Operation Overlord was the code name for the Battle of Normandy, the Allied operation that launched the successful invasion of German-occupied Western Europe during World War II. This operation is often referred to as D-Day, specifically for the initial landings on June 6, 1944.
The need for an invasion of France to free Western Europe from Nazi control became apparent after the failure of earlier strategies to defeat Germany through other fronts. The Tehran Conference in November 1943 saw the Allied leaders, including Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Joseph Stalin, agree on the necessity of a cross-channel invasion. The operation was planned under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, with British General Bernard Montgomery in charge of the ground forces.
On June 6, 1944, the invasion began with airborne assaults, followed by an amphibious landing on five beaches in Normandy, codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. The operation involved around 156,000 American, British, and Canadian troops, supported by naval and air forces.
Operation Overlord was a turning point in the war, leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. It showcased the effectiveness of Allied planning, cooperation, and the immense sacrifice made by the soldiers involved. The operation's success was a testament to the combined military strategy, logistics, and the bravery of the troops.