To the west of the beach, the American 29th Infantry Division were to land, to the east, the 1st Infantry Division. The principal objective of the Omaha Beach landing was to secure the line between Port-En-Bessin and the river Vire, before pushing south towards St Lo.
The Germans had adequately prepared their defences along the obstacle-strewn beach, and the gentle downward slope gave them an excellent field of fire. Certain sections of the beach, particularly above the high-water mark were mined. The landings at Omaha Beach resulted in heavy Allied casualties. Had the Germans counter-attacked, the position of the US forces would have been far worse.