Big Red One Assault Museum - 1st Infantry Division Memorial
About Big Red One Assault Museum - 1st Infantry Division Memorial
The Big Red One Assault Museum is a private collection dedicated to the 1st US Infantry Division, which landed on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. Founded in 2004 by Pierre-Louis Gosselin after 30 years of research and direct contact with veterans, the museum displays authentic D-Day artifacts including machine guns, remnants of wooden landing craft, soldiers' uniforms, personal equipment, historical photographs, and secret invasion documents. Located 300 meters from the entrance to the American Cemetery, this intimate museum changes its scenography annually to showcase different aspects of the collection. Guided tours of the museum and nearby beach sites are available upon request. The museum is seasonal, operating from April to October, with reduced hours in spring and autumn. Free parking is available on-site.
Interesting Facts
The nickname 'Big Red One' comes from the division's distinctive shoulder patch featuring a large red numeral '1' on an olive drab shield. This insignia was the first divisional patch authorized by the U.S. Army in 1918 during World War I, making it the oldest divisional insignia in the American military.
The museum is unique among Normandy's D-Day museums because it changes its entire exhibition layout every year. This means returning visitors can see different artifacts and perspectives on the 1st Infantry Division's history with each visit.
The 1st Infantry Division suffered approximately 1,190 casualties on D-Day alone at Omaha Beach, with many soldiers cut down before even reaching the sand. The division was specifically chosen for this assault because of its combat experience from North Africa and Sicily.
Planning Your Visit
Opening Hours
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Museum Entry
RecommendedLocation & Practical Info
Address
1397 Route d'Omaha Beach, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer, France
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