“German strongpoint’s were “knocked out by either by superbly directed vigorous gunfire from destroyers steaming as close as 800 yards offshore”
That’s a largely forgotten part of the battle. Around 9:00 am destroyer captains off of Omaha beach realized that something was going very wrong with the landing. Their decision to bring their ships right up to the beach in order to pick off strongpoints may well have decided the battle:
Destroyers at Normandy: Naval Gunfire Support at Omaha Beach
http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/destroyersatnormandy.htm
WoW!....It sure looks like every area of the military represented had a major roll that made a huge difference in the outcome at one point or another, in changing the tide time and again. Remarkable stories.....stunningly so!