Allied military planners knew the only way to win World War II was to fight their way into Europe. Earlier invasions of Italy and other parts of Europe were proceeding slowly. British and American planners decided to strike the French coast across from England, hoping to get a foothold in that part of the continent. The resulting invasion, known as Operation Overlord, saw millions of military personnel organized for the attack. Sailors and flyers struck the coastal positions, but the most difficult part of the assault fell to the infantry tasked with storming ashore. The 116th Infantry Regiment was part of the 29th Infantry Division. Members of this unit moved from England to attack the Dog Green section of Omaha Beach on D-Day.