06JUN1944: Tasked with clearing German defenses in the Charlie Sector of Omaha Beach, CPT Ralph Goranson and C Company of the 2nd Ranger BN headed to shore. Told by LTC James Rudder that his was the toughest job on the whole beach, Goranson had a decision to make. If Dog Green was cleared, he would move up the Vierville draw and loop west to attack the German defenses before linking up with the Rangers at Point du hoc. If that sector wasn't cleared, he would be forced to scale the cliffs overlooking Charlie sector. With Dog Green still heavily contested, Goranson and his men took to the cliffs, reaching the beach at 0645. The two LCA's carried 68 Rangers and they came under fire as soon as they landed. His unit already reduced to about 30 fighting men, Goranson directed his men to climb the nearly 100 foot cliffs. As the first reached the top, they right away began their attack as more and more Rangers followed behind. Recognizing the damage WN 73 was causing on Omaha, Goranson made the decision to attack east rather than west towards his fellow Rangers. Goranson found a fortified house that was hammering the beach. He led his men in clearing the house and surrounding trenches. Eventually they were joined by men from the 29th Infantry Division who had come ashore at Dog Green. For his heroic actions that day in helping to open the Dog Green sector, CPT Ralph Goranson would be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

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