The Devil's Garden: Rommel's Desperate Defense of Omaha Beach on D-Day

As D-Days seventieth anniversary approaches, this book provides an essential insight into German defenses on Omaha beach. The severe casualties suffered by American forces on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, have led to the nickname ""Bloody Omaha."" Why were the casualties so high on Omaha Beach compared to the other four Allied beaches? In his latest book, acclaimed military historian Steven Zaloga attempts to answer that question by focusing on the German side of this important World War II battle. The nature of German defenses at Omaha explains much of why casualties were so heavy there – and those defenses can be traced back largely to the efforts of Erwin Rommel, the famed Desert Fox. In addition to telling the story of Rommels role in shaping the German defenses confronted by the Allies on D-Day, Zaloga also explores neglected aspects of the battle, such as the German patrols tasked with shooting down the carrier pigeons sent from the French Resistance to British intelligence. This book also serves as a visual record of German defenses on Omaha Beach, covering the fortifications and weapons placed in this sector. Zalogas well-supported conclusions are sure to spark debate, and his book is essential reading as D-Days seventieth anniversary approaches.