PDF Summary:When the Sea Came Alive, by Garrett M. Graff

When the first bombs fell over Normandy on June 6, 1944, the largest military operation of World War II was underway. In When the Sea Came Alive, Garrett M. Graff provides an intimate, ground-level view of the exhaustive planning and unexpected chaos that marked D-Day. From the airborne assaults to the beach landings, Graff traces the path of individual soldiers, medical crews, and naval crews—examining their motivations, fears, heroics, and sacrifices.

At the same time, he chronicles the miscalculations and miscommunication on the German side that left Nazi forces unprepared for the Allied invasion. While victory ultimately went to the Americans, British, Canadians, and other Allied forces, Graff reveals that success was hardly assured, even in the wake of total Allied air superiority and sea control.

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I quickly offered assistance to wounded troops, administering morphine and sulfur powder, and simultaneously offering comforting words. To preserve their serenity and keep their circulatory pressure stable, I found myself resorting to fabrications, uttering whatever was required. I habitually downplayed the severity of their injuries, regardless of their actual magnitude. The image of a child, whose chest wound released air with every breath, is permanently etched into my memory. Efforts to seal the gash with adhesive tape were unsuccessful as the profuse bleeding hindered the tape's ability to stick effectively. He bore the appearance of a teenager still attending secondary school. My attempts to nurture them were in vain, as they still perished. The events had a profound and enduring impact.

Lower-ranking commanders and non-commissioned officers were crucial in inspiring the troops at Omaha Beach to push forward despite severe resistance and were instrumental in establishing pathways through mine-infested zones.

The crucial moments of command during the assault on Omaha Beach hinged not on the choices made by high-ranking officials but on the decisive actions and guidance of junior officers and non-commissioned officers, who adeptly steered and synchronized the progression of small contingents consisting of ten to thirty soldiers. The success of the invasion was secured through subtle displays of courage.

One exemplary action that emerged from the scrum, Graff writes, is the bravery of 26-year-old first lieutenant Jimmie Monteith, of the 16th Infantry's Company L who landed with his platoon on the eastern edge of Omaha Beach and was then personally responsible for rallying troops forward and knocking out multiple enemy machine gun positions, an aggressive style of leadership that resulted in his recognition as one of only two soldiers from the 16th Infantry Regiment to receive the prestigious Medal of Honor on that significant day. A considerable force armed with machine guns launched an attack from the sides and back. Surrounded by German troops, we were ordered to surrender. Lt. Monteith moved stealthily towards the source of the voices and launched a grenade towards it with his rifle.

Context

• Operation NEPTUNE was the codename for the amphibious assault phase of Operation Overlord, which was the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. It specifically referred to the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, commonly known as D-Day. NEPTUNE involved a massive coordinated effort with airborne and amphibious assaults to establish a foothold in German-occupied Western Europe. The operation marked the beginning of the liberation of France and ultimately led to the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
• Easy Red and Fox Green beaches were two of the designated landing sectors on Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. These sectors were part of the larger Omaha Beach landing area where American forces came ashore in Normandy, France. The beaches were color-coded to aid in navigation and coordination during the assault. Each sector had specific objectives and challenges for the troops landing there.
• A pillbox is a small concrete fortification typically used to house weapons or observation equipment. Pillboxes were commonly used in military defenses during World War II. They provided protection to soldiers while allowing them to observe and engage enemy forces. Pillboxes were strategically positioned along coastlines, borders, and other key locations to defend against enemy attacks.
• The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States, awarded for acts of valor in combat. It is presented by the President on behalf of Congress. Recipients are recognized for extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. The medal has different versions for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

The invasion's strength was considerably enhanced by the inclusion of naval units, as well as the deployment of both aircraft and paratroopers.

The pivotal contribution of US and UK airborne troops in setting the limits of the invasion and obstructing the advancement of German troops.

Graff points out that the success of the Allied forces in the D-Day invasion was significantly influenced by the widespread deployment of paratroopers in the vicinity, tasked with ensuring open routes from the beaches and hindering German efforts to mobilize and counterattack. The awe-inspiring sight of numerous planes descending through the night sky as June 5th gave way to June 6th, 1944, made a lasting impact on observers, irrespective of whether they supported the Allies or the Axis.

Graff tells the story, focusing on the individual and collective experiences of soldiers in squads or platoons, highlighting the bravery and challenges faced by lone soldiers or small units stranded in hostile territories as day begins to break. Out of the original 120 members in their company, a veteran from the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion reported that a mere 35 reached the intended drop zone. The remainder were dispersed in various locations. I found myself engulfed by elements that were foreign to me, with no recognizable features in my surroundings. The atmosphere was charged with expectation while I remained motionless, yet quietude reigned and no additional commotions occurred.

The invasion commenced with a British airborne mission targeting Pegasus Bridge, aiming to capture and hold key pathways until reinforcements could link up with them.

Graff emphasizes the precision and bravery of the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry's early morning operation on the eastern flank, which included a meticulously planned glider attack on the Bénouville bridge. This action exemplified military precision, execution, and courageous leadership, all symbolized by the famous signals "Ham and Jam." These signals indicated the successful capture of the key bridges by the airborne troops of the British 6th Airborne Division, commanded with determination by Richard Gale. Their contribution grew more vital for the triumph of the British forces as they awaited reinforcements from Sword Beach, underscoring the importance of their mission. A seasoned military individual asserts that the tactical prowess of the diminutive ships was pivotal in turning what could have been a defeat at Omaha Beach into a victory.

American paratroopers plunged into the turmoil of sodden fields and thick underbrush, engaging in intense battles before they could reunite with their fellow soldiers.

Troop carriers bearing soldiers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions touched down near Utah Beach in the American sector, tasked with disabling artillery positions and ensuring the critical passages were secure for the advancing troops to move beyond the flooded zones near the seawall. Contrary to what was anticipated, the terrain presented challenges, yet most of the paratroopers landed without substantial issues and safely. The sudden rise in water levels not only impeded progress but also submerged both equipment and soldiers. A seasoned member of the IOIST Airborne likened their descent to peas tumbling into the recesses of an egg holder, finding themselves in pairs or small clusters within distinct compartments. They all experienced a profound feeling of seclusion.

The disarray within the German leadership regarding these events was just as crucial to the success of the American airborne operations as any particular battle incident. Our forces were so extensively dispersed that the Germans fell into the false belief that our numbers on the peninsula were tenfold what they truly were, an error a soldier recognized as vital to the triumph of our mission.

The incredible efforts by Allied airpower in the days surrounding D-Day and the limited nature of German aerial opposition

By June 6, 1944, the effectiveness of the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine had been significantly reduced, preventing them from launching a unified defense due to the extensive bombing of Germany's industrial, military, and transport facilities. Graff notes the absence of German bombs and the lack of any major naval battles at all five landing sites. The skies were dominated by the relentless presence of Allied aircraft, with a continuous stream of bombers and fighters that persisted for nearly 48 hours.

American bomber crews bravely executed several sorties each day, confronting the relentless barrage of ground-based anti-aircraft fire.

The Second World War is renowned for the introduction and contentious nature of air battles above Germany. In 1944, the U.S. aerial squadrons began extensively deploying the nimble, twin-engine B-26 Marauders, and Graff narrates the stories of these bombers. The six-person crews were tasked with carrying out bombing missions targeting bridges and railways, as well as swiftly bolstering aerial support during the crucial landings by the Allies on D-Day.

Upon joining the squadron, our main objective was to locate and demolish bridges and ammunition depots, recalled a bombardier who had come to England a month before the offensive began. For a fortnight, our objectives were exclusively the bridges throughout northern France, to the extent that I believe we targeted nothing else. The number of missions fluctuated, with certain days featuring only one, whereas on other occasions there were a pair. Upon returning to my home, I had successfully completed sixty-seven assignments. Attributing my favorable circumstances to mere chance would not adequately acknowledge their significance. In England, the 323rd Bomb Group consisted of thirty-six teams, amounting to a total of 216 individuals. From the original group of 216, only thirty-six returned to their places of residence.

Fighter aircraft bravely and efficiently protected the naval forces involved in the invasion from aerial and maritime dangers.

The fighter pilots tasked with protecting the fleet from aerial threats and maritime hazards during the assault often experienced little activity, merely monitoring the situation from above, despite the significant focus on the numerous aircraft executing bombing runs with their loud devastation and narrow escapes. The anticipated clashes in the sky were averted as the relentless and prolonged shelling had substantially weakened Germany's aerial combat forces. A B-26 crew member described a disordered scene unfolding beneath them, as people, along with military gear and vehicles, dispersed across the landscape in every possible direction. The first surge of water, located a short distance of a few hundred yards from the coastline, made its way toward the beach following an irregular, zigzagging route. The signal for the bombs' release echoed through the intercom with the bombardier's declaration of "Bombs away!" We changed our course, moving away from the shoreline, climbed again, and flew over a portion of the naval units involved in the offensive. Occasionally, we were unintentionally trapped in the exchange of gunfire by individuals on the ground who did not identify us. They failed to notice.

The German defenses remained intact despite the relentless attacks by the Allied fleet, comprising both rocket-firing vessels and aircraft, which failed to demolish them.

The beaches and waters were so crowded with vessels that it appeared one could step from one to another, yet the armadas responsible for providing significant firepower were as vital as the numerous aircraft overhead. A fleet of 865 ships, varying from the imposing battleships to swift destroyers and including a wide variety of other vessels, assembled near Utah Beach.

Warships neared the coast to disarm German armaments and offered support to the soldiers stranded on the shores of Omaha.

The destroyers were commended for their crucial role during operations along the shoreline, leveraging their extended combat reach to strike at objectives far inland. A fleet of vessels, each extending three hundred feet in length, neared the shoreline and appeared to enter into direct clashes with German troops, occasionally coming under rapid fire from shore-based weapons. An Army veteran vividly remembers the moment when, reminiscent of gallant cavalry in classic westerns, several US Navy destroyers advanced with vigor toward the shore.

The invasion by Allied forces encountered significant repercussions following the loss of multiple American destroyers, including the USS Corry close to Utah Beach.

The destroyers' valor came at a price. The destroyers Corry and Forester, having come across mines close to Utah, were thereafter rendered unfit for battle. The captain of the Corry described the commencement of their assault on specific objectives, including German strongholds and locations equipped with machine guns. We managed to neutralize several before coming under intensified shelling from the most powerful artillery. Our enhanced vision not only boosted our chances of apprehending him but also heightened the likelihood that he might capture us. We increased the rate at which we discharged our weapons.

The radio operator on the Corry remembered the combat's ferocity increasing, with enormous shells from the coastal defenses nearby exploding close by, creating huge geysers of water that towered above the ship's mast, and acknowledged that 'frightened' did not fully capture the level of fear they felt.

At 0633, just half an hour after the attack began, the Corry was overwhelmed by the explosion of a mine, an event remarked upon by another officer who reflected on the inherent fragility of destroyers. They possess a notably low weight. The ship's integrity was breached upon impact with the mine. Numerous sailors, harmed by blasts, burning oil, and intense steam, found themselves with no other choice but to leap into the ocean while the extensively damaged vessel sustained relentless attacks. A survivor recounted the embrace of the frigid water as a sudden awakening. Braving the frigid waters while under a relentless onslaught of artillery and observing fellow soldiers suffer injuries was an exceptionally distressing experience. In all, 24 of the Corry's crew were killed or trapped inside as she went down.

Other Perspectives

• While the inclusion of naval units and airpower was crucial, the success of the invasion also depended heavily on the coordination between these units and the ground forces. The effectiveness of the invasion cannot be solely attributed to one branch of the military.
• The role of US and UK airborne troops was indeed pivotal, but it is also important to recognize the contributions of resistance movements and intelligence operations that provided crucial information and sabotage efforts prior to and during the invasion.
• The capture of Pegasus Bridge was a significant achievement, but it was one of many strategic operations. Other operations, such as the capture of other key points and the deception plan Operation Fortitude, were also critical to the overall success.
• The American paratroopers faced disorganized resistance in part due to the surprise element and the confusion caused by their scattered landings, but the German forces were also stretched thin and lacked adequate reinforcements, which contributed to the Allied success.
• The disarray within German leadership was a factor, but it was also the result of effective Allied deception strategies and the inherent difficulties in commanding and controlling forces during a surprise airborne operation.
• The dominance of Allied airpower was a significant factor, but the Luftwaffe's absence was also due to strategic decisions made by the German High Command, which underestimated the importance of air superiority in the region.
• The bravery of American bomber crews is unquestionable, but the effectiveness of their sorties can also be attributed to the technological superiority of their aircraft and the prior weakening of German air defenses.
• Fighter aircraft played a protective role, but the limited nature of German aerial opposition was also a result of the Allies' successful strategic bombing campaign, which had eroded the Luftwaffe's capabilities.
• The German defenses, while not completely demolished, were significantly weakened by the relentless attacks, which played a role in the eventual breakthrough and should not be underestimated.
• The support provided by warships was critical, but the success on Omaha Beach also depended on the individual heroism of soldiers and the improvisation of commanders on the ground.
• The loss of American destroyers was tragic and had repercussions, but it also demonstrated the risks inherent in amphibious operations and the resilience of the naval forces in overcoming these losses to achieve their objectives.

The global impact and the defensive strategies enacted by German forces due to the incursion of the Allies into Normandy.

The complex structure of authority among the German military in Normandy, along with the difficulties Rommel faced in fortifying the Atlantic Wall

Graff emphasizes that Germany, while somewhat prepared to defend its shoreline defenses, was utterly surprised by the bold complexity and scale of the Allied attack. Adolf Hitler's paranoia and the unusual structure of command he established consistently compromised the years Rommel spent strengthening the Atlantic Wall's fortifications. Before the attack commenced, Hitler held the conviction that victory could only be secured by turning back the Allied forces at the water's brink, leading him to command his forces with strict and unreasonable directives detailing the precise measures to be executed with the onset of the Allied invasion. The German military command was incapacitated, rendering them incapable of executing essential strategic maneuvers or initiating counterattacks during a period when such actions were crucial.

The commanders from Germany faced challenges as they rushed to fortify the Atlantic Wall, hindered by a lack of both soldiers and supplies.

By 1944, at the time of the D-Day invasion, the German military's strength had significantly diminished, a stark contrast to the overwhelming force that had once dominated Europe four years prior. The coordinated defenses of the Atlantic Wall faced significant challenges due to losses on the battlefield and logistical issues, resulting in a critical scarcity of vital materials such as mines, concrete, and basic needs like tires, rubber, and ammunition.

In particular, Graff emphasizes the remarkable fact that on D-Day the German military in Normandy was as reliant on horses as it was on tanks: "We had to improvise continually," remembers one officer. Fuel distribution was subject to progressively stricter control. The regiment's leaders were thus limited to deploying their vehicles just once every week. In the more isolated areas, their dependence on moving from place to place often involved traveling by horse and utilizing bicycles. The situation became especially difficult.

To safeguard the area, meticulous measures were taken to build defenses, guard against aerial assaults, and strategically place bombs along the shoreline and in the surrounding landscape.

In the lead-up to D-Day, the German forces accelerated their efforts to fortify their positions, even though they were constrained by insufficient resources and logistical hurdles. Rommel was adamant about bolstering the coastal defenses, adding more than 6.5 million mines and situating 517,000 obstacles along the waterfront, even though this number fell markedly short of the 50 million mines he estimated were necessary to sufficiently secure the Normandy coastline. Graff observes that among the most potent defensive strategies were the widespread obstacles that surfaced across the inland areas at the onset of 1944, intended to obstruct the descent of paratroopers, complemented by a network of trenches that, while expansive, were not particularly deep, situated on the heights overlooking Omaha and the neighboring shorelines. The individuals present found it challenging to traverse this terrain.

The German forces initially reacted to the scattered beach and airborne invasions at the onset of D-Day with confusion and a lack of promptness.

The German leadership, thrown into disarray by inconsistent intelligence and uncertain about when and where the attack would occur, were nearly paralyzed while the Allied troops carefully prepared for the complex operations of the landings and airborne missions scheduled for D-Day.

The German command was given inconsistent reports about the specific location of the allied incursion.

Intelligence officers stationed across various command centers in Normandy found themselves perplexed by the disparate accounts coming from observers, military staff, aviators, and those monitoring radar. Reports surfaced of a significant deployment of airborne troops scattered throughout the Cotentin Peninsula, along with speculation about a large armada heading for Calais. Despite the general being privy to various fragmented tales and murmurs, he remembers that they lacked specific information about when and where the landing would occur. The expectation was that the offensive would take place at some point between May and September of 1944. England was thought to be the central location for two military formations, which included approximately sixty divisions, and there were an additional eight divisions prepared for aerial deployment.

Erwin Rommel was not present in Normandy during the D-Day landings because he had returned to Germany to see his wife, a situation that later fueled his frustration with the rigid military command structures.

As the clock struck twelve, marking the beginning of a new day, whispers quickly turned to widespread knowledge among the residents of Normandy that paratroopers were landing, signaling the onset of the invasion. Ironically, however, the only person entirely missing from that confusion, fear, and chaos, was the one man whose life and fate depended most upon its outcome: Despite being instrumental in devising the defensive strategies in Normandy, Rommel had departed for Germany on June 5, 1944, to seek further support from Hitler and to attend his wife Lucie's birthday celebration. His absence on that specific day greatly impeded the work of those who were desperately attempting to organize a robust response while the collective efforts of the Allied forces were gaining momentum. A member of the team, following orders from the general, insisted that the scope of the assault needed to be doubled from twenty-five to fifty miles to swiftly establish a strong and broad beachhead.

The commencement of D-Day was met with a deep sense of wonder and disbelief across the United States and allied nations.

The world was taken by surprise at the exact instant the D-Day invasion commenced, despite the comprehensive planning by the Allied forces for this pivotal operation that would significantly alter the course of the 20th century.

The opportunity to accelerate their advance eastward by opening another major front in Europe was met with great enthusiasm by the Soviet Union.

The announcement of the successful beach landings was met with a blend of relief, skepticism, and exuberant celebration among the coalition countries. People throughout the UK amassed on the streets, singing anthems of national pride and offering heartfelt salutations to the soldiers. The Soviet Union, which had consistently pressed the Allies to create an additional front to lessen the burden on its armed forces, greeted the news of the Allied invasion with widespread jubilation. In his account, Graff depicts the exuberant celebrations that swept through Moscow's thoroughfares, involving the city's residents. The anticipation of opening up another front in the conflict had been growing for two and a half years, felt by everyone from Stalin down to the newest recruit. The capital had never experienced such joy.

Newspapers across the United States issued several special editions to ensure the public stayed updated on the ongoing military operations.

As the night unfolded, the United States became aware of the invasion through a cascade of news alerts and radio broadcasts that disseminated the information ahead of the morning newspaper's circulation. The CBS broadcaster during the live coverage stated that the story was developing swiftly, accompanied by a continuous flow of new reports. The report, which is important to note comes from the adversary and has not been confirmed by Allied forces, suggests that today forces from the United States have established a presence along the coast of northwestern France. At present, it cannot be presumed that the report has any function aside from spreading misinformation originating from Germany or gathering intelligence. Prime Minister Churchill had previously warned that the actual invasion would be heralded by a series of misleading tactics and diversions. The CBS World News crew is vigilant and ready to broadcast the latest developments once the reports from Germany are verified or disproven.

Radio stations were broadcasting non-stop, keeping the world informed about the progress of the armed forces' operation. The head of Belgium's administration declared the initial assault to be a clear sign of the impending liberation. You will experience challenging times filled with apprehensive anticipation. It is currently the time to demonstrate the commendable qualities of composure and tranquility that have defined your behavior throughout the previous four years.

Family members connected to those serving in the armed forces found it challenging to maintain their daily lives while trying to grasp the enormity of the military operations unfolding in Europe.

As the conflict intensified, Americans struggled to grasp the scale of the crisis, particularly the staggering fact that a million troops had been sent to France, and what this meant for the worldwide conflict. Graff paints a picture of a situation in which, if not for the nation's widespread deployment of barrage balloons securely anchored, the impression is given that the island might yield to the advancing sea. The incursion seemed, in many respects, to defy belief and understanding. The photographer from Life magazine, Robert Capa, felt his camera tremble in his grasp as he stood on Omaha Beach. A new kind of fear seized me completely, from the tips of my toes to the strands of my hair, twisting my face into a grimace. The individuals around me remained motionless. The rhythmic movement of the waves was the only activity along the shoreline, where it bore the lifeless bodies.

During this period, families and loved ones in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom experienced a deeply personal and emotional period as they attempted to balance the enormity of the events occurring in Europe with their regular Tuesday activities in June. Capa described how he woke up in a bunk, following a distressing voyage from Omaha, an event that precipitated an intense emotional breakdown as a result of the morning's terrifying experiences. My exposed skin was shielded by a coarse material. A label indicating 'Case of exhaustion' was secured around my neck. A young man lay without clothes in the bunk beside, his eyes intently staring upwards. A tag around his neck read: 'Case of exhaustion.' He acknowledged his discomfort, remarking on the constant hum of the equipment as our ship began its return voyage to England. The man from the tank and I spent the night consumed by guilt, each of us insisting that he alone was the coward, while absolving the other.

Other Perspectives

• While Germany may have been surprised by the exact timing and location of the Normandy invasion, it is well-documented that German intelligence and military leaders expected an Allied invasion somewhere along the French coast.
• Hitler's directives were indeed strict, but some historians argue that the German military's rigid command structure was a product of its overall military philosophy, not just Hitler's paranoia.
• The German military's lack of resources for fortifying the Atlantic Wall can also be attributed to the extensive demands on the German war machine on multiple fronts, not just mismanagement or logistical failures.
• The German defensive measures, while extensive, were not uniformly strong across the entire Atlantic Wall, and some areas were more heavily defended than others, which could be seen as a strategic allocation of limited resources.
• The confusion in the German ranks at the onset of D-Day was not unique to the Germans; such confusion is common in large-scale military operations, especially when facing a well-executed surprise attack.
• The inconsistent reports about the location of the Allied incursion reflect the fog of war and the challenges of intelligence gathering in wartime, rather than a specific failure on the part of German intelligence.
• Rommel's absence on the day of the D-Day landings is often highlighted, but the effectiveness of German countermeasures would have depended on more than the presence of one general, no matter how competent.
• The surprise of the D-Day landings was not universal; many Allied citizens and soldiers had been anticipating the invasion, and preparations for it were evident.
• The Soviet Union's enthusiasm for the second front must be balanced with the recognition that the Eastern Front bore the brunt of the war against Germany, with a far greater loss of life and material than the Western Allies.
• The special editions of newspapers in the United States were a reflection of the media's role in wartime, aiming to provide comprehensive coverage, which could be seen as a service to the public rather than a point of criticism.
• The difficulty family members had in grasping the scale of military operations is a common experience in wartime and reflects the human aspect of war, which can be both a source of empathy and a challenge to communication and understanding.