The landing plan went wrong from the beginning. Strong currents beset the landing craft, and the area was obscured by smoke from the preceding shore bombardment. But the main problem was the loss of three of the four designated control craft to mines. The fourth control craft eventually rounded up the confused landing craft looking for directions and, using a bullhorn for communication, led them in. The force

landed 2,000 yards (1,800 metres) east of the designated landing area, in the less defended Victor sector and almost astride causeway number 2.

The assistant division commander, Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., quickly realized the error. Uttering his famous remark, "We'll start the war from here!" he ordered the division to advance. Three hours later exits 1, 2, and 3 had been secured, and by 1200 hours contact had been made with paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division around the town of Pouppeville. By the end of the day the 4th Division had pushed inland about four miles, and its westernmost units were within a mile of the 82nd Airborne's perimeter near St Mere Eglise.

A headquarters area at Uncle Red sector. More and more men, equipment, and supplies are landing from ships and craft such as those shown at low tide in the background. U.S. Signal Corps/National Archives

Landing virtually unopposed, men of the U.S. 4th Division wade ashore at Victor sector. Amphibious "DD" tanks are lined up at the water's edge.

U.S. War Department/National Archives