The Allied Amphibious Fleet

June 1944 Photograph

Reinforcements continued to come ashore, along with artillery, jeeps, and a variety of supplies throughout the coming days. This materiel supported the infantry as they made their way toward Cherbourg, Colleville-sur-Mer, and Carentan, and would help secure the Allied foothold in Europe. The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the first African American unit to come ashore on D-Day, was responsible for deploying these balloons during and after the invasion. 

Courtesy of The National WWII Museum

Through the battered roof of a building on the French invasion coast can be seen ships of the Allies amphibious fleet.