In 1983 the Eisenhower Center at the University of New Orleans began a project to collect on audiotape and videotape the recollections of as many people as possible—civilians as well as soldiers—who were involved in one of the most pivotal events of the century: the June 6, 1944, Allied invasion of Normandy and Hitler’s Fortress Europe. Skillfully edited by Ronald J. Drez and first published on the fifty-year anniversary of D-Day, the award-winning Voices of D-Day tells the story of that momentous operation almost entirely through the words of the people who were there.
Here are gripping descriptions of tension-filled crossings to Normandy by plane and by sea, and harrowing accounts of the horrors of battle—of planes shot down, ships destroyed, and servicemen killed one after another as they attempted to navigate Normandy Beach. And here, too, are tales of remarkable courage and heroism—of soldiers helping the wounded, and of others persevering in the face of death and prevailing against the longest of odds. Voices of D-Day, told by those who experienced it, makes us feel that we were all there.
Stephen E. Ambrose (1936–2002), was Boyd Professor of History at the University of New Orleans and author of many biographies and histories, including D-Day, June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II and Upton and the Army.
Ronald J. Drez , a Marine company commander in the Vietnam War, received two Bronze Stars and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He is the principal historian and president of Stephen Ambrose Tours, Inc.
Praise for Voices of D-Day
“A superb testimonial to the heroism, sacrifice, and military success of the veterans of the Normandy invasion.”—Military Review
“Pathfinders, commandoes, airborne troops, glider pilots, landing-craft coxswains, infantrymen, combat engineers, men of all ranks, recall the confusion and disorientation of that dreadful 24-hour period with its shocking tactical confrontations, unexpected terrors, and impersonal slaughter. Through these vivid, succinctly spoken accounts, readers experience vicariously one of history’s great military moments.”—Publishers Weekly
