The invasion that marked the turning point for the integration of African American soldiers into the military during World War II was the Normandy Invasion, also known as D-Day, which occurred on June 6, 1944. While African Americans had served in segregated units, the need for manpower in the wartime effort led to more integration. D-Day exemplified this shift as African American soldiers played critical roles in various capacities, challenging long-standing racial barriers. The performance of these soldiers contributed to changing perceptions regarding race within the military, ultimately culminating in the 1948 desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces, sought by President Harry Truman.