Traffic Cop in Hell

This morning I learned the term "beachmaster".  It had not occurred to me before that someone was in charge of the "rear" areas on D-Day beaches, under that heavy and deadly fire.  I always pictured the troops landing and moving as units under various coordinated commands, under that same barrage.  Never gave thought to what it took to move those troops in, evacuate the wounded and clear debris. Out in the open.  Under fire.

I do now.