Destruction and Dedication: The Naval Odyssey of Professor James Brand

Invasion! It is June 1944 and throughout Great Britain, the Allies are at last ready to assault Hitler’s Atlantic Wall. A great armada prepares for the perilous trip across the English Channel to land American, British, Canadian, and Free French troops along the coast of Normandy. On the other side of the world, ships from as far away as California and other Pacific ports prepare for a much longer journey. Ships of the Fifth Fleet rendezvous in the newly captured Marshall Islands and steer for their final destination of Saipan in the Marianas. These ships carry a force of over 150,000 men, nearly as many as those destined for the beaches of France. Both invasions will face well-prepared enemy defenses determined to push the invaders back into the sea. In the Pacific, the Imperial Japanese Navy will challenge the Americans in a major fleet engagement that could change the course of the war. The Science Team continues its work with leaders of both operations, securing the manpower and logistical support necessary to ensure success. At Normandy and Saipan, the men and their leaders will be tested in the crucible of combat. Read more