By Jessica L., Local History and Genealogy Librarian
On June 6, 1944, the Allies launched a coordinated attack on the coast of France as part of Operation Overlord, often called D-Day. World War II had begun in 1939, and the US had been involved since the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, meaning this offensive came after several years of hard fighting.
The story of D-Day is a famous one, with countless books, movies, TV shows, and more commemorating the offensive. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the event, the Crossroads Discovery Center partnered with local World War II historian Nik Schweitzer to ask the question: What were central Indiana Hoosiers doing on this historic occasion?
On June 6 at 6:30pm, join David Heighway, county historian, and Nik Schweitzer to discuss where Hoosiers were and what they were doing during this time. From production at the Firestone Plant in Noblesville, to movies showing at the theater, to victory gardens, to soldiers both at home and away, capturing a slice of life during June 1944 helps showcase what it was like to live during World War II.
The presenters also want to invite the community to bring their stories of this time. Were your parents or grandparents alive during World War II? Did they serve as soldiers? Work in a factory? How did adults explain the war to their children? What was it like to live with rationing?
This goal of this program is to talk beyond tactical movements far away and learn what it was like to hear about D-Day here on the home front.
D-Day Book Lists
If you’re unfamiliar with D-Day or want to catch up, here’s some recommendations for books in our collection:
Adult
Voices of Valor by Doug Brinkley
Sand and Steel by Peter Caddick-Adams
Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day’s Black Heroes, at Home and at War by Linda Hervieux
The First Wave by Alex Kershaw
- This book is recommended because it brings the humanity of one of the most important days in history to the forefront. Stories of individuals impacted by D-Day are influenced by the author’s research with WWII veterans.
Youth
Surviving D-Day by Paul Challen
Daring Women of D-Day by Jennifer Breach
- This newly published title explains in graphic novel style how women were involved in the secret D-Day invasion in England and France.
D-Day: The Allies Strike Back by Terry Miller
If you’re interested in getting a sneak peek of what it was like for Hoosiers to experience the war, ask a staff member about these titles in the Crossroads Discovery Center. While the second floor in Noblesville is not open yet, staff can help you find titles to check out.
The War Comes to Plum Street by Bruce Smith
- This title details what it was like to live during World War II in Newcastle, Indiana.
Escape from Corregidor by Edgar D. Whitcomb
Only the Least of Me is Hostage (volume 1 and 2) edited by Michael Luick-Thrams
World War II Indiana Landmarks by Ronald P May
- A local author wrote this book to highlight places in Indiana that memorialize Hoosier contributions to World War II efforts, whether it was on the battlefield or here at home.
WWII Duty, Honor, Country: The Memories of Those Who Were There by Steve Hardwick and Duane E Hodgin
Here is Your War by Ernie Pyle
The Soldier’s Friend: A Life of Ernie Pyle by Ray Boomhower
- Ernie Pyle became famous as a reporter who traveled with soldiers during World War II to write about life on the front lines. The biography of this Hoosier talks about his life and achievements.
Whether you’re a World War II history buff, someone who remembers living through the war, or someone interested in the history of Central Indiana during this time, be sure to register for the program “D-Day Through the Eyes of Central Indiana.”