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

Thanks to the overwhelming demand for our authentic "Piece of History" display collection, we are excited to introduce one of our very first QUAD (FOUR) “Piece of History” display collections!

This incredible D-Day “Piece of History“ display is professionally encased in a glass display case with plush padding and a tightly sealed display case. This display case is our LARGE size and measures a perfect 8 inches tall x 6 inches wide.

This QUAD display features 4 meticulously selected D-Day artifacts that comprise the Operation Overlord D-Day Invasion of Normandy that took place on June 6th, 1944. We took out BEST SELLER artifacts from our smaller displays and as by popular request made a large quad display with four of the best D-Day artifacts from our “Piece of History” collections.

This series is a limited edition of less than 25 pieces, meaning that each “Piece of History” artifact display is unique and may vary slightly from the display shown. These displays stand as a distinctive and invaluable addition to the collection of any history enthusiast.

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D-Day Artifacts Included:

Artifact #1: RARE! WWII D-Day Omaha Beach Recovered U.S. Infantry Division Inflatable Lifebelt

Artifact #2: RARE! WWII D-Day Sainte-Mère-Eglise Drop Zone Recovered US Airborne Division Parachute Fragment

Artifact #3: RARE! WWII D-Day U.S. Infantry Division Rubberized Amphibious Invasion Pack

Artifact #4: RARE! WWII D-Day Sainte-Mère-Eglise Drop Zone Recovered U.S. Airborne Division Parachute Cord

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D-Day Artifact #1: RARE! WWII D-Day Omaha Beach Recovered U.S. Infantry Division Inflatable Lifebelt

This incredibly rare and very historic piece of WWII history is an original U.S. Infantry Division soldier’s inflatable lifebelt that was recovered from Omaha Beach during Operation Overlord Allied D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944.

The Allied invasion of Normandy, commonly known as D-Day, remains one of the most iconic and significant military operations in history. Among the five landing zones targeted by the Allies on June 6, 1944, Omaha Beach became a pivotal battlefield for the U.S. forces during Operation Overlord. The objectives set for the American troops on Omaha Beach were crucial to the success of the overall invasion. Furthermore, the soldiers' use of inflatable lifebelts played a vital role in mitigating the risks associated with amphibious landings. This essay will delve into the D-Day missions and objectives on Omaha Beach, shedding light on the strategic importance of this operation and the specific measures taken to ensure the safety of the troops.

The D-Day Missions and Objectives on Omaha Beach: Omaha Beach, situated along the coast of Normandy, was one of the most heavily fortified German defensive positions during World War II. The American forces faced daunting challenges as they approached the beachhead, including the rugged terrain, heavily defended bunkers, and a relentless German counterattack.

The primary mission of the U.S. troops on Omaha Beach was to establish a secure beachhead that would serve as a launching point for the subsequent advance inland. This required the successful capture of several key objectives. One such objective was the elimination or neutralization of the German coastal defenses, including pillboxes, machine gun nests, and artillery positions. These fortifications posed a significant threat to the invading forces and had to be neutralized for a successful beach landing.

Another crucial objective was to secure the exits from the beach. The German forces had positioned themselves to disrupt the Allied forces' ability to move off the beach and deploy reinforcements and supplies. The U.S. troops had to clear the exits and establish control over the surrounding areas to prevent German reinforcements from overwhelming them.

Additionally, the capture of several draws or valleys leading from the beach to the bluffs behind was vital. These draws provided the only viable routes for the advancing troops to scale the steep cliffs and gain access to the heavily fortified German positions. Capturing and securing these draws became a pressing objective for the American forces to ensure a successful breakout from the beach and the subsequent advance inland.

Inflatable Lifebelts and Their Significance: The D-Day invasion presented the American troops with numerous hazards, including the potential for drowning upon disembarking from landing craft. To mitigate this risk, soldiers were issued inflatable lifebelts, also known as "Mae Wests". These lifebelts were designed to be manually inflated by pulling a cord, providing buoyancy and assisting soldiers in staying afloat in case they fell into the water.

The inflatable lifebelts played a critical role in the survival of soldiers during the amphibious assault on Omaha Beach. As the landing craft approached the shoreline, the soldiers faced intense enemy fire, which caused many casualties. Some soldiers who were wounded or disoriented fell into the water, potentially risking drowning due to the weight of their equipment or injuries.

The use of inflatable lifebelts provided a crucial safety measure for soldiers in these distressing situations. By offering buoyancy and keeping the soldiers afloat, the lifebelts increased their chances of survival until they could be rescued or reach shallower water. Moreover, the lifebelts enabled soldiers to conserve their energy and focus on reaching the beach rather than struggling to stay afloat. This played a significant role in maintaining morale and combat effectiveness.

The D-Day U.S. landing on Omaha Beach during Operation Overlord was a monumental event that shaped the course of World War II. The missions and objectives assigned to the American forces on Omaha Beach were vital in establishing a secure beachhead and paving the way for the ultimate liberation of Europe. The use of inflatable lifebelts, such as the Mae Wests, played an essential role in ensuring the safety of soldiers during the perilous amphibious assault. Through the valor and determination of the U.S. troops, Omaha Beach became a turning point in the war, demonstrating the resilience and indomitable spirit of the Allied forces in their quest for victory.

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D-Day Artifact #2: RARE! WWII D-Day Sainte-Mère-Eglise Drop Zone Recovered US Airborne Division Parachute Fragment

This incredibly rare and very historic piece of WWII history is an original U.S. Airborne Division parachute fragment that was recovered from the D-Day Sainte-Mère-Eglise drop zones designated for U.S. paratroopers during Operation Overlord Allied D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944. When they landed most of the US paratroopers were badly scattered across the area and much of their equipment was lost. This parachute fragment from that has remained lost to history until it was professionally recovered in 1994. The Americans of the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions dropped onto the Cotentin peninsula behind Utah Beach. They blocked a main road at Sainte-Mère-Eglise and secured causeways across the flooded lowlands, helping the US 4th Infantry Division to break out from Utah Beach. Numbering more than 13,000 men, the paratroopers were flown from bases in southern England to the Cotentin Peninsula in approximately 925 C-47 airplanes. An additional 4,000 men, consisting of glider infantry were to arrive in 500 gliders later on D-Day to reinforce the paratroopers.

Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, marked a turning point in World War II and remains one of the most significant military operations in history. A vital component of this audacious plan was the deployment of U.S. Airborne divisions through parachute and glider landings behind enemy lines. Among the legendary stories that emerged from this historic operation, the airborne landings at Sainte-Mère-Église stand out as a testament to the bravery and determination of American paratroopers. This essay explores the significance of the U.S. Airborne landings during D-Day, with a specific focus on the events at Sainte-Mère-Église and the crucial role played by the parachutes of the Airborne paratroopers.

The Strategic Importance of U.S. Airborne Landings: Operation Overlord required the Allies to establish a foothold in Normandy, and the U.S. Airborne divisions played a critical role in achieving this objective. The paratroopers were tasked with securing key objectives, disrupting German defenses, and establishing a defensive perimeter to protect the invasion force upon landing. By landing behind enemy lines, the airborne troops effectively confused and weakened German forces, providing a significant tactical advantage to the invading Allied forces.

One of the most memorable episodes of the U.S. Airborne landings during D-Day occurred at the town of Sainte-Mère-Église. Situated at the heart of the Cotentin Peninsula, Sainte-Mère-Église served as a vital transportation hub and a gateway to Utah Beach. The town became a prime target due to its strategic location, making it critical for the success of the overall invasion.

Sainte-Mère-Église gained international fame due to the heroic and fortunate landing of Private John Steele. As part of the 82nd Airborne Division, Steele's parachute got caught on the church's spire, leaving him dangling for several hours while playing dead. His survival and subsequent capture by German forces became a symbol of the paratroopers' unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Role of Parachutes in Airborne Operations: Parachutes were the primary means of deployment for U.S. Airborne forces during Operation Overlord. They allowed troops and their equipment to be swiftly and discreetly dropped from transport aircraft onto enemy territory, enabling the element of surprise and strategic flexibility. Parachutes also acted as a symbol of the paratroopers' courage and commitment to their mission.

The parachutes used during the D-Day airborne landings were specially designed for military use. They featured improvements such as static lines for automatic deployment and quick-release buckles for rapid detachment upon landing. These advancements aimed to enhance the safety and efficiency of the airborne operations.

While parachutes provided a means of entry for the paratroopers, they also posed significant risks. Paratroopers faced the hazards of anti-aircraft fire, enemy aircraft, high winds, and the risk of entanglement with the parachute itself. Despite these dangers, the paratroopers courageously jumped into the unknown, relying on their training and equipment to accomplish their objectives.

Impact and Legacy of the U.S. Airborne Landings: The U.S. Airborne landings during Operation Overlord played a pivotal role in the success of the D-Day invasion and, ultimately, the Allied victory in World War II. Their actions and sacrifices disrupted German lines of communication, secured vital objectives, and diverted enemy attention from the amphibious assault. The heroism and effectiveness of the Airborne divisions bolstered morale among the Allied troops and demonstrated the determination to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression.

The U.S. Airborne landings during D-Day were instrumental in securing a foothold in Normandy and turning the tide of World War II. The events at Sainte-Mère-Église, exemplified by the legendary story of John Steele, serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the American paratroopers. The parachutes they relied upon, despite the risks involved, allowed them to execute their mission behind enemy lines and contribute significantly to the success of Operation Overlord. The legacy of these airborne divisions endures as a reminder of the extraordinary feats accomplished by the Allied forces during the largest seaborne invasion in history.

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D-Day Artifact #3: RARE! WWII D-Day U.S. Infantry Division Rubberized Amphibious Invasion Pack

The Normandy landings were the landing operations and associated airborne operations on Tuesday, 6 June 1944 of the Allied invasion of Normandy in Operation Overlord during World War II. Codenamed Operation Neptune and often referred to as D-Day, it was the largest seaborne invasion in history.

On the morning of June 6, 1944, two U.S. infantry divisions, the 1st and the 29th, landed at Omaha Beach, the second to the west of the five landing beaches of D-Day. Opposing the landings was the German 352nd Infantry Division. Of its 12,020 men, 6,800 were experienced combat troops, detailed to defend a 53-kilometer (33 mi) front. The German strategy was based on defeating any seaborne assault at the water line, and the defenses were mainly deployed in strong points along the coast. Casualties on Omaha Beach were the worst of any of the invasion beaches on D-Day, with 2,400 casualties suffered by U.S. forces. And that includes wounded and killed as well as missing.

This incredibly rare and very historic piece of WWII history is an original U.S. Infantry Division soldier’s rubberized amphibious invasion pack that was recovered from Omaha Beach during Operation Overlord Allied D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944.

The Omaha Beach landing areas from Vierville sur-Mer to Port-en-Bessin were divided into the landing zones of CHARLIE, DOG GREEN, DOG WHITE, DOG RED, EASY GREEN, EASY RED, FOX GREEN, & FOX RED. This D-Day U.S. Infantry Division soldier’s rubberized amphibious invasion pack was uncovered during a professional excavation of Omaha Beach in Normandy during the 50th Invasion Anniversary in 1994.

* These rubberized waterproof invasion bags were specially designed be waterproof to protect special U.S. equipment and radios from being waterlogged during the initial waves on Omaha and Utah Beach.

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D-Day Artifact #4: RARE! WWII D-Day Sainte-Mère-Eglise Drop Zone Recovered U.S. Airborne Division Parachute Cord

June 6, 1944, marked a pivotal moment in history, when Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion ever seen – D-Day – to liberate Nazi-occupied Europe. One of the most daring and significant components of this operation was the U.S. airborne landings, particularly the parachute assault at Sainte-Mère-Église. This operation showcased not only the remarkable courage and determination of the American paratroopers but also the precision and innovation in their gear and tactics.

This incredibly rare and very historic piece of WWII history is an original U.S. Airborne Division parachute cord that was recovered from the D-Day Sainte-Mère-Eglise drop zones designated for U.S. paratroopers during Operation Overlord Allied D-Day landings on June 6th, 1944. When they landed most of the US paratroopers were badly scattered across the area and much of their equipment was lost. This parachute cord remained lost to history until it was professionally recovered in 1994.

The Americans of the US 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions dropped onto the Cotentin peninsula behind Utah Beach. They blocked a main road at Sainte-Mère-Eglise and secured causeways across the flooded lowlands, helping the US 4th Infantry Division to break out from Utah Beach. Numbering more than 13,000 men, the paratroopers were flown from bases in southern England to the Cotentin Peninsula in approximately 925 C-47 airplanes. An additional 4,000 men, consisting of glider infantry were to arrive in 500 gliders later on D-Day to reinforce the paratroopers.

Private John Steele - A Daring Descent into History's Heart:

On the fateful morning of June 6, 1944, the world held its breath as Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in history, unfolded along the shores of Normandy, France. D-Day marked the turning point in World War II, and amidst the chaos and valor of that day, one story stands out as both an emblem of courage and an illustration of unexpected twists of fate – the story of Private John Steele and his daring jump into the church tower of Sainte-Mère-Église.

As the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division descended from the night sky, the objective was clear: secure vital roadways and bridges behind enemy lines to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the beaches and stalling the Allied advance. Private John Steele, a paratrooper from the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, found himself amidst the skies darkened by both night and the impending storm of battle.

Steele's descent was swift and precise, as his parachute opened to guide him toward his intended drop zone. However, fate had something different in mind. As he neared the village of Sainte-Mère-Église, his parachute caught on the spire of the village's church. Steele found himself suspended, vulnerable and exposed, high above the ground, as bullets and flames lit up the battlefield around him.

The church tower became an unlikely sanctuary for Steele, as his entangled parachute provided some semblance of cover. Despite the deafening chaos below, Steele held on with a mix of determination and fear. His perspective was both surreal and deeply grounded – a symbol of the larger struggle that was unfolding on the beaches and fields of Normandy.

For hours, Steele clung to the spire, bearing witness to the horrors of war and the valor of his fellow paratroopers below. He was eventually cut down by German soldiers, who took him as a prisoner of war. Steele's ordeal highlighted the unpredictability of warfare, where even the most meticulously planned operations could result in unforeseen challenges.

Private John Steele's story, however, does not end with his capture. He managed to escape captivity and rejoin his fellow Allied forces after several days. His experience at Sainte-Mère-Église and his daring jump into the church tower turned him into a living symbol of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers on that historic day.

Steele's story was immortalized in the 1962 film "The Longest Day," which depicted the events of D-Day. The film featured a reenactment of his entangled parachute in the church tower, bringing his tale to a wider audience and cementing his place in history.

Beyond cinematic portrayal, Steele's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought on D-Day. It serves as a reminder of the individual acts of courage that collectively shaped the course of history. His jump into the church tower captures the essence of the chaos and bravery that defined D-Day, showcasing the human element of warfare that often gets overshadowed by grand strategy and geopolitical considerations.

In conclusion, Private John Steele's story is one of unexpected turns and unwavering courage. His jump into the church tower of Sainte-Mère-Église encapsulates the essence of D-Day – a day that changed the course of history – through the eyes of one paratrooper suspended between the sky and the earth. Steele's ordeal reminds us that amidst the grand tapestry of war, it is the individual stories that resonate most profoundly, shedding light on the extraordinary within the ordinary and reminding us of the true cost of freedom.

Background and Objectives:

The Normandy landings, codenamed Operation Neptune, aimed to establish a foothold on the French coast and pave the way for the liberation of Western Europe from German control. To achieve this, the U.S. 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions were tasked with securing key objectives behind enemy lines, primarily the capture and control of critical roadways, bridges, and causeways to disrupt German reinforcements and establish defensive positions.

Gear and Parachute Cords:

The success of the airborne landings depended not only on the bravery of the paratroopers but also on their specialized equipment. Paratroopers were equipped with the M1 Garand rifle, Thompson submachine guns, and M1 carbines for close-quarters combat. However, it was the innovative parachutes and their cords that played a pivotal role in the mission's success.

The T-5 and T-7 parachute systems were designed specifically for the D-Day operation. These parachutes featured automatic openings to ensure a safe descent at low altitudes. The cords used were meticulously engineered to ensure proper deployment and landing. The cords were made of strong, durable materials to withstand the forces of descent and landing, minimizing the risk of entanglement during the jump.

The Missions:

The missions of the U.S. airborne divisions were diverse and challenging. In Sainte-Mère-Église, the 82nd Airborne Division was tasked with securing key bridges and roadways around the town. The town itself was a vital communications hub that needed to be liberated quickly to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the beaches.

The 101st Airborne Division's mission included capturing key causeways that connected the Cotentin Peninsula to the mainland. One of the most iconic moments of the operation occurred when Private John Steele's parachute got caught on the church steeple in Sainte-Mère-Église. His predicament left him dangling for hours, while the battle raged around him. Steele's survival and eventual rescue highlighted the audacity of the operation and the determination of the paratroopers.

Precision and Innovation:

The success of the U.S. airborne landings at Sainte-Mère-Église was due in large part to the precision of planning and execution. The paratroopers were dropped in specific drop zones to maximize their impact on securing critical objectives. A combination of gliders and parachutes was employed to transport troops and equipment, showcasing the innovation and versatility of the Allied forces.