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Newspaper
Cedar Rapids Gazette
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States of America
Date
Jun 07, 1944
Page
1
The piece notes wartime excitement as Allied forces land in France and stresses the upcoming inland push. It emphasizes staying at post, supporting the war effort, and honoring those in service while acknowledging the mental strain on families and reporters alike.
Acme News photographer Bert Brandt recounts the first assault on the French beaches, describing intense German crossfire, heavy machine gun fire on some beaches, and the rapid establishment of a foothold. He notes planes overhead, burning boats, and soldiers using jeeps and tanks for cover as Rangers scale cliffs and secure gun positions.
Allied forces advance from Cherbourg peninsula to Caen area in heavy combat after clearing beach heads. Airborne divisions drop into the front as 31,000 sorties fly since June 1. Reports say bridges seized, Germans counterattacks probable, with Paris and London papers noting progress and cautious optimism.
AP reports from Berlin that an entire Allied airborne division has landed on the western Normandy coast. An airman says fires were seen over the Cherbourg peninsula suggesting German demolitions and possible withdrawal preparations. Unconfirmed Milan report mentions a large Allied fleet off Genoa and an imminent Ligurian coast landing.
London AP reports a vast American and British naval armada completed the first wave of the invasion with zero material losses beyond a few ships. Admiral Ramsay said the first round was a total success and predicted no immediate threat to the second wave. Roosevelt confirmed American losses of two destroyers and one LST as U S and Allied ships shelled German fortifications. high visibility units included Kirk on Augusta Deyo on Tuscaloosa Nevada in the lead with Texas Arkansas Nelson Ramillies Warspite Glasgow Enterprise Orion Sioux Algonquin.
The War Department announced the demotion of Major General Miller for violating security rules after telling guests at a cocktail party that the invasion would occur before June 13. Miller headed the Ninth Air Force Service Command in Britain since 1943 and was previously head of the air service command in Washington. Born September 10, 1890 in Salem County New Jersey, a West Point graduate, his current assignment in the United States was not disclosed.
Ankara authorities received word Tuesday of an Allied landing in the Peloponnesus but gave no official confirmation. Responsible quarters suggested the report could be true now or soon, noting the region as a potential stepping stone to the Balkans.
Residents from many faiths gathered across Cedar Rapids for city wide D-Day services led by Louise Luz. Crowds filled stone and frame churches to pray for servicemen overseas, setting aside racial and religious differences as the war entered its bloodiest phase. Quiet prayers echoed as the community sought divine mercy and strength in wartime uncertainty.
Sgt Norman C Kraft 20, radio operator on a Liberator bomber, is missing in action over Germany as of May 19. He is among crews from the May 19 Berlin and Brunswick raid where about 1,500 U.S. heavy bombers and fighters attacked targets and shot down 125 Nazi interceptors.
The Linn county war finance committee appeals for all residents to invest in the fifth war loan drive as invasion of France begins. Quotas set at 10,025,000 dollars overall and 2,860,800 dollars for series E bonds, urged as a unified backing of troops.
War correspondent describes Allied assault on French coast with landing craft, aircraft, and naval bombardment in pre dawn hours. Observes paratroops, flares, shells, and smoke as 6:30 morning landings commence and R.A.F. blockbusters illuminate the coast.
Allied forces in France report progress after a C-47 transport flight over the beachhead. Lieutenant James Crawley of Springfield, Michigan, described craters as deep and spaced under 100 feet, noting no enemy planes in sight as troops rested and awaited chow.
Pronunciations for key French places used in invasion coverage are provided. Seine is Sehn Caen is Kahn. Le Havre is Le Ahvr with guidance on phonetic rendering for readers.
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