Honor the Bravery of D-Day by Testing Your Strength and Endurance

U.S. Soldiers disembark a landing craft under heavy fire off the coast of Normandy, France, June 6, 1944. (Photo Credit: National Archives U.S. Coast Guard Collection)

As dawn broke over the English Channel on June 6, 1944, German troops were surprised to see a fleet of Allied ships off the coast of Normandy, France. But the Germans weren’t unprepared.

For years, Hitler feared the Allies would invade Europe’s western coast, so he ordered the construction of the Atlantic Wall. The Atlantic Wall was a series of fortifications, mines, pillboxes, tank traps, and amphibious vehicle traps that stretched more than 3,200 miles from the northernmost point of Norway to the southern border of the coast of France. It was built using forced labor from Jews and political dissenters who were imprisoned in concentration camps.

“The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.” — General Dwight D Eisenhower

The formidable Atlantic Wall wasn’t the only obstacle Allied troops faced that day. The seas were rough, and many soldiers suffered from seasickness as they crossed the English Channel. Once they reached their destination, they knew they wouldn’t disembark onto a dock. There weren’t any. The landing craft they were on, known as a Higgins boat, was designed specifically for amphibious landings. However, the Higgins boats were essentially sitting ducks and took on heavy German artillery fire as they made their way towards the beach where the troops jumped into the cold water.

Once in the water, the Allied troops had to swim several hundred yards to shore with 44 lbs of gear on their backs - all while under a continuous hail of German fire. Many troops lost their lives before they even set foot on the beach.

After reaching the beach, the Allied troops had to cross open ground, dodging traps and heavy fire, to reach the enemy positions high up a steep embankment. Those who survived often had to take cover behind whatever they could find.

Despite these obstacles, Allied troops managed to secure a foothold on the beaches, and slowly began pushing inland.

This operation was called "D-Day" and marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.

June 6, 2023 marks the 79th anniversary of D-Day. Join us in honoring the brave Allied troops who looked fear in the eye and stormed the beaches of Normandy, by taking on our D-Day Ruck Monthly Mission.