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On this day 80 years ago, in 1944, thousands of troops stormed five beaches in northern France - known forever as Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.
Troops from across the world took part in the mission - codename Overlord - to combat Nazi Germany who controlled much of Europe at the time.
Five of those troops - all New Zealanders - are featured in an Air Force Museum of New Zealand exhibtion which opens today in Christchurch.
The stories highlight the role and experiences the men had in the event which changed the course of history
Simon Moody is the Airforce Museum research creator, he speaks to Jesse.
Photo: [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons