On D-Day afternoon, paratroopers of the 82nd. Airborne Division take a well-earned break in a french town, before moving on to their next objective. (scanned by HOS Bandit)

82nd Airborne

Paratrooper Richard "Dick" Thorne grins for the camera in the most famous shot (that means its probably a repost) in a series of photographs taken aboard his transport aircraft by Albert Krochka. Behind him is Frank Sayers, a Native-American affectionately known as "Chief" Both 101st Airborne Troopers are loaded down with the bulky gear worn in combat drops, and Sayers has one of the dreaded "Griswold" bags hanging from the front of his chutes belly band. (scanned by HOS Bandit)

101st Airborne "Screamin Eagles"

Army Engineers preparing to embark for the Normandy coast. In addition to their M-1 Garand Rifles, and the gas masks held in the dark grey plastic bags worn over their chests, the engineers are carrying the tools of their trade; Bangalore torpedo sections, rope, sachel charges, and reels of primacord. (scanned by HOS Bandit)