The New York Journalist Who Was in Normandy on D-Day

A.J. Liebling was more than just a New Yorker; he was a legendary journalist whose work had a significant impact on the world of reporting during World War II.

Liebling was born and bred in New York City and had a close association with The New Yorker from 1935 until he died in 1963. However, it was his work during World War II, particularly his coverage of D-Day, that cemented his place in journalistic history.

Liebling was an active civilian war correspondent who shared stories from the front lines with New Yorkers back home. The most memorable of those stories was the piece he wrote about his experiences under fire aboard a U.S. Coast Guard-staffed landing craft off Omaha Beach during the Normandy landings on D-Day. His description of the chaos, fear, and bravery he witnessed was a harrowing first-hand account that brought the realities of war vividly to life.

After D-Day, Liebling spent two months in Normandy and Brittany with the Allied forces with whom he was with when they finally entered Paris, and his reporting further cemented his reputation as a respected journalist and war correspondent.

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Today, on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day operation, we can’t forget Liebling's special report in The New Yorker that detailed his experiences and brought the realities of war home. In his article, titled "Cross-Channel Trip," Liebling chronicles the journey from England to France in a vivid and sometimes humorous way that offers a momentary break from the seriousness of the war.

Liebling's reporting helped to shape the public's perception of the war and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. He brought to life the stories of the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who risked everything to fight for their country and those of their allies. Liebling's unique voice and storytelling abilities made him a master of his craft, and his legacy continues to inspire journalists today.

Liebling's D-Day experience can be read in its entirety through his article titled "Cross-Channel Trip" which was published in The New Yorker on June 23, 1944.