US paratroopers about to embark on their D-Day mission.  Their parachute and equipment are checked out before boarding the plane; England, June 5, 1944.

Eve of D-Day

An American Military Policeman (MP) looks at the sign on the Remagen bridge, posted with pride by soldiers of the 9th Armored Division; Germany, March 1945.

Sign on the Ludendorf bridge

After the German garrison on the island of Cezembre has surrendered, soldiers of the U.S. 83rd Infantry Division raise the American flag in triumph. The island is located near the French city of St.- Malo, Brittany, north-western France; September, 1944.