In pictures: D-Day landings of 6 June 1944

SIXTY-EIGHT YEARS ago today, the Allies began their invasion of Germany-occupied France with the Normandy landings along the northern French coast.

British, American, Canadian and Free French troops participated in the push to clear the beaches of German fire under the overall command of General Dwight D Eisenhower.

Here are some of the dramatic images captured that day by AP photographers who accompanied the Allied troops on their invasion:

D-Day
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While under attack of heavy machine gun fire from the German coastal defense forces, American soldiers wade ashore off the ramp of a US Coast Guard landing craft on 6 June, 1944. (AP Photo)
D-Day
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Soldiers of the 2nd Canadian Flotilla establish a beachhead code-named Juno Beach near Bernieres-sur-mer on the northern coast of France during the Allied invasion of the Normandy. (AP Photo)
D-Day
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Wounded British troops from the South Lancashire and Middlesex regiments are helped ashore at Sword Beach during the D-Day invasion. (AP Photo)
D-Day
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American paratroopers sit in a military plane as they soar over the English Channel en route to Normandy for the invasion on 6, June 1944. (AP Photo)
D-Day
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Canadian troops in landing crafts approach a stretch of coastline code-named Juno Beach near Bernieres-sur-mer. (AP Photo)
D-Day
6/11
Men and assault vehicles storm the beach as Allied landing craft head ashore during the 6 June 1944 Normandy operation in France. (AP Photo)
D-Day
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After landing on the French coast, Allied troops push further inland. Passing through French villages, they were given a warm welcome by the inhabitants. (AP Photo)
D-Day
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Men and supplies are ferried out to landing crafts en route to the initial Allied invasion of Normandy. (AP Photo/Peter Carroll)
D-Day
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A US Coast Guard craft, heavily listing to port, moves alongside a transport ship to evacuate her troops, during the initial Normandy landing operations. (AP Photo)
D-Day
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Under the cover of naval shell fire, American infantrymen wade ashore from their landing craft during the initial Normandy landing operations in France. (AP Photo/Peter Carroll)
D-Day
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German prisoners of war are led away by Allied forces from Utah Beach on 6 June, 1944. (AP Photo)

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In pictures: D-Day landings of 6 June 1944

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Susan Ryan

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