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67th D-Day Anniversary
12th Anniversary D-Day Conneaut
THE RESTLESS WAVES!
Limited Edition Challenge Coin
Still available in limited quantities!
What is a Challenge Coin?

    

“The Restless Waves” is the third coin in the D-Day Conneaut Commemorative series. The 2011 coin honors those who served in naval operations prior to and during D-Day, June 6th, 1944.  The coin also celebrates the 67th anniversary of the invasion and the 12th of D-Day Conneaut.  

The Allied Naval Expeditionary Force, 6,939 ships in total, was divided into two Naval Task Forces. The western task force under the command of Rear-Admiral Alan G. Kirk and the eastern task force under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir Philip Vian sailing on the flagships USS Augusta and HMS Scylla respectively. The Invasion Fleet was drawn from eight different navies, five of which are represented on the 2011 coin: Canada, France, the United States, the Netherlands and Norway.  Liberte' again adorns the coin and the stars have been replaced by the Amphibious Force emblem.  

Holland and Norway Flags: At dawn on June 6th, while supporting the British Army landings at Sword Beach, Norwegian Destoyer HNoMS Svenner was sunk by torpedoes launched from German S-Boats. 33 crewmen were lost.  Hr. Ms. Sumba and Hr. Ms. Flores of the Dutch Navy gave support during the invasion by bombarding German positions and additional Motor Patrol Boats screened further attempts by German Schnellboots engaged in trying to intercept the cross channel convoys.

The main feature of the allied side of the coin features the USS Emmons 1500 yards off shore from the Fox Red sector of Omaha beach. The Emmons partnered with other destroyers fired upon and destroyed many of the hard points and entrenched mortar positions. The bell tower of the Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Our Lady of the Assumption) church in Colleville-Sur-Mer, used by the Germans as an observation post, was subsequently destroyed by the Emmons’ 5 inch guns later in the afternoon of the 6th.  Officers from the the USS Augusta in the foreground survey the action.   When onshore V Corps Commander General Gerow finally established communications with General Bradley, his first message was, "Thank God for the U.S. Navy!"  

Operation Maple outlined the laying of mines to force German ships away from air protection of the Luftwaffe where they could be attacked by Allied destroyer flotillas.  Mine sweeping operations were aided by the Dutch and Canadian Navies. Prior the invasion, Hr. Ms. Marches sunk on May 20, 1944, by an acoustic mine. All except one man of the entire crew of 20 were lost.

Operation Postage Able - One of the little known operations that contributed to success of the D-Day landing the verification that the beaches were suitable for an ampibious landing.   On January 16, 1944, a British mini submarine, the HMS X20 planned to spend four days off the French coast.  The midget sub was commanded by Lt KR Hudspeth and Sub. Lt. B. Enzer, with the Combined Ops Pilotage Party comprising of Lt.Cdr. Nigel Willmott, and two divers, Major Logan and Sergeant Ogden-Smith onboard as well.  During the daytime, periscope-level reconnaissance of the shoreline and echo-soundings were performed. Each night, the sub would approach the beach, and the divers would swim ashore to take soil samples for analysis. The divers went ashore on two nights to survey the beaches at Vierville-sur-Mer, Moulins St Laurent and Colleville-sur-Mer in what became the American Omaha Beach. On the third night, they were due to go ashore off the Orne Estuary (Sword Beach), but by this time crew fatigue and worsening weather caused commander Hudspeth to shorten the operation.  The sub returned to HMS Dolphin on January 21, 1944.

Operation Gambit - During the landing phase of the invasion two British midget submarines were tasked to mark the extreme left and right limits of the British and Canadian invasion beaches codenamed Sword and Juno.  HMS X20 and HMS X23 arrived in position on 4 June and, due to the delay caused by bad weather, remained in position until 4:30am on the 6th.  When they surfaced, the crew erected the navigational aids, an 18-foot telescopic mast with a light shining to seaward, a radio beacon and echo sounder tapping out a message for the minelayers approaching 'Sword' and 'Juno' beaches.  A similar operation had been offered to the US landing forces to mark their beaches, but was declined.  The submarines were at some risk of damage due to friendly fire and in an attempt to counter this Lieutenant Honour, the captain of HMS X23, acquired and flew an ensign of the size more normally used by capital ships. 

The Axis side features one of most kept secret operations of the second world war.  Exercise Tiger, an allied amphibious training operation at Slapton Sands off the English coast.  Shortly after midnight on 28 April 1944, nine German torpedo boats moved into Lyme Bay after intercepting heavier than normal radio traffic.  Within a few moments, the Schnellboots of the Kriegsmarine and their torpedoes found their mark. One LST (landing ship, tank) was seriously crippled.  Another LST burst into flames and trapped many of the soldiers and sailors below deck.   A third LST sank immediately, sending hundreds of U.S. soldiers and sailors to a watery grave. It was the costliest training exercise in all of World War II and held secret within the minds of the survivors for nearly 60 years. As the bodies washed ashore in days ahead, the official count rose to 749.  Quartermaster soldiers onboard LST 531 were among the hardest hit. The 3206th Quartermaster Service Company was virtually destroyed. Of its 251 officers and men, 201 were killed or wounded. The 557th Quartermaster Railhead Company also lost 69 men.  When the remaining LSTs landed on Slapton Beach, the blunders continued and a further 308 men died from friendly fire.  Following an order made by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the British heavy cruiser HMS Hawkins shelled the beach with live ammunition.  Eisenhower felt that the men must be hardened by exposure to real battle conditions. On the beaches a white tape line was laid on the beach indicating the point where Americans should not cross until the live firing had finished.  As reported by the Royal Marines, the Americans were going straight through the white tape line and were killed after being blown up by friendly fire. 

Schnellboote of the 9th flotilla were the first naval units to respond to the invasion fleet of Operation Overlord. They left Cherbourg harbor at 5am on 6 June 1944 and found themselves confronted by the entire invasion fleet. They fired their torpedoes at maximum range and returned to Cherbourg. As mentioned previously, Norwegian Destoyer HNoMS Svenner was sunk by torpedoes launched from these torpedo boats.

All told, during World War II, the Schnellboote sank 101 merchant ships totaling 214,728 tons. In addition, they sank 12 destroyers, 11 minesweepers, eight landing ships, six MTBs, a torpedo boat, a minelayer, one submarine and a number of small merchant craft.  They also damaged two cruisers, five destroyers, three landing ships, a repair ship, a naval tug and numerous merchant vessels.  Sea mines laid by the Schnellboote were responsible for the loss of 37 merchant ships totaling 148,535 tons, a destroyer, two minesweepers and four landing ships. In recognition of their service, the members of Schnellboot crews were awarded the Knight's Cross on 23 occasions, and the German Cross in Gold on 112 occasions.

Shaped into an anchor, the phrase "TORPEDO LOS AUF MANÖVER TIGER" translates simply into English as Torpedo fired at Exercise Tiger. As in the previous coins,  GOTT MIT UNS, the phrase upon every German Soldatin's belt buckle, is embossed upon a sunburst field just as it was in 1944. The phrase, WIR FAHREN GEGEN ENGELLAND, meaning, We Sail Against England, was a song written in tribute to the Kreigsmarine, encircles this dramatic scene. The Kriegsmarine emblem also adorns the coins' outer rim.  This spectacular coin is minted in complete 3D protected by an epoxy coating. Help keep our event alive with this outstanding commemorative. The brave men sailing upon these restless waves, are so honored on our 2011 commemorative.  Supplies are limited so don't delay in ordering yours.

67th D-Day Anniversary D-Day Conneaut Commemorative Shoulder Patch

    
Artwork Final Shown
The patch is still available!
 

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We proudly announce our first issue commemorative shoulder patch for 2011.  In theme with our 2011 challenge coin, this 3 inch diameter 100% embroidered patch.  The patch is presented in navy blue and outlined in kaiki green to honor those of the amphibious forces that landed on D-Day June 6th, 1944.  This patch is available only as a sewn on version.  Velcro and glue backs didn't exist in 44!

2010 An Evening to Remember DVD Presentation

Introducing a collection of Conneaut WWII veterans that present their unique recollections of combat and survival, sacrifice, courage and service on a special introductory DVD.  This unique collection of Army Air Corps, Marines, Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and Army Nursing Corps was recorded specifically to benefit D-Day Conneaut by The Conneaut Public Library.  Our appreciation in the Libraries efforts in preserving the legacy of our Greatest Generation knows no bounds.  Facilitated by Lauren Horwood and Bryan Gildone, this highly memorable and educational video with inspire and enlighten.  Own your own copy today by ordering online now.  All proceeds from the sale of the DVD benefit D-Day Conneaut.  Veterans featured on the DVD are:

Special arraignments have been made to allow area residents to pick up their copy locally without the need for a shipping charge.   If you click on the local pickup option, be sure to include your telephone number on the payment screen.   All other orders will be sent by postal mail via media mail.

  
2010 An Evening to Remember DVD

2010 An Evening to Remember DVD Ship to Your Home $13.25 Pick Up in Conneaut $10.00

Help support this Free to the Public event.  More collectables below. All proceeds help make D-Day Ohio bigger and better.

66th D-Day Anniversary
11th Anniversary D-Day Conneaut
AIRBORNE!
Limited Edition Challenge Coin
NOW IN STOCK AND SHIPPING!

    
Zoom Up??... 
3D Allied Side - 3D Axis Side

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Okay, Let's Go!; with those words stated by Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the largest armed invasion ever known to man got underway.  D-Day Conneaut is pleased to present our commemorative coin for 2010 by featuring these three little words on the face of a coin depicting Allied Airborne and Axis Air Defense Operations.  On the 66th Anniversary of D-Day and our 11th Anniversary, this coin is the second in a series of D-Day Conneaut commemoratives.   Just as in 2009, this antique bronze medallion is 1-3/4 inches in diameter and features both an Allied and Axis side.

The Allied side features allied paratroopers descending into the town at Sainte-Mère-Église at 2:04 AM June 6th 1944.  The church in the town center where American Paratrooper John Steele hung from a church spire is the main feature of the coin, but there is so much more.  A number of parachutists are etched into the coin face as well as 3 C-47's, one of which is illuminated by search lights from anti aircraft artillery batteries which were stationed around the town.   LIBERTÉ lies below the scene in this years coin, terra firma for the troops descending to earth.  The flags of the major allied air forces involved as well as the U.S. unit designations of 101st, 82nd and the 6th British Airborne or Operations Neptune and Tonga flank the flags.  New Zealanders of the RAF provided air support, so the flag of New Zealand has replaced the Polish Flag for this year.  1944 NORMANDY LXVI (66) and 2010 CONNEAUT XI (11) is etched in the outer face rim while the inscription of D-Day June 6 1944 crowns the inner scene.  As in last years coin, the font chosen closely represents the same font used on the grave markers in the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. 

The axis side features a German mobile Anti Aircraft Flak-gun and unit in action inland near the City of Caen France.    On the afternoons of the 6th and 7th of June, C-47's towing Horsa Gliders filled with men and equipment were sent to reinforce the British and Canadian Paratroopers which landed early on D-Day.  The inner design features a scene reminiscent of those operations, code named Tonga, in a life and death struggle upon the plains of the French countryside.  As in the 2009 coin,  GOTT MIT UNS, the phrase upon every German Soldatin's belt buckle, is embossed upon a sunburst field just as it was in 1944.  The phrase, ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT, meaning, In Remembrance of My Service, honors all who gave all on that day of days encircles this dramatic scene.

This spectacular coin is minted in complete 3D protected by an epoxy coating. Supplies are limited so don't delay in ordering yours now. Help keep our event alive with this outstanding commemorative...

 

65th D-Day Anniversary
10th Anniversary D-Day Conneaut
INVASION!
Limited Edition Challenge Coin

Zoom Up??...  Allied Side - Axis Side

65th Anniversary Normandy D-Day Conneaut 2009 Challenge Coin 
 Each Coin is $12.00 plus $2.50 S/H for up to 5 coins.
International Buyers or for orders of more than 5, please
contact Stitch for a shipping quote before purchase.
 

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Designed by Eric Montgomery, these coins are a must have!
  Don't miss out, get your own piece of D-Day history!

D-Day Conneaut is pleased to present our 2009 Challenge Coin in commemoration of the 65th Anniversary of D-Day.  This is our 10th Anniversary, and this coin will be the beginning of an annual series of D-Day Conneaut commemoratives.   This antique bronze coin is 1-3/4 inch in diameter and features both an Allied and Axis side.  The Allied side features an allied soldier on the beach.  The shingle is the clearly depicted as the soldiers takes one final step towards LIBERTÉ.  The flags of the major allied forces involved as well as the names of all the landing beaches, UTAH, OMAHA, GOLD, JUNO and SWORD encircle the scene as the soldier steps off of a landing craft onto the shores of France.  The soldiers boot symbolically steps off the shores of England and into France as it was 65 years ago.  1944 NORMANDY LXV (65) and 2009 CONNEAUT X (10) and the dates of each event proudly commemorate the best D-Day Reenactment in the U.S.  Lastly, the font chosen closely represents the same font used on the grave markers overlooking Omaha Beach. 

The axis side features a design reminiscent of the hallmark signatures of the Atlantic Wall.  GOTT MIT UNS, the phrase upon every German Soldatin's belt buckle, is embossed upon a sunburst field just like the original.  The phrase, INFANTERIE KONIGIN ALLER WAFFEN, a common propaganda poster slogan, Infantry, King of all Weapons, encircles this dramatic scene:  A sentry standing atop of the Atlantic Wall pears into a stormy English Channel as the allied tide of ships approach the Norman Coast.  A second solder responding to the Alarm runs to his station through a trench behind a barbed wire fence.  A bunker in the distance awaits the invasion.

This spectacular coin is minted in complete 3D protected by an epoxy coating. Supplies are limited so don't delay in ordering yours now. Help keep our event alive with this outstanding commemorative...

2003                        2004                     2005                       2006

  
2007                       2008                     2009                      2010

D-Day Commemorative Programs

Beginning in 2003, in conjunction with the Conneaut Chamber of Commerce, Gazette Newspapers of Jefferson Ohio, began publishing commemorative programs for the D-Day reenactment.  Although early issues of this unique collectable are extremely scarce, a limited supply of the 2007, 2008 and 2009 programs are available in original form.  Individual programs from 2007, 2008 and 2009 are available for $5.00 each.  However, a special package of all three programs combined with a pdf version of the 2003 through 2006 editions is also being offered at $18.00.  Honest shipping and a small handling fee will be determined at the time of purchase.

These commemorative programs provide an insight as to the planning and coordination that is involved with producing this amazing recreation of D-Day.  They also include veteran's stories and their profiles, some of which can only be found in these programs.  There are also biographies of reenactors, historical accounts of D-Day operations and detailed descriptions of the elements of the reenactment.  The programs are interlaced with historical photos and pictures taken at the event.  The pdf versions of the earlier programs will be of production quality and can be reproduced at your favorite retail print shop or viewed electronically on your pc.  For the D-Day collector or just a fan of D-Day Conneaut, the combination package is your best value.  Pdf's of earlier issues can be purchased at $3 each. 

$18 Three Pak of the 2007, 2008, 2009 Programs plus PDF's of the 2003 thru 2006 issues included.

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Individual Paper Issues  2007 Issue 2008 Issue 2009 Issue 2010 Issue $5 Single Issue - Original Program Booklet of the 2007, 2008, 2009 or 2010

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PDF Only Issues 2003 PDF 2004 PDF 2005 PDF 2006 PDF $3 Single Back Issues - PDF Only

Commemorative 2008 DVD

This independently produced commemorative DVD from Capture Motion Pictures documents D-Day Conneaut 2008.  Each and every year the reenactment has grown in both quality and size and this DVD details all the action.  Re-enactment footage from three different camera angles capture dedicated re-enactors for maximum intensity and realism as they engage in battle through stunning pyro-techniques.  The DVD begins with actual Veterans of D-Day discussing their experiences coupled with the invasion recreation.  Bonus features include a behind the scenes walkthrough of the event's preparation and production, special commentary by Richard Fike on the pyro-techniques used and a slide show of stunning high definition photographs taken by Brian Verdi.  As a special bonus, two candid interviews with Korean War Veterans Walter L. Bartlett (9th field Artillery Unit 3rd Infantry Division) and Loren E. Bean (7th Regiment 3rd Division) are also included.  This one of a kind DVD brings back to life all the action of the 2008 event and more including the spectacular Combat Engineers and P-51 air assault against German Pillboxes.

Relive the history of D-Day once again as proceeds benefit the continuation of the annual event.  This is a great gift and keepsake for your historical library, a beloved veteran, history buff, class, student or the Patriot within you!

SOLD OUT!
 2008 DVDs are $24.00 each plus $2.50 S/H

More great items such as a best of D-Day Conneaut Photos DVD and Commemorative Patch is forthcoming.

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