(Continued From Above.)   Hellions who attended D-Day for the first time had endured a year of incredible war stories.  Several later confessed that they had thought it would be a good experience but had believed accounts of its enormity were overblown.  The reality of the event was more than they could have imagined.  Despite record gas prices and a struggling economy, close to 4,000 players participated in this year’s Oklahoma D-Day, including some that came from as far away as Australia, Scotland, Germany, and other international destinations.

Thunderstorms were sometimes harsh and left the whole campground looking like a muddy bog.  A number of tents and awnings did not survive the week.  The min-scenarios throughout the week were just practice and acclimatization but only counted for bragging rights. The word “mini” seems ironic as the numbers involved ranged from several hundred to over a thousand--turn out that any other field would kill for, not consider a dress rehearsal. 

The Hellions served in the 6th Fallschirmjäger Regiment, the special paratrooper unit better known as the Green Devils.  The team, serving in the 2nd battalion, were assigned an area to operate but were soon re-tasked to help counter the Airborne combined assault in the south, west of Caen.  By the time they arrived, the Allies were pushing up to Sword Beach.  Soon after, the order was given to abandon Pegasus Bridge and fortify the south of Colleville.  To those on the field, dug in deep with plenty of men around the bridge, it seemed like madness.  To those in the command bunker with a better idea of the whole field it must have seemed necessary.  The Germans pulled back and fortified the city.  The Allies pushed and pushed for Colleville--even seizing the flag of it once or twice--but they never really wrested control of the area.  Alan “Rebel” Hay was recognized by his teammates for his heroic St. Laurent flag capture seconds before it was scored.  The objectives to the north such as the Airfield and Utah Beach were never really contested.  The final battle for Colleville was unbelievable.  It almost seemed like all 4,000 players and armor were in or around the city.  Some players actually went through two cases or more of paint during the last half hour alone.

In the end, it seems the Axis Command’s exceptional leadership skills, logistical planning and ability to quickly adapt to the constant ebb and flow of the battle field made the difference.  Despite being outnumbered and outflanked in the beginning, the Germans were able to counter the Allies’ superior numbers and control the vital pieces of real estate that delivered the final victory.  History was changed on that day: the Germans won the war. 

The Hellions made a number of new friends and allies from all across the country.  Every one in attendance had an incredible time and promised to make it an annual event.  Last year only 3 made it.  This year there were 15.  Next year there should be 25 or more.  Who knows? Maybe history could repeat itself and the Germans could win again.