One thing that is seldom mentioned. The absolutely vital nature of setting up a beachhead with which to invade Europe.
156,000 Allied soldiers and seamen were involved. While it was absolutely *not* desired, in exchange for setting up this beachhead, casualties of up to 90% were deemed “acceptable”. 140,000 casualties.
Not desirable, by any stretch of the imagination, but “acceptable”, in exchange for accomplishing their mission.
Actual losses: 10,000+ Allied casualties; 4,414 confirmed dead. About 9.3% total injured and killed. Almost miraculous, considering the forces leveled against them.
Now put this into perspective.
Siege of Leningrad 1,117,000–4,500,000 casualties.
Battle of Stalingrad 1,250,000–1,800,000 casualties.
Battle of Berlin 1,300,000 casualties.
Battle of Kiev 701,000 casualties.
Siege of Budapest 422,000 casualties.
etc.
I mention this for a very important reason.
US Navy Intelligence estimates were that, the later invasion of the island of Japan would take some 2,000,000 Allied forces.
Or two nuclear bombs.
Many Americans are alive today because we did not need to invade Japan.
Interesting stats...thx
Another comparison: From December 16 1944 to January 31 1945, the United States Army incurred about 75000 casualties during the Battle of the Bulge. During November 1943, the Red Army suffered about 75000 casualties in driving the Germans out of the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol. The Battle of the Bulge was the largest land battle ever fought by the United States Army.
On the eastern front, Mariupol is a footnote.