I never knew how the military could change my life; I never knew I would be such a big part of American history. This was all so surreal. I was just a small town farmer about four years ago; my pregnant wife is carrying my first born child, all my friends are probably at the bar. I miss all of them. I pray to God that I can survive this mission, I want to be with my wife when this is over. I want to raise my child. I need to do this for him; I need to do this for my baby boy. This is what went through my mind the night before the mission. Operation Overload, it was called. It would be the largest invasion ever in military history. We would invade from the shores of Omaha Beach; this was on the northern side of France. I was one of 34,000 men going in for the assault on Omaha Beach. I knew it was going to be scary, complicated, and would need much focus. Now it was the morning of the invasion. I got nearly no sleep because my mind was racing all night about my duty, what would happen if I happened to mess up, and everyone at home that I was trying to protect. It was the most stressful night of thought that I have ever had. Now it was time to start. It was 2:00 in the morning when we were woken from out bunks by a loud horn, just like in training. My whole bunk popped out of their beds and immediately put on their uniforms. We were then moved to the barracks where we received our weapons and artillery. I was handed a Colt pistol, a Grease Gun, a very light machine gun, and a belt of grenades. It was heavy to carry around on my back, but I was carrying less than some of the guys. After we all got our weaponry, we were then brought to the boats. We walked as a unit, and we were all focused. I could see all of the different emotions running through my fellow Navy men. Some were nervous, some excited, one even crying. As we approached the boats I went to that soldier and asked what was up; “I’m nervous, man, I don’t think I can do this” he said. “Soldier what is your name?” I asked the young man. “Randy” still sobbing, you could see the tears raining from his face. “Well Randy” I responded “You have more courage than most, you are doing what most would never do. You are protecting the whole world from being dominated by a ruthless ruler. I need you to straighten up right now.” “Yes sir” he saluted me, starting to come down from the ledge. “This is one of the most important, if not the most important in military history. This invasion will not go well if we do not all come together and work as a squadron. we need everyone to be focused on one thing. No outside distractions” “B-b-but my kids, my wife, my entire family! what if I die to-” “Soilder! you will not die today! Don’t you ever think that! we will get through this together. You will go home to your wife and kids. I have a wife too, and I can’t wait to see her. Do you hear me? we will get through this invasion.” “Yes sir!” He saluted again clearly better and ready for the mission. We were at the shore, getting ready to board the boats on our way to Normandy leaving from the southeast coast of England. We would travel in the darkness of the early morning. The boats were small, larger than a lifeboat but definitely nothing like a luxury boat. It held about thirty-six of us and a light Jeep vehicle. The boat was crowded, but my squadron was pretty close-knit so we didn’t mind. As the hatch closed for us to depart, we all stood at the sides of the boat and waves to our comrades on the shore; we weren’t sure if we would ever see them again. As the boat left the shore I couldn’t help but thinking about all that I’ve been through in this war; all of the gunshots, having to bail on a boat, and watching some of my brothers die. “What if that was me?” I thought to myself. What if I never saw my family aga