D-Day
The term is used by the military to refer to an operation on a
day that has yet to be determined. The term has been used
countless times in American history, but only one operation is
still known specifically by that moniker. On June 6th, 1944,
American, British, and Canadian forces invaded German-held
France to get in position to invade and defeat Germany. It
was the turning point of the war in Europe and perhaps
America’s greatest victory of WWII.
-Study guides to page 307; exit ticket data either has already
been emailed to you or is coming shortly! Check your work!
Name _____________________________Page 309
1. When Allen W. Stephens says, we poured
on the coals, what was he intending to
communicate?
A. They were moving quickly
B. They were pouring coal onto their boat
C. They were struggling to see
D. They were scared
-Open the file called “5.6 Vids”
-The paratroopers were supposed to jump behind enemy
lines, secure roads and bridges, and/or make their way back
to the beach to take out machine gunners and make it easier
for the invasion forces coming from the English Channel.
Because of bad weather and heavy anti-aircraft fire, most
ended up miles away from where they were supposed to be,
and few (if any) achieved their objective.
-Watch the first video in the 5.6 Vids file, taking note of the
heavy anti-aircraft fire, why the paratroopers jumped early,
and remember that jumping early means you’re miles away
from where you’re supposed to be!
-Turn back to page 302, look at the pictures, and read every
word describing the defenses the Germans built around
Europe. This is what our soldiers were up against!
-Read page 309 and answer the questions to the right.
-Watch the second video in the 5.6 Vids file about the “fake
army” that convinced the Germans the invasion wasn’t
coming at Normandy, but at a town called Calais, which
would be the shortest distance across the English Channel.
-Read the first person account of D-Day on page 310.
-Watch the third video in the 5.6 Vids file that shows clips
from the movie, “Saving Private Ryan” which gives viewers a
realistic idea of what the invasion looked like.
-Read the first person account of D-Day on page 311 and the
letter that General Eisenhower wrote to his men on page 312.
His war hero status helped him get elected president in 1952!
-If finished before we start going over everything, you may
work on any WWII notes files/exit tickets you still have to
complete; 5.7 notes/exit ticket due tomorrow.
www.tinyurl.com/lamm57exit
2. When Stephens says of the airplanes
circling around, and it was really a beautiful
sight what was he saying?
A. He thought the planes were beautiful
and he couldn’t believe they seemed to be
lost
B. He feared what was happening next
C. He was frightened by how many planes
there were and who might be attacking
D. He was impressed with how many planes
there were and he was commenting on that
3. According to the interview, what was
Stephens’ target?
A. Utah Beach
B. English Channel
C. Coastal guns and blockhouses along the
beach
D. Aircraft
4. When Stephens says, “I had the surging
feeling that I was sitting in on the greatest
show ever staged” what is being suggested
by his use of the word, surging?
A. He was saying this as he was moving
B. He intended to convey his fear to the
reader
C. He was feeling a rush of adrenaline
D. He was tentative to proceed