This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
'Top Secret' maps reveal the massive Allied effort behind D-Day
As dawn broke on June 6, 1944, in northern France, the Allies began an invasion in the works for years: D-Day, the start of Operation Overlord that turned the tide against Nazi Germany.
Storming the Beaches
Following months of top secret planning, U.S. Army troops wade ashore from a landing craft to Omaha Beach, Normandy, on June 6, 1944: D-Day.
Go Further
Animals
- Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.
- What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
- They ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found troubleThey ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found trouble
- Mexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlifeMexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlife
- Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.
- Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?
Environment
- From Radar to AI: The future of conservation
- Paid Content for Advertiser
From Radar to AI: The future of conservation - Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?
- Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realmCliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm
History & Culture
- Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.
- These 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in IslamThese 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in Islam
- Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.
Science
- T. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture imageT. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture image
- Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?
- See a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too lateSee a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too late
- How your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharpHow your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharp
- Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.
Travel
- Explore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxesExplore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxes
- Untangling the new national park reservation systemUntangling the new national park reservation system
- How a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradiseHow a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradise
- Paganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditionsPaganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditions