06JUN1944: Coming ashore with the second wave, BG Norman Cota landed in the Dog White sector of Omaha Beach on D-Day. Rather than staying back and coordinating from the ships, Cota wanted to be front and center with his men, leading from the front. Once on land, and now pinned down by German fire, Cota famously declared to the commander of the 5th Rangers, "if you're Rangers, then get up there and lead the way!" A phrase that would become the motto of the 75th Ranger Regiment to this day. Throughout the morning, Cota led from the front, first through a breach in the wire, assaulting German positions, and motivating at every turn. Despite at 51 years old being one of the oldest to land that day, Cota pushed inland, up the steep cliffs and through the German lines. By the end of the day, BG Cota had consolidated his team in Vierville and had helped lead the opening of the Dog White sector. For his actions that day, BG Norman Cota would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related