The Big Red One on D-Day

The Big Red One D-Day was selected as a finalist for an Indie Book Award in the military category.

Acclaimed artist Keith Rocco has partnered again with Lombardy Studios to offer several illustrated D-Day books, paintings and images in a unique informational poster, and a board game.

Keith Rocco’s meticulous research, aided by the museum staff, archives, and artifacts of the First Infantry Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois, enabled Keith to produce two large detailed wall murals and portraits that capture the incredible action of these two fateful days.

 

AVAILABLE NOW HERE

112-page hardcover book (cover shown above)

In images and words this new book honors the courage of the men of the Big Red One (BRO) at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, and the following day.

With additional research and narrative written by Gerald D. Swick who wrote for and edited D-Day 75th Anniversary: A Millennials Guide (Monroe Publications). He authored articles for the Encyclopedia of World War II: A Social, Political, and Military History (ABC-CLIO), and he has written for many magazines. His narrative nonfiction writing has received a literary fellowship and a Press Association Lifestyles Writing Award

Keith Rocco in front of a section of his June 6 mural.
Keith Rocco in front of a section of his June 6 mural.
1st Lieutenant Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. was one of three men awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.
1st Lieutenant Jimmie W. Monteith Jr. was one of three men awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.
In this intense scene medics treat wounded on Omaha Beach.
In this intense scene medics treat wounded on Omaha Beach.
320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only African American unit in the first wave at Omaha Beach.
320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only African American unit in the first wave at Omaha Beach.
The second mural Rocco painted shows more troops arriving on June 7 .
The second mural Rocco painted shows more troops arriving on June 7.
Journalist Ernie Pyle
Journalist Ernie Pyle on June 7

A 20-page graphic history Bloody Omaha

 

The perfect introduction to or summary about D-Day and World War Two. This soft-cover concise synopsis uses some of Keith Rocco’s art and Gerald Swick’s abridged text in a graphic novel–style format. See the slideshow for sample 2-page spreads

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The June 6 and June 7 Wall Murals – A 6-page foldout that shows both of the Rocco wall murals with reference numbers and descriptive text explaining the scenes in the murals.

A second foldout poster featuring the research and original art of historian and filmmaker Michael Akkerman portrays the German defenses the Americans faced at Omaha Beach. PLUS a unique map on the back of the Akkerman poster, by prominent cartographer Phil Schwartzberg of Meridian Mapping, shows the five invasion landing areas and incorporates a commentary by Dana Lombardy that includes several thought-provoking “what-if” scenarios.

YOU CAN BUY THE ABOVE ITEMS NOW HERE.

AND…

Coming in late October 2025

  • A solitaire and 2-player BOARD GAME of the amphibious assault at Omaha Beach that uses hidden German defenses, variable landings, random events, playing-card-enhanced tactical opportunities and challenges, and more. FREE shipping to USA addresses.
  • More Images and background here.
Unlike the other four invasion sites on June 6, 1944, Omaha Beach’s high cliffs had only five exit points off the beach – guarded by concrete bunkers and firing positions. The crowded beaches were quickly filled with wounded and dead soldiers.
 
U.S. Navy veteran and tour guide Dennis Benson stands on a ridge overlooking Omaha Beach in 2024. Designer Dana Lombardy gathered sand for special Omaha Beach souvenir bottles (see Shop page for the purchase option that includes the souvenir sand).
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