Using mostly primary sources, Balkoski takes a new look at the Omaha Beach landing.

Chapter 1.The End of the Beginning -- 1 -- Chapter 2. Realism, Not Pessimism -- 15 -- Chapter 3. Festung Europa -- 33 -- Chapter 4. Fortune Favors the Bold -- 52 -- Chapter 5. The Greatest Show on Earth -- 71 -- Chapter 6. Forlorn Hope -- 97 -- Chapter 7. The Momentous Now -- 110 -- Chapter 8. Clear the Way -- 140 -- Chapter 9. Bullets like Rain -- 157 -- Chapter 10. Move or Die -- 191 -- Chapter 11. Everyone an Infantryman -- 237 -- Chapter 12. Beyond the Beach -- 267 -- Chapter 13. A Full Measure of Devotion -- 307 -- Chapter 14. To Rest or to Die -- 329 -- Appendix I Allied Casualties on Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944 -- 350 -- Appendix II Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross Awards for Valor on Omaha Beach -- 353 -- Appendix III U.S. Army and U.S. Navy First-Wave Units on Omaha Beach -- 362 -- Appendix IV Composition of Typical Assault Boat Team, 16th and 116th Infantry -- 367 -- Appendix V Uniform and Equipment of Boat Team Leader, 16th and 116th Infantry -- 370.