Despite the invasion force landing nearly a mile beyond its intended target location, and while also overcoming its counterpart airborne element being widely dispersed, Utah Beach would prove to be a huge success for the Americans. Utah was deemed pivotal for securing the extreme western flank of the D-Day operation and essential as the springboard for the ensuing invasion breakout.

Reviewing the preparation and planning by the various Allied assault groups designated for Utah Beach, author Robert Parker provides a lively description of one of the greatest and most important military endeavours in all of world history. Concentrating on Day 1, he captures the drama, intensity, and struggle of this effort and the opening of the vital second front leading to the defeat of Nazi Germany, illustrated with seventy images and maps, many in colour.