied forces western front and Russian forces on the eastern front led to the defeat of German Nazi forces. On May 7, 1945, German Gen. Alfred Jodl signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France.

We learn about the Battleship Iowa’s involvement in this historic campaign. There is a free screening of the Nexstar special “D-Day: The Greatest Victory” at 5:30 p.m. aboard the Battleship Iowa.

There are stories of perseverance, unimaginable sacrifice and the lessons and legacy of D-day.

You will hear first-hand accounts from D-Day veterans who survived storming Utah Beach, firing the first shots from the USS Nevada and witnessing the carnage at Omaha Beach.

A daughter describes never meeting her father who went off to war at 16 years old, too young to be drafted, old enough to lie about his age.

The families of the Bedford Boys, 20 young men who died within minutes of each other, share the stories of the impact in this small Virginia town.

The story of four civilian women who made a difference in the lives of allied troops in Europe, buried with them in the hallowed grounds of the Normandy American Cemetery.

First-hand accounts from the letters that made it from the warfront to the homefront show the poignant and emotional connection between loved ones.

The Niland Family from Tonawanda, New York, lost two sons in the D-Day Invasion. Two others fought and made it home heroes, scarred from the trauma of war. Their story is the inspiration for an Academy Award winning film as well as for another young Niland, who is now following in the footsteps of his hero great uncles — training to be a Navy helicopter pilot.

Deception is also part of the story of D-Day, as a secret non-combat unit tricked the Nazis in order to strategically move Allied Forces. This plan was made public in the mid-90s, but it was not until this spring that the surviving soldiers received the medal of honor.

But it’s not all about the past: we also hear from a former football star who’s formed a new team that takes care of our veterans and returns them to the battlefields where they once fought.

D-Day 80th Anniversary
Free screening of the Nexstar special “D-Day: The Greatest Victory”
June 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Battleship Iowa Museum
250 South Harbor Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90731
PacificBattleship.com

D-Day 80th Anniversary
“D-Day: The Greatest Victory”
June 5 at 7 p.m.
KTLA 5 News
KTLA.com

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Gayle Anderson at 323-460-5732, email Gayle at Gayle.Anderson@KTLA.com, Facebook: Gayle Anderson, Instagram: KTLAChannel5Gayle and Twitter: KTLA5Gayle.

Gayle Anderson reports for the KTLA 5 News on June 5, 2024.