[Illustration: FRANCE CAP DRAMMONT BEACH. The third division of the three in the U. S. assault area had the mission of securing the right of the invasion beaches. The divisional area extended from Pointe de Saint-Aygulf along the coast line to Théoulesur Mer on the Golfe de la Napoule. The first assault was over this beach west of Cap Drammont and was considered large enough only for the initial operations. The beach consisted of narrow strips of rocky shale between the water and steep embankments.] [Illustration: FRANCE DUPLEX-DRIVE TANK. Amphibian tanks were launched from LCT’s about 2,000 yards offshore to support infantry on the Saint-Tropez peninsula assault. By means of the duplex drive a regular medium tank was converted into an amphibian. When the canvas screen was raised and held in place by mechanical means the tank floated. The DD tank was vulnerable to mines and underwater obstacles. Offshore at right an amphibian 2½-ton truck is bringing a 105-mm. howitzer to the beach.] [Illustration: FRANCE INFANTRYMEN LANDING ON BEACH FROM AN LCI. In the center of the U. S. assault area troops landed under almost ideal amphibious conditions, four battalions abreast with little hindrance by mines and underwater obstacles and with light enemy resistance.] [Illustration: FRANCE A SMOKE SCREEN is laid to cover landing operations on the left flank of the American assault area. While engineers, using a mine detector (SCR 625), clear the beach of enemy mines, a DUKW with a 105-mm. howitzer approaches the shore.] [Illustration: FRANCE EXPLODING MINE. On D Day morning no fire on ships or craft from coast defense guns was reported, and on the beaches resistance consisted mostly of small arms and mortar fire. Underwater obstacles and land and marine mines were insufficient to delay the landings materially. The first waves of assault troops located and removed many of these obstacles. Note wire matting in lower left used to form a roadbed over loose sand.] [Illustration: FRANCE ENEMY TRENCHES ON BEACH and two American casualties. A waterproofed 2½-ton 6 x 6 truck offshore. Shortly after U. S. troops landed the enemy came out of shelters and opened fire with small arms and mortars. However, amphibian tanks, tank destroyers, and howitzers which had landed from DUKW’s were in position to meet this fire, and the infantry continued to advance inland against scattered and light opposition. The first enemy prisoners seemed dazed and well shaken by the preliminary naval and aerial bombardment.] [Illustration: FRANCE