Only a few pathfinders were dropped in the correct place and many led the planes of the main drop to fly off course and be separated. (Ambrose 196).
13,400 American paratroopers were getting close to the drop zone while the pathfinders set up their radios and lights. The planes kept radio silence so the pathfinders could not tell them about the cloud cover ahead. When the planes crossed the coast, they ran into the cloud cover and lost all visibility. From instinct the pilots separated, some rising, other descending and all of them peeling off to the left or right. Suddenly they broke through the cloud cover and searchlights, tracers, and explosions filled the sky. The planes were helpless and German fire caused them to speed up so fast it was unsafe to drop the paratroopers. Many planes were off course by more than ten miles and most were hit by shrapnel. Some of the jumping men were hit by planes below and killed by German gun fire. Most landed safely but were scattered about the land. They used toy clickers to identify themselves, but some were still shot by friendly fire. Overall the airborne attack was successful and most of the units fulfilled their objectives when they landed. (Ambrose 197-205).
"Omaha" was the code name for the second beach from the right of the five landing areas of the Normandy Invasion. It was the largest of the assault areas, stretching over 6 miles. The whole beach was overlooked by cliffs 100 feet high. The beach was to be attacked at 6:30 AM by the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, and the 116th Regiment of the 29th Division attacking on D-Day only. Omaha was wide enough to land two regiments side by side with tanks in front. (Bloody Omaha).
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The Germans under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel had built excellent defenses to protect the beach. The waters and beach were heavily mined, there were 12 strong points which held many large guns and men. Numerous other fighting positions surrounded the area, also an extensive trench system had been dug.
