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Breakthrough An American infantry unit... MORE > $19.99
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The film ends with the following written statement: "Our grateful appreciation to the United States Armed Forces for permitting us the use of its actual combat film and troops and for its aid and cooperation in making this picture possible." Reporter Ernie Pyle called the invasion on the beaches at Normandy that began on June 6, 1944 the most terrible part of the war. Over 3,300 American planes bombed the Germans in one action. Thousands of soldiers and civilians were killed during the fighting. The picture makes use of official U.S. and British Army Air Force and Navy films, as well as captured German footage. According to a February 17, 1950 Los Angeles Times news item exterior shots were made in Normandy. Other scenes were filmed on location at Fort Ord near Monterey, CA, according to a press release. The Los Angeles Times news item reported that former army captain Joseph I. Breen, Jr. lost a leg during the war.