HA beach nor were the obstacles so thickly patterned. The timing and the execution of the operational plans were much better which accounts for better results. The essential difference in the actual demolition operations was in the fact that electric firing was used instead of safety fuse, giving a much better control in removal of the obstacles.Casualties on the OMAHA beach for Demolition personnel were 31 killed and 60 wounded, a casualty rate of 52 per cent. Casualties for the Demolition personnel on UTAH beach were 6 dead and 11 wounded. All casualties were the result of enemy action and no casualties resulted from improper handling of the explosives. The OMAHA unit received one of only three Presidential Unit Citations awarded to the Navy for the Normandy landings and the UTAH demolition units received the only Navy Unit Commendation awarded for the Normandy landing. Navy Crosses were awarded to Ens. William R. Freeman, Gunner's Mate Robert W. Bass, Gunner's Mate John H. Line, Chief Jerry N. Markham, Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Loran E. Barbour, LTJG William M. Jenkins, and Ens. Lawrence S. Karnowski. There were also a number of Silver Stars and Bronze Stars to others who were especially outstanding in a day of widespread heroism.The NCDU regrouped and Lieutenant Commander Herbert Peterson, in charge of Naval Combat Demolition Force "U", with ten veteran UTAH units, embarked in a Mediterranean-bound convoy for Salerno. Here they trained for the upcoming invasion of Southern France. As these combat demolitioneers proved once again the need for and the success of underwater demolition, the newly organized Underwater Demolition Teams, UDT, were proving their worth in Saipan. Many NCDU men stayed in demolition and got to the Pacific in time for the occupation of Japan, but the end of World War II brought the end of Naval Combat Demolition Units. Many NCDU men brought their experience and expertise to the Underwater Demolition Teams. ...
