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D-Day

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CBS Reports (1964): "D-Day Plus 20 Years - Eisenhower Returns to Normandy"

The Allied invasion of Nazi-controlled France on June 6, 1944 was the largest military invasion in history, involving nearly 160,000 service members arriving by ship and air at Normandy. Its success turned the tide of World War II. Two decades after D-Day, former Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was Supreme Commander in charge of the operation, returned to Normandy. Eisenhower talked with CBS News' Walter Cronkite about his experiences in June 1944, the tactical decisions behind Operation Overlord, and how British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was talked out of joining the invading forces. Eisenhower and Cronkite visited the Allies' war room on England's southern coast; the coast of France, including Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach; and the American military cemetery at St. Laurent-on-the-Sea. This special broadcast of "CBS Reports," featuring newsreel footage of the invasion, originally aired in 19 countries around the world on June 5, 1964.

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WWII veterans reflect on D-Day anniversary

World War II veterans are making an emotional return to the shores of Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. The organization Forever Young Senior Veterans is bringing 14 men back. Among them is 99-year-old Sherwin Callander, one of the first men to arrive at Utah Beach and help take troops to shore, George Mills, who got to Normandy more than 20 days after D-Day and 96-year-old Stanley Friday, who landed at Utah Beach in August and fought throughout Europe as an army scout. "CBS This Morning" co-host Anthony Mason spoke with them about their experiences and what they hope people remember.

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World leaders gather in Normandy for D-Day

Leaders from around the world are starting two days of observances to remember the 75th anniversary of D-Day. President Trump and Queen Elizabeth are part of this morning’s ceremony in Portsmouth, England, one of the main departure points for the WWII invasion of German-occupied France. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is also there, along with representatives from all 16 allied nations that took part in D-Day. Anthony Mason reports from Normandy.

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D-Day hero recalls the horror of Normandy

Thursday marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, a major turning point in World War II. It helped lead to the defeat of Nazi forces in Europe. More than 150,000 American, British and Canadian troops landed on the shores of northern France on June 6, 1944. About 2,500 of the 73,000 U.S. soldiers who fought in the battle died. As a 23-year-old army medic, Ray Lambert saved countless lives in Normandy, despite being wounded. Now 98, he recently co-wrote a book called "Every Man A Hero." Jan Crawford reports.

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A shot fired, a World War II soldier's remorse

Clarence Smoyer, now 94, was a gunner with the U.S. Army's 3rd Armored Division who'd come ashore in Normandy three weeks after D-Day, criss-crossed France and Belgium, and in March of 1945 fought to capture the German city of Cologne. There, during a firefight with a German tank, a car rounded a corner and was hit. Katharina Esser, a young girl, was wounded and later died. For years, Smoyer has played that scene (which was caught on film by an Army photographer) over and over, wondering if his shot killed Katharina. Seth Doane traveled with Smoyer to Cologne to revisit the site of the World War II battle, to meet with Katharina's relatives as well as the German soldier who was on the other side of that firefight. Doane also talks with Adam Makos, author of the book "Spearhead," about Smoyer's mission.

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