The 50th anniversary of the decisive 1944 allied invasion of Europe, beginning on Normandy's beaches, was commemorated with events, speeches and reunions in Europe and numerous television documentaries. Consistently hailed as the best of the TV specials was ABC's Turning Point at Normandy -
D-Day: The Soldiers' Story, anchored by Peter Jennings.

Steve York and his team of researchers and producers traveled to Germany, France, England and dozens of cities in the U.S. to record veterans' recollections of that momentous day in June 1944. Their insights are blended with the drama of combat and with the planning, training, and preparation for the largest military operation in world history. Navy, army, and air force roles are included, including the night-time paratroop and glider operations on the eve of the beach landings. Also featured is the ingenious plan of deception, involving Garbo, a German double agent, to convince German commanders that the invasion would be at Calais instead of Normandy.

"Masterly mixture of recollections and historical footage."
- John Podhoretz, The New York Post

"The program brought together many survivors of the invasion to tell their stories in interviews - movingly, evocatively, hauntingly …an altogether superb 90 minutes …"
- Tom Shales, The Washington Post

"Splendid… crisply written and richly reported. Best of all: the footage. It is truly magnificent. Grade: A."
- New York Newsday

• 1994 Gold Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival
• 1995 Cine Golden Eagle