Omaha Beach: A Flawed Victory

While the U.S. First Infantry's invasion of Normandy was ultimately successful, the division suffered terrible casualties notoriously so even compared to battles in the 55 years since. Retired U.S. Army Major Adrian R. Lewis, assistant professor of history at the University of North Texas, combs primary source material for Omaha Beach: A Flawed Victory, and finds that most of the leaders on the ground opposed the plan, which was then imposed on them from higher up. A dual Main Selection of the History Book Club, this clearly written, carefully argued and well-researched account offers a still-valid lesson in the importance of communication up and down the chain of command, and on bravery. ( Apr. 9)