On June 6, 1944, more than 52,000 American sailors on board thousands of U.S. Navy ships arrived off a quiet stretch of coast in Normandy, France, setting in motion he largest amphibious and landing assault of World War II. Their mission, Operation Neptune-Overlord, proved critical to the success of the Allied invasion of Western Europe. Despite the casualties of D-Day — 1,068 Americans died in the initial assault on Hitler's fortressed coastline — no monument stood to honor their sacrifices. NAVY HEROES OF NORMANDY chronicles the building and dedication of the first-ever U.S. Navy monument in Normandy. In an emotional climax, a large gathering of dignitaries, French citizens and D-Day veterans witness the installation and dedication of the 12-foot-tall bronze sculpture on France's Utah Beach, a long-overdue official recognition for the crucial role they played on that fateful day.