On June 6, 1944 the history of the world changed when the Allies landed along the Normandy coast, beginning the D-Day invasion of World War II. Tens of thousands of Americans lost their lives in the invasion and during the ensuing campaign.
The 99th Fighter Squadron first saw combat in World War II in June 1943 over the Italian island of Pantelleria. While the mission was standard in terms of aerial support, it was a historic milestone for the squadron, and for the American military.
Facilities, including the visitor center and restrooms at Normandy American Cemetery will be closed on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. due to utility work in the area. The cemetery will remain open to visitors during this time period.
During the Sicilian Campaign of World War II, Allied forces conquered the island, which dominates the Mediterranean Sea, in a matter of weeks.
During Memorial Day weekend 2015, ABMC sites throughout the world paid tribute to the men and women buried and memorialized overseas.
Six months after the United States entered World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt issued an executive order creating the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).
The Sicily-Rome American Cemetery Visitor Center is temporarily closed. Due to flooding experienced at the cemetery, repair and maintenance work is ongoing in this building. The Visitor Center is expected to reopen on May 1, 2015. We apologize for the inconvenience.
During World War II, Allied strategic bombing destroyed crucial German infrastructure, degraded critical logistics, damaged civilian morale, and forced the German air force into losing battles. It contributed heavily to Germany’s eventual surrender in May 1945.
Even before the United States entered World War II, Allied forces were battling the Germans for the waters of the Atlantic. This titanic struggle lasted the duration of the war in Europe.