ISTM that there was wide variation in the
success of various elements of the operation.
Herewith, a "report card" on these elements,
as I see them:
Planning:
Strategic: A (The Allies picked the right place and time to attack.)
Operational: A (The Allied plan of attack was spot on.)
Tactical: B (Some of the details were not well thought out.)
Security: A (The Germans were taken completely by surprise.)
Deception: A+ (Even after D-Day, the Germans still expected invasion
elsewhere.)
Organization
Planning: A (Just about every detail was accounted for in advance.)
Execution: A (All troops and materiel were ready, when and where
needed.)
Aerial prep barrage: D (Completely missed the beach defenses)
Airborne operation:
U.S.: C+ (took their objectives; but the drops were _badly_
scattered)
British: ? (Aside from Pegasus Bridge, I know nothing)
SWORD: B (Got ashore and well inland, but did not take Caen as
planned.)
JUNO: B (As SWORD.)
GOLD: B (As SWORD, except Bayeux instead of Caen.)
OMAHA: C- (Got ashore, but just barely.)
UTAH: B (Got ashore and well inland, but left many German pockets.)