“Operation Tonga” was the codename given to the landing of the British 6th Airborne Division on the eastern flank of the invasion area during the Battle of Normandy on the night of the 5/6 June 1944. The objective was to help to defend the flank primarily by capturing and holding the only crossing of the Orne River north of the town of Caen.
“Operation Detroit” was the insertion, by parachute and glider, of the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division into Normandy on the night of 5–6 June 1944 as part of Operation Overlord. The drop zone for the 82nd Airborne was around Sainte-Mère-Église, to the west of Utah beach, intending to protect the western flank of the invasion.
“Operation Chicago” was the airborne insertion of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division into Vierville in Normandy on the early morning of June 6, 1944. It was part of the Allied invasion of northern France, Operation Overlord. Secure the four causeway exits behind Utah Beach and Disrupt German communications to name a few.
The Airborne units enjoy the surpise advantage, however the confusion of battle often causes misdrops, sometimes resulting in an hour or more of lost time as wayward soldiers struggle to become oriented deep behind enemy territory.
