The Big Red One Assault Museum in Colleville-sur-Mer, France takes you on a journey through the experiences of the 1st US Infantry Division during World War II. This personal collection, carefully gathered by Pierre-Louis Gosselin, focuses primarily on the division’s landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day and their subsequent actions in the Battle of Normandy.
While not among the top-rated D-Day museums in the region, it offers unique artifacts and stories that help you understand the contributions of this historic military unit.
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When you visit the museum, you’ll find yourself immersed in the history of the division nicknamed “The Big Red One.” Located near the famous Omaha Beach landing site, this museum complements other D-Day attractions in the area. If you’re interested in military history, especially the Allied invasion of Normandy, this smaller museum provides an intimate look at one division’s role in the larger events of June 6, 1944, and the days that followed.
Big Red One MUSEUM – First Infantry Memorial
The Big Red One Museum honors the legendary First Infantry Division, one of America’s most decorated military units. You’ll find it perfectly positioned along Omaha Beach in Normandy, where these brave soldiers fought during the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944.
When you visit this intimate museum, you’ll discover compelling exhibits that tell the story of the “Fighting First” and their crucial role in the Allied invasion.
Personal artifacts, photographs, and informative displays bring to life the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers who were among the first to hit the beaches.
The museum’s location provides you with a powerful context for understanding the challenges faced by American troops. Standing here, you can look out toward the same shores where soldiers landed under heavy fire, giving you a deeper appreciation for what happened on that historic day.
You’ll appreciate how the museum focuses on individual stories, making the massive scale of D-Day feel personal and relatable. It’s a moving experience that connects you directly to this pivotal moment in World War II history.
Rating: 4.4 (380 reviews)
Location: 1397 Rte d’Omaha Beach, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer, France
Contact: +33 6 72 89 36 18
Website: Visit Website
Historical Background
The Big Red One Assault Museum commemorates the crucial role of the US First Infantry Division during World War II, particularly in the D-Day landings. This division earned its nickname “Big Red One” from its distinctive shoulder patch.
World War II Context
By 1944, the war in Europe had reached a critical stage. Allied forces needed to establish a foothold in Nazi-occupied Western Europe to push toward Germany. The beaches of Normandy, France became the chosen site for this massive invasion operation.
Operation Overlord, as the D-Day invasion was officially known, began on June 6, 1944. It was the largest amphibious assault in military history, involving troops from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and other Allied nations.
The invasion required years of planning, deception operations, and gathering of resources. Success would mean the beginning of the end for Hitler’s Third Reich, while failure could have extended the war by years.
Role of the 1st Infantry Division
The 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed “The Big Red One,” was already battle-hardened before D-Day. They had fought in North Africa in 1942, participating in the first U.S. amphibious assault of the war on Algeria. Later, they joined the Sicily invasion in July 1943.
On D-Day, the Big Red One was assigned to Omaha Beach, which would prove to be the bloodiest landing site. Despite heavy German resistance and high casualties, these experienced soldiers pushed inland and established a crucial beachhead.
Their previous combat experience proved invaluable during the chaotic beach landings. The division’s perseverance helped turn potential defeat into victory on Omaha Beach, allowing follow-up forces to move inland toward their objectives.
After Normandy, the Big Red One continued fighting across Europe until Germany’s surrender in May 1945.
Exhibits and Displays
The Big Red One Assault Museum houses an impressive collection that brings the story of the 1st Infantry Division to life. Visitors can explore original wartime memorabilia and military collections that showcase the division’s crucial role in the D-Day landings.
Authentic Artifacts
As you walk through the museum, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Pierre-Louis Gosselin’s personal collection of wartime items. The displays feature genuine uniforms worn by Big Red One soldiers during the Normandy invasion.
You can examine weapons, equipment, and personal items that belonged to the brave men who stormed Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.
Military vehicles and field equipment show what daily life was like for soldiers. Maps and tactical displays help you understand the complex planning behind the D-Day assault. Many items include labels with stories about the soldiers who used them, adding a personal touch to the historical exhibits.
Interactive Exhibits
The museum goes beyond static displays with hands-on elements that make history come alive. You can try on reproduction gear to feel the weight soldiers carried during combat. Meanwhile, touch screens offer detailed information about the 1st Infantry Division’s journey from North Africa to Normandy.
Audio stations play recordings of veterans sharing their experiences. These firsthand accounts create an emotional connection to the events of D-Day. Some exhibits include scale models of landing craft and defensive positions that help you visualize the challenging conditions faced during the amphibious assault.
The museum’s interactive timeline follows the Big Red One from its formation through its pivotal role in the Allied invasion of France.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on D-Day accommodations and tours! Look for deals here:
D-Day Hotels and Tours
Other WW2 Museums in Normandy:
1944 Radar Museum
Airborne Museum Sainte-Merè-Église
Arromanches 360° Circular Cinema
Batterie d’Azeville
Batterie de Crisbecq
Bayeux Museum of the Battle of Normandy
Big Red One Assault Museum
D-Day Experience (Dead Man’s Corner)
Juno Beach Centre
Le Mémorial de Falaise – Les Civils dans la Guerre
Liberators Museum – Normandy 1944
Maisy Battery
Marcouf 44
Mémorial de Caen (Caen Memorial Museum)
Mémorial de Montormel
Mémorial Pegasus (Pegasus Bridge Museum)
Musée 44 La Percée du Bocage
Musée America Gold Beach (America-Gold Beach Museum)
Musée D-Day Omaha (D-Day Omaha Museum) Vierville-sur-Mer
Musée de la Bataille de Tilly-sur-Seulles
Musee de la Batterie de Merville
Musée de la Libération (Liberation Museum) Cherbourg
Musée des Epaves Sous-Marines
Musée du Débarquement (D-Day Museum) – Arromanches-les-Bains
Musée du Débarquement Utah Beach (Utah Beach Museum)
Musée du Mur de l’Atlantique
Musée Juin 44 L’Aigle
Museum Commando No. 4
Normandy Victory Museum
Omaha Beach Memorial Museum (Musée Mémorial d’Omaha Beach) Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer
Overlord Museum
World War II Museum Quinéville
