Rommel’s Asparagus
Erwin Rommel was a highly praised field marshal in the German military and was assigned to charge the Atlantic Wall. The poles on the beach were called “Rommel’s Asparagus” by the Allied forces, and this photo was taken in April 1944 before they were attacked.
Before the Storm
These GIs appear calm while they speak to Mary Jane Cooke, a Red Cross volunteer. However, the troops were quiet. They were waiting to get a day excursion to Normandy on the English Channel, so they stayed in line, but they were definitely not relaxed.