The thirty-two men in Clay’s platoon gathered around a large table in a tent. Clay’s lungs filled with the heavy smell of damp canvas, but his veins filled with anticipation.

Lt. Bill Taylor leaned big hands on the blanket-draped table. “This is it, boys.”

Ernie McKillop whooped, and the men laughed.

Clay grinned. As soon as they’d arrived at the camp outside Dorchester, the MPs had strung barbed wire around their enclosure. Confined to the marshaling area, the Rangers knew what was happening.

Now they’d finally learn the plan Rudder and the other officers had sweated over.

“You are some of the few troops in this invasion who will know the full scope of the plan before we board our transports. That’s because you need to know not only your individual objective, but that of your squad, your section, your platoon, your company, and both Ranger battalions.”

That’s why Clay liked the Rangers. The combination of individual and group responsibility resonated with him.

Taylor flopped over part of the blanket, revealing a map. “This is where the Allies will be invading—in the Normandy region of France.”

Clay edged closer with his buddies.

Taylor pointed to the end of the map. “From the left flank to the right, the British will land here on Sword Beach, the Canadians on Juno Beach, and more British on Gold. US V Corps will land on Omaha, and US VII Corps on Utah. In V Corps, the 1st Infantry Division will land to the left, the 29th to the right. The 2nd and 5th Rangers are attached to 29th Division.”

Clay crossed his arms. A broad enough front to handle the large number of troops but narrow enough to support each other. Wise.

“This is the Rangers’ objective, Pointe du Hoc.” Taylor pointed to a triangle of land between Omaha and Utah. “The Germans have six French-made 155-mm guns on this point. These guns have a range of 25,000 yards. That’s over ten miles, boys. Far enough to reach Utah, Omaha, and the fleet offshore.”

Clay let out a low whistle at the semicircle around the point showing the range.

Lieutenant Taylor flung the blanket off the rest of the table, revealing a contoured rubber map. “This shows the assault area for the 29th Division. Here’s the plan. Ranger Force A will consist of Companies D, E, and F of the 2nd Rangers—you boys. We’ll land directly at Pointe du Hoc.”

Gene nudged Clay and grinned. Yep, they’d received the best assignment.

“Force B is Company C of the 2nd Rangers. They’ll land on Charlie Beach at the far right of Omaha, to the right of the D-1 draw at Vierville-sur-Mer. They’ll climb the cliff, proceed to Pointe de la Percée, take out the guns and radar station there, then meet us at Pointe du Hoc.”

A climb and a five-mile hike. Those fellows would be busy.