Utah Beach Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Utah Beach

U.S. soldiers landing on Utah

Date	June 6, 1944
Location	Pouppeville, La Madeleine, Manche, France
Result	Allied victory

Belligerents

Germany

Commanders and leaders

Raymond O. Barton
J. Lawton Collins

Theodore Roosevelt Jr.

Karl-Wilhelm von Schlieben

Units involved

VII Corps

Beach

4th Infantry Division
90th Infantry Division
4th Cavalry Regiment

Air drops

LXXXIV Corps

91st Infantry Division
919th Gren. Regiment
- Two Battalions

Strength

4th Infantry Division: 21,000
Airborne: 14,000

12,320

Casualties and losses

4th Infantry Division: 197
Airborne: ~2,499
Other units: ~700

Unknown

Utah Beach was a special code name for one of the five main landing areas during Operation Overlord. This huge operation was also known as D-Day, the day the Allies invaded Normandy, France, during World War II. On June 6, 1944, American soldiers landed on Utah Beach. Their goal was to break through the German defenses there. This important battle site is located in Normandy, a region in France.

What Was Utah Beach?
Images for kids
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What Was Utah Beach?

Utah Beach was one of the five beaches chosen for the D-Day landings. These landings were a critical part of the plan to free France from German control. The other beaches were Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Utah Beach was the westernmost of these landing zones.

The D-Day Plan for Utah Beach

The plan for Utah Beach was carefully made. The main goal was to land soldiers and equipment quickly. They also needed to link up with paratroopers who had landed inland. These paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines. They were there to secure key roads and bridges. This would stop German forces from reaching the beach.

Who Landed at Utah Beach?

The main group landing on Utah Beach was the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division. They were supported by other units, including American Rangers. Before the beach landings, two important airborne divisions jumped into France. These were the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division. Their job was to clear the way and protect the landing forces.

The Landing Day

On June 6, 1944, the invasion began. The American troops faced less resistance at Utah Beach than at some other landing sites. This was partly because of the airborne troops' actions. They had confused the German defenders. Also, strong currents pushed some landing craft off course. This actually helped the Americans. They landed in a less heavily defended area.

Breaking Through German Defenses

Despite landing in the wrong spot, the American soldiers quickly moved inland. They breached the German defenses with fewer casualties than expected. This quick success was vital for the overall D-Day plan. It allowed more troops and supplies to come ashore safely.

Why Was Utah Beach Important?

Utah Beach was a key part of the D-Day invasion. Its success helped the Allies establish a strong foothold in France. The relatively low number of casualties here was a big advantage. It meant more soldiers were ready to fight inland. This helped the Allies push deeper into German-held territory.

After the Landing

After securing the beach, the American forces moved to connect with the airborne troops. They also began to clear the Cotentin Peninsula. This peninsula was important because it had the port of Cherbourg. Capturing Cherbourg was a major goal for the Allies. It would provide a vital supply route for their forces. The success at Utah Beach helped make these next steps possible.

Images for kids

Map of D-Day beaches with Utah to the left
Utah landings, planned (center/right) and actual (left). North: lower right
German prisoners of war in an enclosure on Utah.
Gliders are delivered to the Cotentin Peninsula during Mission Elmira.
Members of the 101st Airborne Division in the village of St. Marcouf, June 8, 1944
Plan for US 4th Infantry Division on D-Day
Positions at close of D-Day. Brown color: beach.