Comes with hand-signed C.O.A. and a full historical write-up

Type: Original 1953 United States Military Academy West Point World War II Military Campaign Operational Study Map Plate

Produced: Special map plate made by the Department of Military Art and Engineering (United States Military Academy - West Point)

Campaign: Western European Theater - Normandy, France

Battle/Operation: D-Day Operation Overlord - The Invasion June 6th-12th, 1944

Size: 14 × 10.5 inches

In the years following World War II, the United States Military Academy at West Point faced the monumental task of preparing future military leaders for an era of evolving warfare. By 1953, the Academy had integrated World War II operational campaign military maps into its curriculum as vital tools for studying the strategies and tactics employed during the conflict. These maps, which had served as critical planning and operational resources during the war, became essential teaching aids, allowing cadets to analyze real-world applications of military theory, refine their strategic thinking, and adapt lessons from the past to modern military challenges. The decision to incorporate these maps into training programs reflected the Academy's commitment to learning from history and enhancing the intellectual rigor of its officer education.

During World War II, operational campaign maps were indispensable to the planning and execution of military strategies. These maps were meticulously crafted, often combining topographical details, troop movements, supply routes, and key infrastructure information. Commanders relied on them to visualize battlefields, anticipate enemy actions, and coordinate large-scale operations across diverse terrains. Maps such as those used in the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Pacific theater illustrated the complexity and dynamism of modern warfare. By 1953, these maps had become artifacts of historical and educational significance, offering a window into the decision-making processes of the war’s most pivotal moments.

At West Point, these maps were used to teach cadets about operational planning, logistical coordination, and the execution of combined arms strategies. Instructors often began by presenting maps from campaigns such as Operation Overlord or the Battle of Midway, highlighting the strategic considerations that shaped these operations. For example, the intricate plans for the Normandy invasion, which involved coordinating naval, air, and ground forces, demonstrated the importance of synchronization in multi-domain warfare. Cadets analyzed how Allied commanders used maps to identify key objectives, such as securing beaches, establishing supply lines, and advancing inland, all while countering German defenses along the Atlantic Wall.

One of the primary ways these maps were utilized was through the study of operational art—a concept that bridges the gap between strategy and tactics. Operational art involves the design and execution of campaigns to achieve strategic goals within the constraints of time, space, and resources. World War II operational maps provided cadets with concrete examples of this concept in action. By examining the geographical constraints, enemy dispositions, and logistical challenges depicted on these maps, cadets could assess how commanders made decisions to achieve their objectives while minimizing risks and exploiting opportunities.

Moreover, the maps served as case studies for analyzing the successes and failures of wartime operations. For instance, cadets studying the Battle of the Bulge examined maps that detailed German troop movements, the positioning of Allied forces, and the topographical challenges of the Ardennes Forest. This analysis helped them understand how Allied commanders responded to the surprise offensive and ultimately turned the tide in their favor. Similarly, maps from the Pacific theater, such as those depicting the island-hopping campaign, illustrated the strategic importance of selecting objectives that balanced the need for progress with the necessity of conserving resources and minimizing casualties.

Instructors at West Point also used these maps to emphasize the importance of logistics in modern warfare. World War II had demonstrated that the ability to sustain armies through effective supply chain management was as crucial as battlefield tactics. Maps showing supply routes, transportation hubs, and logistical depots provided cadets with insights into how commanders addressed the challenges of moving troops and materiel across vast distances. For example, maps from the North African campaign illustrated how the Allies overcame logistical difficulties to support their forces in a harsh desert environment, offering lessons in adaptability and resourcefulness.

Another critical aspect of using World War II maps at West Point was fostering an appreciation for the role of intelligence and reconnaissance. Many operational maps included information gathered from aerial photography, captured enemy documents, and reports from reconnaissance units. Cadets learned how commanders used this intelligence to make informed decisions, predict enemy movements, and identify vulnerabilities. By studying maps of campaigns such as the D-Day invasion, cadets gained an understanding of how intelligence shaped operational planning and execution, from identifying landing sites to neutralizing key enemy positions.

The maps also facilitated wargaming exercises, where cadets were tasked with developing their own strategies based on historical scenarios. Using the maps as a foundation, cadets reenacted campaigns, assuming the roles of both Allied and Axis commanders. These exercises encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and an appreciation for the complexities of command. They also provided opportunities to test the principles of maneuver warfare, combined arms operations, and the integration of air and ground forces. By engaging with the maps in this way, cadets honed their ability to think like military leaders, preparing them for the challenges of real-world command.

In addition to their practical applications, the maps held symbolic significance, serving as tangible connections to the legacy of the "Greatest Generation." They reminded cadets of the sacrifices made by those who fought in World War II and underscored the responsibility of future officers to uphold the traditions of duty, honor, and country. The maps became tools for instilling a sense of historical continuity, encouraging cadets to view themselves as part of a long line of military leaders committed to defending the nation.

By 1953, the integration of World War II operational campaign maps into West Point’s curriculum represented a forward-thinking approach to military education. These maps bridged the gap between theory and practice, offering cadets a nuanced understanding of the art and science of warfare. They highlighted the enduring relevance of historical study in preparing for future conflicts, demonstrating that the lessons of the past could inform the strategies of tomorrow. Through the study of these maps, West Point not only honored the legacy of World War II but also ensured that its graduates were equipped to face the complexities of modern warfare with knowledge, skill, and confidence.

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The Invasion of Normandy, codenamed Operation Overlord, began on June 6, 1944, and stands as one of the most ambitious and significant military operations of World War II. It marked the opening of the Western Front, bringing the fight directly to German-occupied France. The success of the D-Day landings depended on meticulous planning, coordination between Allied forces, and the element of surprise. However, the period from June 6 to June 12, 1944, was equally critical, as the Allies sought to consolidate their beachheads, repel German counterattacks, and prepare for the next phase of the campaign. This first week of operations demonstrated the resilience of Allied troops, the adaptability of their commanders, and the fierce determination of German defenders.

The D-Day Landings: June 6, 1944

The invasion began in the early hours of June 6 with airborne operations involving over 13,000 paratroopers from the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and the British 6th Airborne Division. Their mission was to secure key objectives behind enemy lines, such as bridges, road junctions, and artillery positions, to disrupt German defenses and facilitate the seaborne landings.

The seaborne invasion followed, involving over 156,000 troops from the United States, Britain, Canada, and other Allied nations. The assault targeted five beaches along the Normandy coast, each with its own challenges and objectives:

• Utah Beach (U.S.): The westernmost beach, where American forces faced lighter resistance and achieved a swift advance inland.

• Omaha Beach (U.S.): The bloodiest of the landings, where German defenses inflicted heavy casualties before the Americans broke through.

• Gold Beach (British): Captured by British forces with significant progress made toward linking up with other beachheads.

• Juno Beach (Canadian): Secured by Canadian forces after overcoming stiff resistance and penetrating further inland than any other beach.

• Sword Beach (British): The easternmost landing zone, where British troops made progress but faced strong German counterattacks.

By the end of D-Day, the Allies had established a precarious foothold in Normandy. However, the initial success was only the beginning of a prolonged and grueling effort to consolidate and expand the beachheads.

June 7–8: Strengthening the Beachheads

In the days immediately following D-Day, the priority for Allied forces was to secure the beachheads, link the separate landing zones, and push further inland. This phase was characterized by fierce German resistance, logistical challenges, and the gradual realization of Allied objectives.

Linking the Beaches

One of the critical goals of this phase was to connect the individual beachheads into a cohesive front. The British and Canadian forces aimed to link Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches, while the Americans sought to consolidate their positions between Utah and Omaha. Progress was slow, particularly at Omaha Beach, where German defenses had inflicted heavy casualties. Nevertheless, by June 8, significant progress had been made, with the Allies establishing a continuous front across much of the landing area.

Securing Key Objectives

Key towns and infrastructure became the focus of Allied operations during this period. The Americans at Utah Beach advanced inland to link up with paratroopers from the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, who had secured critical bridges and road junctions. British and Canadian forces pushed toward the towns of Bayeux and Caen, both of which were vital for controlling road networks in the region.

German Counterattacks

The Germans, caught off guard by the scale and location of the invasion, scrambled to mount counterattacks. Units from the 21st Panzer Division and the 12th SS Panzer Division launched localized offensives against the British and Canadians near Sword Beach. These counterattacks achieved limited success, but Allied naval and air superiority, combined with the defensive tenacity of ground troops, prevented the Germans from achieving a significant breakthrough.

June 9–10: Consolidation and Expansion

As the initial chaos of the landings subsided, the Allies focused on consolidating their positions and preparing for the next phase of the campaign. This period saw continued fighting as Allied forces encountered stiff resistance from German troops entrenched in hedgerows, villages, and strongpoints.

The Advance on Bayeux

Bayeux, located just inland from Gold Beach, became a key objective for British forces. The town was important not only for its road network but also for its proximity to Caen. On June 7, elements of the British 50th Infantry Division entered Bayeux, capturing it largely intact. The fall of Bayeux marked the first major town liberated by the Allies and provided a critical staging area for further operations.

Securing Carentan

To link the Utah and Omaha beachheads, the Americans needed to capture Carentan, a small but strategically vital town controlling the routes between the two landing zones. The battle for Carentan began on June 10, with the U.S. 101st Airborne Division facing fierce resistance from German paratroopers and infantry. After several days of intense combat, the town fell to the Americans on June 12, creating a unified front between the two American beachheads.

June 11–12: Preparing for the Breakout

By June 11, the Allies had landed nearly 330,000 troops, 54,000 vehicles, and 104,000 tons of supplies. The logistical efforts to sustain the invasion were monumental, with artificial harbors, known as Mulberry harbors, constructed at Gold Beach and Omaha Beach to facilitate the unloading of supplies. These harbors played a crucial role in maintaining the momentum of the campaign.

German Defense and Reinforcements

The Germans, under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, were determined to contain the Allies within their beachheads. Despite the disruption caused by Allied air superiority, which targeted German reinforcements and supply lines, the Germans managed to bring additional troops into the region. The arrival of elite Panzer divisions and experienced infantry units intensified the fighting, particularly in the areas around Caen and Carentan.

Allied Strategy

Allied commanders recognized the need to expand the beachhead to secure enough room for maneuver and to prepare for a breakout offensive. The British and Canadians focused on encircling Caen, a key German stronghold in the eastern sector, while the Americans continued their advance into the Cotentin Peninsula, aiming to capture Cherbourg.

Challenges and Achievements

The period from June 6 to June 12 highlighted both the successes and difficulties faced by the Allies. While they achieved significant progress in securing the beachheads and linking their positions, the advance was slower and costlier than anticipated. The dense Norman hedgerows, or bocage, provided excellent defensive terrain for the Germans, turning every village and field into a potential strongpoint. Allied troops adapted by employing combined arms tactics, integrating infantry, tanks, and artillery to overcome these obstacles.

Logistics also played a critical role during this phase. The construction of Mulberry harbors and the establishment of secure supply lines ensured that the Allies could sustain their forces, even as the scale of the operation grew. Allied air and naval superiority, which prevented German reinforcements from reaching the front in large numbers, was another crucial factor in the success of this phase.

The operations from June 6 to June 12, 1944, marked a decisive start to the Normandy campaign. In the aftermath of the D-Day landings, the Allies worked tirelessly to expand their beachheads, overcome German resistance, and prepare for a sustained offensive into France. The successes achieved during this period, including the liberation of Bayeux and the capture of Carentan, demonstrated the effectiveness of Allied planning, coordination, and determination. These achievements set the stage for the eventual breakout from Normandy, the liberation of France, and the ultimate defeat of Germany. The first week of Operation Overlord stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of the soldiers who fought to establish a foothold on the shores of occupied Europe.