RARE! WWII June 6th, 1944 D-Day Omaha Beach "EASY RED" Sector Sand with Display Case (C.O.A. Included)
RARE! WWII June 6th, 1944 D-Day Omaha Beach "EASY RED" Sector Sand with Display Case (C.O.A. Included)
Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A. and a full historical research write-up.
*Limited Edition of 50*
Own your piece of history today!
Due to an incredibly high demand for display case options we are proud to offer one of our LIMITED EDITION series of HISTORIC DISPLAY CASE EXCLUSIVES. This incredible “Piece of History“ is professionally encased in a glass display case with plush padding and a tightly sealed display case. Each displays features a historical photograph and short description that corresponds to the artifact displayed. This display case measures a perfect 4.25 inches tall x 3.25 inches wide.
This series is a limited edition of 50 pieces, meaning that each “Piece of History” display is unique. The D-Day “EASY RED” Omaha Beach sand you receive may vary slightly from the display shown.
The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, famously known as D-Day, stands as one of the most pivotal moments in history, marking the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany's grip on Europe during World War II. Among the five landing beaches targeted by the Allies, Omaha Beach, with its code name "Easy Red," emerged as a symbol of both triumph and sacrifice. The landings on Easy Red Beach were characterized by their extraordinary challenges and heroic missions, embodying the indomitable spirit of the soldiers who stormed the shore that fateful day. This very rare and very historic piece of WWII history is Omaha Beach “EASY RED” sector sand that was preserved during a professional D-Day excavation and artifact recovery effort during the 50th D-Day anniversary in 1994.
Easy Red Beach, situated on the westernmost end of the Omaha Beach sector, spanned approximately 2.5 kilometers and was bounded by steep cliffs and bluffs, creating an arduous natural barrier for the invading forces. This beachhead was assigned to the United States Army's 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions, tasked with overcoming the formidable German defenses and establishing a foothold for the broader invasion. The missions assigned to these divisions were not only vital for the success of the entire operation but also placed a monumental burden on the shoulders of the men who were about to undertake them.
The battle plan for the landings on Easy Red Beach was meticulously crafted, involving a combination of amphibious assaults, naval bombardment, and airborne drops to disrupt German defenses and secure vital positions. However, despite extensive planning, the chaos of war ensured that the reality on the ground was far different from what had been anticipated. As the first wave of soldiers approached the shore, they were met with a withering storm of German artillery, machine gun fire, and mortar shells that tore through landing craft and inflicted heavy casualties. The treacherous underwater obstacles, known as "Belgian gates" and "hedgehogs," further hampered the progress of landing craft, leaving soldiers vulnerable to enemy fire.
The missions undertaken by the soldiers on Easy Red Beach were nothing short of heroic. Companies such as Able and Dog of the 116th Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, were tasked with assaulting strongpoints designated by codenames like "Les Moulins" and "WN-62." The "Dog Green" sector of Easy Red Beach became a particularly brutal battleground, where soldiers fought valiantly to breach the well-fortified German defenses. The heroism displayed by individual soldiers, who braved overwhelming odds and maintained their resolve even as casualties mounted, was awe-inspiring.
One of the most iconic aspects of the Easy Red Beach landings was the valor of the "Big Red One" – the 1st Infantry Division. As the division's troops stormed the beach, they were confronted by an unrelenting hail of gunfire. Amidst this chaos, men like Brigadier General Norman Cota exhibited true leadership, moving along the shoreline to rally the troops and provide direction under fire. Their efforts played a critical role in preventing complete disaster and ensuring that a foothold was established despite the initial setbacks.
The Omaha Beach landings on Easy Red Beach were a testament to human determination and resilience. Despite the staggering adversity, the Allied forces managed to secure their objectives, albeit at a tremendous cost. The invasion of Omaha Beach resulted in over 2,000 casualties – a stark reminder of the sacrifices made on that day. The haunting images of soldiers scaling the cliffs and braving enemy fire have become enduring symbols of courage and selflessness.
In conclusion, the D-Day landings on Easy Red Beach at Omaha Beach were a watershed moment in World War II, showcasing the extraordinary bravery of the soldiers who stormed ashore to liberate Europe from the clutches of tyranny. The missions assigned to the troops were characterized by their difficulty and the unforeseen challenges that arose on the battlefield. The heroism displayed by individual soldiers, as well as the collective determination of entire divisions, exemplified the unwavering commitment to victory and freedom. The memory of the Easy Red Beach landings serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice and liberty.