75 years later: See how Battleship Texas played a key role in the D-Day invasion of France





less Of the five beaches on Normandy, Omaha was the most bitterly fought for with the highest casualties. Of the 2,500 allied troops killed on the 6th, over 1,000 were killed on Omaha. Omaha was the most heavily defended beach. American intelligence discounted the British intelligence that instead of a token German force a quality German division of 10,000 men defended it. The terrain of Omaha added to the carnage. The area along the shoreline rises to 150 feet above the waters edge providing the German with excellent field of fire. The allied plan called for German defenses to be neutralized by air strikes, but cloud over Omaha obscured the area and the bombs fell several miles inland. Though the allies retained the element of surprise; the terrain, intelligence errors, and ineffective bombing would prove disastrous when the first wave went ashore. Of the five beaches on Normandy, Omaha was the most bitterly fought for with the highest casualties. Of the 2,500 allied troops killed on the 6th, over 1,000 were killed on Omaha. Omaha was the most heavily ... more Photo: Battleshiptexas.org Photo: Battleshiptexas.org Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close 75 years later: See how Battleship Texas played a key role in the D-Day invasion of France 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

The USS Texas is one of the most war-tested ships in human history, from its involvement in the "Tampico Incident" to its role in the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

So, it makes sense that the legendary vessel was on the scene when the Allied forces staged arguably the greatest land, air and sea invasion of all-time.

Thursday marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, forces of the United States Britain and Canada stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. And despite the heavy casualties on both sides (as well as civilians), the invading forces emerged victorious against the armies of Nazi Germany.

But what role did Battleship Texas play, exactly?

On HoustonChronicle.com: D-Day hero's son honors his father at Omaha Beach on 75th anniversary

Some people have heard the harrowing tales of that monumental day firsthand, from either friends, relatives or various historical accounts. The event has also been depicted, most often with stunningly horrific realism, in films such as 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'The Longest Day' and others.

But the cover provided to the boots on the ground by naval vessels hasn't been quite as glamorized.

Even though it was arguably the most effective means of support against the Germans heavy weaponry on the coastline.

Above, you can see how Battleship Texas prepared for the invasion of Normandy, how the ship aided Allied forces during of D-Day, as well as other historic photos of the legendary vessel of war.

Peter Dawson is a digital reporter in Houston. Read him on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | Peter.Dawson@chron.com | NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here.