The opening of a western front in World War II. A force of American, English and Canadian soldiers invaded the beaches of Normandy. "Operation Overlord" split the attention of the Nazis, and ensured an Allied victory. The beach was heavily fortified by enplacements planned by the famous General Rommel, the Desert Fox. Troop landers crossed the English Channel and overran the bunkers on the beaches. The Americans took the brunt of the casualties, as their beaches were more heavily defended.