June 6, 1944. D-Day.
“Your task will not be an easy one.” -Gen Eisenhower - At dawn, the largest amphibious force in history began landing on the beaches of occupied Normandy. There were 4,216 landing ships, seven battleships, 139 destroyers, and 156,000 Allied troops assembled to commence Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy. They faced an entrenched, fully mechanized, battle-hardened German force.
“The eyes of the world are upon you.” Each Soldier, Sailor and Airmen had an individual story as to how they had reached this day - and behind them perhaps a family at home, praying and expectantly waiting news. The fate of the world hung in the balance. There was no Plan B.
“We will accept nothing less than full Victory!” As men fell and blood drenched the beaches, they continued to advance. At Omaha Beach, they scaled the treacherous cliffs at brutal casualties. All told, 4,414 would pay the ultimate price, with thousands more injured. Yet the foothold had been established. In less than a calendar year on May 8, 1945, victory in Europe would be declared.
This edition is a tribute to the courage, heroism, and sacrifice shown at D-Day. The left side of this classic 1911 features a dramatic landing scene based off historical photos. Waves crest at the landing craft near the beach turned battlefield. The right side features a historically accurate battleship - the USS Texas - in active support of the landing. Deep relief scroll breaches the borders of the scenes, as a flag subtly accents the scroll to the rear of the serrations. The spring covers feature a helmet-inspired texture.
On the top of the slide, a B-17 Flying Fortress supported by a P-51 Mustang soars over a map of Normandy and the English channel. ‘OVERLORD’ is deeply carved to the rear. Classic American Walnut grips on a gorgeous case-hardened frame complete the vintage look. And finally, on the frontstrap, engraved is a soldier's M1 carbine and helmet. May we never forget their sacrifice, and the day that changed the course of history: June 6, 1944 - D-Day.
-Merlin Enright, Master Engraver
I had been working on this concept since the 75th anniversary a few years ago, as I thought that a more spectacular edition was needed to commemorate such a momentous event. In all fairness, nothing can really do D-Day justice. However, I hoped to create an edition at least worthy of passing down to the next generation. I do fear that some of the values and ideals exemplified on that day - Courage, Honor, Sacrifice - could in our modern society be relegated to an ‘old-fashioned’ and archaic approach to life. General Eisenhower and President Roosevelt were united in ‘beseeching the Almighty God for his blessing’ in national prayer. It was indeed a different time.
My son will never meet his grandfather, who volunteered for deployment during the Vietnam War as a combat medic. He will never meet his great-grandfather of the WWII 442nd Regiment or his other ancestors who fought in the Great War. But I hope he shares their values. Someday he will be old enough to appreciate this edition, and the story that goes behind it. I hope he never takes the past for granted. He comes from the line of the Greatest Generation, and that is something worth remembering.
Stock photos shown. This is not a one of one engraved firearm, but is engraved with the same care and attention to execute this spectacular pattern one gun at a time. This edition does not currently have an edition limit, and is primarily limited by the time associated with and difficulty of engraving.
A presentation box is also available as an optional add-on. USA Made. The box includes a Velvet Pillow for gun placement. Choose from American Walnut or Cherry, with solid wood lid or with glass lid.
ALTAMONT® is pleased to offer a layaway plan to assist with the purchase of its firearms products.
CLICK HERE FOR LAYAWAY PDFModel | Springfield 1911 Garrison (PX9420) |
Caliber | .45 ACP |
Barrel Length | 5 Inch |
Frame Finish | Color Case Hardened |
Part Number | S1911-DDY-AA |
Engraving Grade | AA |
Engraving | D-Day Commemorative |
Grips | Custom Engraved American Walnut |
Designer | Merlin Enright |