Here are some excerpts from Grandpa Clark’s War Journal (he did not cross into France on D-day, but followed a few days later):

Tuesday, June 6, 1944

          D-day: King George’s broadcast came about 0500 hrs – requested prayer: God only can decide the issue: not “we will” but “God willing” “we will”.

Tuesday, June 13, 1944

          Got ready to move off early and set out about 0500 hrs for loading strip: long waits: people along way gave tea and fruit (tomatoes) – very kind: refused money: rainy, dismal day: finally reached strip (people wave at us – women and children): loaded on large barge: was first on with C.O. and Adj: up elevator to upper deck: chained vehicles down and had first meal of the day.

Wednesday, June 14, 1944

          Convoy set sail about 0100 hrs: up for breakfast: served cafeteria style: good food – white bread: peeled spuds and nearly got sick: lay down till dinner and ate a hearty dinner: came in sight of France about 1400 hrs: “lay to” to await high tide: ran in on beach and awaited lower tide: started off about 2200 hrs: raid scares: got off about 2400 hrs: drove in dark to “assembly area”.

Thursday, June 15, 1944

          Pretty cold and cramped after sleeping on damp ground with one blanket: had good breakfast of 24 hrs: ration cooked on little cooker, tea, porridge, biscuits, and sweets: left for our position around 0800 hrs: traveled on paved road: passed destroyed houses: deserted ammo: crosses arrived at landing strip: set up headquarters in an orchard: found deserted German equipment: on guard duty.

P.S. Disclaimer: The picture at the top of this post is from Texas, not Normandy.