Today is the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

On this day, in 1944, the Allied forces landed at the beaches of Normandy and, against overwhelming odds, began the liberation of Nazi-occupied France and later all of Western Europe.  At least 4,400 Allied soldiers lost their lives on that day so that others could live free and, on this anniversary, we honor their sacrifice.

Not surprisingly, D-Day has inspired many artists, writers, and filmmakers over the years.  Below, for the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, we have 12 paintings and illustrations inspired by D-Day.  These works were all done by men who were actually there on that historic day.  The majority of them can be found at the International War Museum in the United Kingdom.

by Albert Richards

by Albert Richards

by Anthony Gross

by Edward Ardizzone

by Edward Bawden

by Jack Heath

by Joseph Gary Sheahan

by Manuel Bromberg

by Manuel Bromberg

by Orville Norman Fisher

by Richard Eunich

by Thoms Hennell