Historical Vignette

June 7th, 1944: D-Day + 1, the 413th Antiaircraft Battalion at Omaha Beach

By CPT Peter Neil

Article published on: January 1, 2024 in the 2024 Issue 1 of the Air Defense Artillery Journal

Read Time: < 2 mins

Five members of the 413th AAA Gun Battalion on break between shifts near Omaha Beach, June 12th 1944 (D+6)

On June 7th, 1944, the 413th Antiaircraft Artillery (AAA) Battalion made a harrowing landing on Omaha Beach as part of the Allied invasion of Normandy. Their arrival was met with intense enemy resistance, including attacks from enemy aircraft, emplaced land mines, artillery, mortar fire, and shore obstacles. Despite sustaining heavy losses in personnel and equipment during this treacherous landing, the highly trained soldiers of the 413th demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness. They managed to cobble together enough equipment to operate a single firing battery of guns, initiating crucial air defense measures.

Due to the absence of field artillery units on the beach, the 413th was assigned not only to their distinctive antiaircraft mission but also to provide surface to surface fires. On June 9th, 1944, they played a pivotal role in supporting the 2nd Infantry Division during their attack on Traviers and Cerisy Forest. Their effective direct fires significantly contributed to securing a foothold in Nazi-occupied France.

MG C. R. Huebner, the V Corps Commander, aptly summarized their contribution:

“This organization, functioning with remarkable efficiency and unflagging enthusiasm, assisted materially in bolstering the infantry’s attack, enabling it to gain a strong foothold on enemy-occupied France, thus contributing to the allied effort.”

The 413th AA Battalion’s legacy serves as a testament to courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment. Their story reminds us that true heroism lies not only in the face of danger but also in the ability to adapt and serve in multifaceted roles. In multi-domain operations (MDO) against near-peer adversaries, we will inevitably be asked to do more than provide air defense coverage and must be ready to adapt to the ever-changing complexities of modern warfare.

Teaching point: While being great air defenders is a key part of our mission, we must not lose sight of being flexible and adaptable. In multi-domain operations (MDO) against near-peer adversaries, we will inevitably be asked to do more than provide air defense coverage and must be ready to rise to the occasion as demonstrated by the 413th AA BN.

Source: Huebner, Clarence R., Unit Citation, Subject: 413th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion Colleville-Sur-Mer, France June 27, 1944.