the time. They tried to have strategic bombers like the B-17 soften up targets just before the landings, but the aircrews were too worried about hitting their own forces, so they ended up dropping bombs a mile or two inland.

The smaller tactical B-26 had much more success on low-level bombing at Pointe-du-Hoc, but the bunkers there were robust enough that the 2nd Rangers faced stiff resistance when they assaulted the position.