NPR: D-Day

In France, a family reckons with World War II Allies' legacy of rape and murder

Eleanor Beardsley — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 11:05:48 -0500

In 1944, as Allied troops celebrated D-Day victory, a French family experienced a trauma that would be felt for generations: a murder and sexual assault so traumatic they are only now coming to terms with it.

(Image credit: Eleanor Beardsley)

Opinion: Remembering the fallen heroes of Normandy's sacred bluffs

Scott Simon — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 08:33:37 -0400

NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the sacrifices made by the Allied forces during the invasion.

The dramatic story of Pointe du Hoc, the backdrop to Biden's D-Day anniversary speech

Rachel Treisman — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Over 200 U.S. Army Rangers scaled the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc on D-Day to destroy German long-range guns stationed at the top. Less than half remained standing after two days of fighting.

(Image credit: Damien Meyer)

Reflections on war past and present permeate D-Day's 80th anniversary

Eleanor Beardsley — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:02:38 -0400

Reenactors and world leaders converge this week for World War II commemorations in Normandy, where Ukraine looms large.

(Image credit: Miguel Medina)

To mark D-Day, Biden will deliver a defense of democracy that hits on campaign themes

Tamara Keith — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 07:08:14 -0400

President Biden's trip to Normandy will commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. But there's also a political subtext to the journey.

(Image credit: Win McNamee)

Why the science of tides was crucial for D-Day

Regina G. Barber — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:00:59 -0400

June 6, 1944 the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and took the Nazis by surprise in the largest sea-to-land invasion in history. This would be remembered as D-Day and would ultimately lead to the end of World War II in Europe. However, this planned attack wouldn't have been possible without deep knowledge of ocean tides! We get into the whole story, including why tides sit at the intersection of astronomy and marine ecology — and why understanding tides are key to a greener future.

Want to hear us cover more science history? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.

As their time runs short, D-Day veterans try to keep their memories alive for others

The Associated Press — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 05:30:45 -0400

With even the youngest of those men and women who were involved in the invasion nearing their 100th birthdays and their ranks dwindling rapidly, they feel a special imperative to tell their stories.

(Image credit: Gareth Fuller)

The U.S.' top general reflects on the changing face of war, 79 years after D-Day

Rachel Treisman — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 05:06:23 -0400

Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marked the D-Day anniversary in Normandy this week. He spoke to NPR about the modernization of warfare and what AI might mean for the future.

(Image credit: Lou Benoist)

Normandy Commemorates D-Day With Small Crowds, But A Big Heart

The Associated Press — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 09:33:09 -0400

Ceremonies are being held Sunday to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and western Europe from Nazi control, and honor those who fell.

Senators Push For Medal Of Honor For Late Black Medic Who Saved Lives At Normandy

Eleanor Beardsley — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 13:56:42 -0400

Cpl. Waverly Woodson Jr., a member of an African American battalion, treated scores of soldiers wounded on D-Day but was passed over for the medal. Lawmakers and relatives have tried to change that.