The overall plan for D-Day was devised by a British General named Morgan, supported no doubt by considerable numbers of US, Canadian and other British officers - it was very much a joint allied effort. The immensely complicated naval plans were the responsibility of Admiral Sir Bertram Ramsay, C-in-C Channel (I was at Sandhurst with his son, long after the war), also of course very much a joint effort.
At this distance and with the easy benefit of hindsight, I cannot imagine how Omaha beach was included in the overall plan in view of the fields of fire afforded to the Germans by the terrain. But presumably it was felt that all five beaches had to be mutually supporting so that the whole invasion force could link up as soon as possible after H-Hour. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that the US forces on Omaha got by far the most testing job and at one stage they were almost pushed back into the sea. But they prevailed with great gallantry and, despite by far the greatest casualties suffered on any of the beaches, they eventually got ashore.
By contrast, the US forces on Utah beach, a relatively few miles to the west, suffered probably the fewest casualties of any of the assaulting divisions.
Early in the planning Montgomery, who was to command the whole land battle in the early stages, insisted on the initial assault being made by (I think) six rather than four divisions, which clearly turned out to be a good decision. But Monty was an egotistical and obnoxious little man who later caused deep offence in his relationship with the Americans who soon were to provide the major effort in the subsequent advance. (In 1969, when I was at the Army Staff College, he lectured the course, by invitation, for the last time - he was then about 80. He was just as conceited and just as unpleasant, insulting the only Swedish officer on the course in a totally unnecessary way during questions).
But D-Day was a massive achievement overall and a huge credit to all those involved. And it brought peace to Western Europe.
Tony.
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