[PzLdr]

It took DAS REICH well over a week to reach the Normandy battlefield from its start point in Central France.And it was seriously depleted when it arrived. While an excellent article, it tends to overlook the fact that air power played a less significant role at the front. The Allies were over two months behind schedule when they finally broke out with COBRA. While the bocage helps explain the holdup on the American Front, the British were operating more open terrain. And there the key seems to have been German armor, especially the SS and heavy Tiger battalion (See, for example, Operation Goodwood)

On a personal note, my Pop, God rest his soul, landed on Utah Beach on D-Day. He swore to me that he was attacked and bombed, in his landing craft, by two German aircraft. If it wasn't Priller and his wing man, it was a mistaken Allied attack. Pop was in the hills above St. Lo when COBRA was unleashed. He described the bombing to me in great detail. It was one of the most awesome things he saw during the entire war.

[SAMWolf]

Morning PzLdr.

While an excellent article, it tends to overlook the fact that air power played a less significant role at the front.The Allies were just beginning to work out the methods of air-ground use of Tactical airpower. Lots of mistakes made in the Normandy campaign as they learned. IIRC, naval gunfire was a better option within range of the beaches.

[snippy_about_it]

Thanks for sharing about your father. We are grateful for his service.