We will visit the part of the beach that was depicted in the opening scenes of the film Saving Private Ryan: here is where the heaviest casualties on D-Day were suffered amongst the men of the Blue and Gray. We will also visit the location where Brigadier-General Norman ‘Dutch’ Cota’s leadership and inspiration were instrumental in breaking through the German defenses.

Just outside this village a few days after its liberation, a provisional US cemetery was created. A large number of troops of the 29th Infantry Division were buried here in the months to follow. Since 1954 it has been a German cemetery.

The first major hurdle to link up with the 101st Airborne Division near Carentan in the Utah Sector, this town was taken by the 175th Infantry Regiment and 747th Tank Battalion.

A surprise tactical move by the 115th Infantry Regiment secured a vital break in the German lines, allowing the 29th to expand their beachhead.

The 2nd Battalion of the 115th Regiment got caught here in an ambush, which was to have a major effect on the Regiment for the days to come.

Crossing the river Elle was a vital step in the advance towards Saint Lô. You will see the difficult terrain the soldiers of the 115th and 116th regiment had to cross and how the battles for the bridges across the river were so costly.

At Hill 102 we focus on the 175th Infantry Regiment’s heroic stand. It became known as Purple Heart Hill.

Site of a counter attack by German Paratroopers against the 115th Regiment.

A Taskforce was formed to smash through the German defence and secure this strategic crossroads town once and for all on 18 July 1944. We will follow their route and visit the town that became known as the Capital of Ruins.