Norman Cota
Norman D. Cota | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | "Dutch" |
| Born | May 30, 1893 Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | October 4, 1971 (aged 78) Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Service years | 1917–1946 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Service number | O-5284 |
| Unit | Infantry Branch |
| Commands | 28th Infantry Division |
| Conflicts | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star (2) Purple Heart |
| Other work | Zone administrator, War Assets Administration Civil defense director, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania |
Norman Daniel Cota Sr., nicknamed "Dutch" (May 30, 1893 – October 4, 1971) was a senior United States Army officer who fought during World War II. Cota was heavily involved in the planning and execution of the Allied invasion of Normandy, in June 1944, codenamed Operation Neptune, and the subsequent Battle of Normandy. He is known for rallying demoralized troops on Omaha Beach on D-Day, by engaging in combat beside them and personally leading their first successful breakout, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC).