320th ANTI-AIRCRAFT BALLOON BATTALION

American Heroes of Normandy Beach - World War II

EXCERPT FROM THE STARS AND STRIPES

"A U. S. BEACHHEAD, July 5, 1944 -- During and since D-Day barrage balloons flown by a Negro barrage balloon battalion have provided a screen of rubber several miles long on the two main beachheads, assisting in the protection of troop landings and the unloading of supplies.

There are two significant aspects of this outfit's work. First, the VLA (very low altitude) balloon confounded skeptics on their part in keeping enemy raiders above effective strafing altitude.

Second, the unit has the distinction of being the only Negro combat group included in the first assault forces to hit the coasts."