untold-story of Pegasus Bridge D-Day

Major John Howard is celebrated as one of the key figures of D-Day (June 6, 1944), primarily for his leadership in the capture and defense of Pegasus Bridge, a mission that was critical to the success of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Here's the full story of his heroics:

Background
John Howard was born on December 8, 1912, in London, England. Before the war, he served in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (known as the "Ox and Bucks"), a regiment of the British Army. Howard was a determined and disciplined soldier who climbed the ranks through merit rather than privilege. His military expertise and dedication made him the ideal leader for one of the most daring missions of D-Day.

The Mission: Pegasus Bridge
The Pegasus Bridge operation, officially known as Operation Deadstick, aimed to secure two key bridges over the Caen Canal and the Orne River in Normandy. These bridges were critical to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the beaches where the main Allied forces would land. Capturing and holding the bridges would ensure the success of the landings at Sword Beach and the safety of the eastern flank of the invasion.

Howard and his unit, consisting of approximately 181 men from the 2nd Battalion, Ox and Bucks, were assigned this high-stakes mission.

The Assault
In the early hours of D-Day, Howard's force used Horsa gliders to silently land near Pegasus Bridge under the cover of darkness. The gliders, towed by bombers, detached mid-air and made controlled crash landings just meters from the bridge. Howard's glider landed within 50 yards of the bridge, a remarkable feat of precision piloting.

Upon landing, Howard’s men launched a swift and surprise assault on the German defenders, who were caught completely off-guard. The engagement lasted only 10 minutes, with Howard's forces securing the bridge with minimal casualties.

The Defense
After capturing Pegasus Bridge, Howard and his men faced relentless German counterattacks, including infantry assaults, sniper fire, and armored vehicles. Despite being outnumbered and under-equipped to face tanks, Howard’s leadership and the unit's determination held the position for hours. They relied on PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank) weapons and sheer grit to repel the German forces.

Their efforts were bolstered by the timely arrival of the British 7th Parachute Battalion, who reinforced their position until the main Allied forces arrived.

Howard’s Leadership
Howard was known for his meticulous planning and his ability to inspire his troops. His leadership ensured that his men remained disciplined, calm, and focused even under intense pressure. The successful capture and defense of Pegasus Bridge are often attributed to his foresight, training, and the morale he instilled in his soldiers.

Legacy
Turning the Tide of the War: The capture of Pegasus Bridge was a pivotal moment in the Normandy invasion. It safeguarded the eastern flank of the Allied landings and disrupted German counterattacks.

Recognition: Howard and his unit received widespread acclaim for their heroics. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his leadership and valor.

Memorials: Pegasus Bridge is now a symbol of Allied courage, and a museum near the site honors the operation. The original bridge has been preserved as a historic monument.

Pop Culture: Howard’s story has been immortalized in books like "The Pegasus Bridge" by Stephen Ambrose and films, notably the classic war movie "The Longest Day."

John Howard's Later Years
After the war, Howard retired from the military and worked in civilian roles, including serving as a teacher. He passed away on May 5, 1999, but his legacy endures as one of the greatest examples of leadership and bravery in World War II.

Howard’s heroics at Pegasus Bridge exemplify how a small, determined group can change the course of history through courage, strategy, and sheer willpower. His story remains an essential chapter in the history of D-Day and World War II.

[LegendaryWarriors_]

Major John Howard is celebrated as one of the key figures of D-Day (June 6, 1944), primarily for his leadership in the capture and defense of Pegasus Bridge, a mission that was critical to the success of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Here's the full story of his heroics:

Background
John Howard was born on December 8, 1912, in London, England. Before the war, he served in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry (known as the "Ox and Bucks"), a regiment of the British Army. Howard was a determined and disciplined soldier who climbed the ranks through merit rather than privilege. His military expertise and dedication made him the ideal leader for one of the most daring missions of D-Day.

The Mission: Pegasus Bridge
The Pegasus Bridge operation, officially known as Operation Deadstick, aimed to secure two key bridges over the Caen Canal and the Orne River in Normandy. These bridges were critical to prevent German reinforcements from reaching the beaches where the main Allied forces would land. Capturing and holding the bridges would ensure the success of the landings at Sword Beach and the safety of the eastern flank of the invasion.

Howard and his unit, consisting of approximately 181 men from the 2nd Battalion, Ox and Bucks, were assigned this high-stakes mission.

The Assault
In the early hours of D-Day, Howard's force used Horsa gliders to silently land near Pegasus Bridge under the cover of darkness. The gliders, towed by bombers, detached mid-air and made controlled crash landings just meters from the bridge. Howard's glider landed within 50 yards of the bridge, a remarkable feat of precision piloting.

Upon landing, Howard’s men launched a swift and surprise assault on the German defenders, who were caught completely off-guard. The engagement lasted only 10 minutes, with Howard's forces securing the bridge with minimal casualties.

The Defense
After capturing Pegasus Bridge, Howard and his men faced relentless German counterattacks, including infantry assaults, sniper fire, and armored vehicles. Despite being outnumbered and under-equipped to face tanks, Howard’s leadership and the unit's determination held the position for hours. They relied on PIAT (Projector, Infantry, Anti-Tank) weapons and sheer grit to repel the German forces.

Their efforts were bolstered by the timely arrival of the British 7th Parachute Battalion, who reinforced their position until the main Allied forces arrived.

Howard’s Leadership
Howard was known for his meticulous planning and his ability to inspire his troops. His leadership ensured that his men remained disciplined, calm, and focused even under intense pressure. The successful capture and defense of Pegasus Bridge are often attributed to his foresight, training, and the morale he instilled in his soldiers.

Legacy
Turning the Tide of the War: The capture of Pegasus Bridge was a pivotal moment in the Normandy invasion. It safeguarded the eastern flank of the Allied landings and disrupted German counterattacks.

Recognition: Howard and his unit received widespread acclaim for their heroics. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his leadership and valor.

Memorials: Pegasus Bridge is now a symbol of Allied courage, and a museum near the site honors the operation. The original bridge has been preserved as a historic monument.

Pop Culture: Howard’s story has been immortalized in books like "The Pegasus Bridge" by Stephen Ambrose and films, notably the classic war movie "The Longest Day."

John Howard's Later Years
After the war, Howard retired from the military and worked in civilian roles, including serving as a teacher. He passed away on May 5, 1999, but his legacy endures as one of the greatest examples of leadership and bravery in World War II.

Howard’s heroics at Pegasus Bridge exemplify how a small, determined group can change the course of history through courage, strategy, and sheer willpower. His story remains an essential chapter in the history of D-Day and World War II.

[SvobodaDlyaPalestiny]

I remember this from the video game "Call of duty" that came in 2003