Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "USS Emmons" in English language version.
The Emmons (DD-457) had started the day escorting minesweepers, clearing a path to Omaha Beach. She was about 3,000 yards offshore and waiting to begin her shore bombardment, ordered for 0550, when a German gun opened fire. Shells straddled the destroyer. She returned fire, momentarily silencing the Germans. Then she became floating artillery. The Emmons and other fire-support destroyers sailed as close as 1,000 yards from the beaches.