Ep 5. Day of Days

WWII in HD is a television series that chronicles the events of World War II using high-definition footage and vivid first-person accounts from people who experienced the war firsthand. Season 1, Episode 5, titled "Day of Days," focuses on the Allied invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day.

The episode begins with Allied leaders planning the invasion, including General Dwight D. Eisenhower and British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery. Meanwhile, American and British troops are training for the assault on the beaches of Normandy. The soldiers are shown practicing amphibious landings and scaling cliffs to prepare for the difficult terrain they will face.

As the invasion nears, tension and anxiety among the troops increase. Many soldiers write letters home to their loved ones, unsure if they will survive the mission. Some, like paratrooper Bill Guarnere, even have premonitions of their own deaths.

On the eve of D-Day, paratroopers from the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions are dropped behind enemy lines to disrupt German defenses and secure strategic targets. The soldiers face heavy resistance and many are killed or captured, but they manage to complete their objectives.

Meanwhile, the main Allied invasion force, consisting of over 150,000 troops, heads towards the beaches of Normandy in an armada of ships and landing craft. The soldiers face heavy fire from German defenses, but manage to establish a foothold on the beachheads. The assault is chaotic and brutal, with many casualties on both sides.

The episode focuses on several individual stories during the invasion, including those of Lt. Col. Robert Sink, who led his battalion through the surf and up the beach, and Pvt. John "Red Dog" Dolan, who fought alongside his fellow infantrymen to secure a vital position on the beach.

As the day wears on, the Allies face fierce resistance from German forces, including tanks and artillery. However, they manage to hold their ground and push inland, establishing a beachhead and paving the way for further advances in Europe.

The episode ends with a reflection on the enormous sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought on D-Day, and the impact of the invasion on the course of the war. The invasion of Normandy marked a turning point in World War II, and set the stage for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

Overall, "Day of Days" is a powerful and moving episode of WWII in HD, offering a realistic and visceral depiction of one of the most dramatic and important military operations in history. The episode highlights the bravery and dedication of the soldiers who fought on D-Day, while also conveying the horror and tragedy of war.