Genesis of an invasion -- A gathering of titans -- A blueprint for victory -- Countdown to invasion -- Assault from the air -- Utah Beach: the right invasion at the wrong place -- Omaha Beach: the perilous shore -- Gold Beach: the first allied link-up -- Juno Beach: payback for dieppe -- Sword Beach: first lunge for Caen -- The road to Viller-Bocage -- The fall of Fortress Cherbourg -- The battle of the Hedgerows: the struggle for St. Lô -- Operation Goodwood: Climax at Caen -- Operation Cobra: breakout at St. Lô -- Operation Luttich: counterattack at Mortain -- From the corridor of death to the city of lights -- Epilogue: alternatives and evaluations.