WWII in Color: D-Day to Nazi Downfall

For five years, Hitler's Third Reich has ruled Europe. As Germany fortifies the Atlantic Wall, the Allies prepare a massive assault to free Western Europe from Nazi control.

After 18 months of planning, 160,000 Allied troops storm Normandy in history’s largest amphibious landing. With German defenses strong, success depends on the first 24 hours.

With a foothold in Normandy, Allied forces push inland to seize a supply port and liberate Paris. Facing fierce resistance, the battle claims hundreds of thousands of lives.

Germany's retreat continues as the Allies liberate France and Belgium. Montgomery's ambition to end the war risks more than his reputation as they push toward the Netherlands.

Eisenhower backs a plan to break German lines by Christmas. With only days to prepare, Monty launches the largest airborne assault ever, ignoring warnings and rising risks.

Airborne troops flood the Netherlands as 50,000 tanks surge from Belgium. However, stronger-than-expected German forces resist fiercely, causing the ambitious operation to falter.

Market Garden stalls with tragedy at Arnhem, stalemate at Nijmegen, and chaos elsewhere. Outnumbered 4 to 1 in places, even Montgomery's gamble can't overcome the mounting odds.

Monty’s failed gamble ends as British forces retreat to avoid collapse. Eisenhower halts the operation, leaving the Allies with heavy losses and lasting strategic setbacks.

After months of retreat, German forces fall back behind their borders. As the Allies plan the final push to Berlin, Hitler prepares one last, shocking counteroffensive.

Weary U.S. troops face a massive surprise attack in the Ardennes. Strained by brutal battles, bad weather, and thin supplies, they reel as Germany launches its final gamble.

SS Panzer units turn ruthless as the Nazi offensive grows. Enemy agents spread chaos behind Allied lines, and a key Belgian town faces destruction in a desperate stand.

Eisenhower deploys Airborne troops to hold the line. As Bastogne is encircled, a legendary U.S. General races to break the siege—while Hitler’s final gamble begins to collapse.

As 1945 begins, Germany launches a final assault. U.S. air power returns, but troops still battle freezing temps in one of the coldest Belgian winters on record.

In early 1945, millions of soldiers converge at Germany’s borders. Weary from winter, Allied and Axis forces brace for the final and fiercest phase of the war.

Allied leaders meet in Crimea to shape post-war Europe, but deep tensions remain. To speed victory, they launch a bombing raid that sparks lasting controversy.

Allied forces begin a costly push across the Rhine into Germany. Montgomery leads U.S., British, and Canadian troops in tough battles against deeply entrenched Nazi defenses.

Bradley and Patton drive to cross the Roer and Rhine. As the Germans destroy bridges, one crossing remains. Eisenhower faces a risky decision that could change the war’s course.

As Allied troops advance, they uncover Nazi camps and witness horrors beyond belief. The scale of cruelty shocks even Eisenhower and deepens the resolve to defeat Hitler.

The Soviet forces on Germany’s eastern border, now refreshed and resupplied, are given a challenge by premiere Stalin.