The Big Red One

D-Day

June 6, 1944

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” — General George Patton

Updated 11/27/23 –

At the bottom of this page you can order these D-Day products – shipping now – using the Monroe Publications links provided.

A new 112-page Hardcover book

In images and words this new book honors the courage of the men of the Big Red 1 (BRO) at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, and the following day. 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 him to produce two large detailed wall murals and portraits that capture the incredible action of these two fateful days.

Authored 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.

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.

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 (right), including journalist Ernie Pyle (left).

Plus a new 20-page graphic novel

Keith Rocco just created an ADDITIONAL special soft-cover condensed summary that uses some of his art and the author’s text in a graphic novel–style format. You can click on the sample spreads below or download them to read more.

This unique Illustrated History—the first in a new series—is available now.

Bloody Omaha

The Big Red One on D-Day

A solitaire and 2-player game by Hall of Fame award-winning designer Dana Lombardy. See sample game art below. More details coming soon.

Left to right below: Game cover; 1-inch square markers (full-strength on right, reduced strength backs on the left); game map; circular die-cut tokens (front sides at top, hidden reverse sides below); a Random Event card.

STATUS of these 3 D-Day products – to order click on the links below:

The Big Red One D-Day 112-page hardcover book NOW SHIPPING – https://bit.ly/47tPt7a

Bloody Omaha Illustrated History 20-page graphic novel NOW SHIPPING – https://bit.ly/3KEdeQl

Bloody Omaha solitaire & 2-player game CROWDFUND IN JUNE 2024 – https://bit.ly/453zQBH
– playtest copies AVAILABLE IN APRIL from dana.lombardy@gmail.com

One of the exhibit walls in the First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in the Chicago area.

Keith working on a section of the two murals now on display at the FDM.

Ready to embark on a journey through history? All items, including The Big Red One D-Day book, are available now in the shop! Click below to secure your copy and dive into the past:

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