NORFOLK, Va. — The successful Allied invasion of northern France on June 6, 1944, is "one of the major events in U.S. naval history", according to the Naval History and Heritage Command.
On D-Day, among the nearly allied 7,000 ships, boats, and amphibious craft of "Operation Neptune" were 34 U.S. destroyers and destroyer escorts.
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In a social media post, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Admiral Daryl Caudle talked about the Navy's pivotal role.
"The lessons learned from D-Day helped shape the tactics, strategy, and innovation for decades to come. And since that historic day, the spirit of courage and determination has lived on in every sailor," he said. "The bravery and sacrifice of those sailors paved the way for the liberation of Europe and marked a turning point in World War II."
During the initial invasion, more than 2,500 Americans were killed, and more than 5,000 U.S. troops were wounded.