LST’S APPROACHING THE COAST OF FRANCE. Ships carrying men and equipment for the invasion sailed from ports in Africa, Italy, and Corsica, the most important loading port being Naples. In all, 853 vessels from the Allied navies formed the task force with an additional 1,267 small landing craft, deck-loaded. Several hours prior to the main assault amphibious landings were made on both flanks of the invasion area and airborne landings were made in the rear in order to isolate the beachhead from the enemy. French commandos landed at Cap Nègre and French marines landed near Cannes.] [Illustration: EN ROUTE TO SOUTHERN FRANCE ON BOARD AN AMERICAN CRUISER men pass ammunition to gunners firing on the beaches of southern France. Naval ships commenced long-range bombardment of prearranged targets at 0530 on D Day. Until 0800 this fire was almost continuous, lifting only when Allied bombers were over the targets. In all, naval guns fired over 15,900 projectiles into the beach area prior to the assault landings.] [Illustration: FRANCE DROPPING SUPPLIES TO PARATROOPERS on D Day, 15 August 1944. An Anglo-American airborne task force landed at various hours on D Day beginning at 0430 near le Muy and le Luc to establish road blocks, to prevent enemy movement toward the beaches, and to help reduce the defenses in the Frejus area. No air opposition was encountered and the paratroopers landed and came in contact with the enemy immediately, but resistance was light, primarily small arms fire. Preparations were made by the paratroopers for the landing of the glider-borne elements.] [Illustration: FRANCE DUST RISING FROM FIELDS AS GLIDERS LAND. The tow planes and gliders took off from airfields in the Rome area. No gliders were lost from enemy action, but many were wrecked in landing, causing some casualties. The first glider serial landed about 0930 on 15 August 1944, and by late afternoon the whole force had landed. By nightfall four small villages had been occupied and 103 prisoners taken. A protective screen was established over the road net connecting the invasion coast with the interior.] [Illustration: FRANCE WOUNDED AND INJURED AIRBORNE TROOPS in an aid station at la Motte. The enemy opposition to the Anglo-American air drops and glider landings was relatively slight but this method of warfare, in itself dangerous, resulted in unavoidable accidents such as broken arms and legs and, in some cases, more serious injuries.] [Illustration: FRANCE ROCKET SHIP CONVERTED FROM AN LCT. Ahead of the first wave of assault troops in landing craft were rocket ships mounting tiers of rocket launchers. As these drew within range of the beach defenses they discharged their rockets. The first troops landed immediately afterward. Rocket ships were equipped with launchers for up to 1,000 rockets.]