Throw a grenade at the big AT/AA gun and then capture it.

The medal on this mission can be obtained after the 'big explosion' cut scene by clearing the western approach to/from the beach.

After you get more used to playing, you will look back and wish you had obtained more of these medals, so why not start focusing on them now?! You can view these medals obtained on the main screen under the subcategory Rewards.

IMPORTANT: Medals can be obtained for each of the 15 missions in Company of Heroes.

(It's very easy to overlook this sniper in the heat of battle!) When you first sight the sniper on the beach, turn on his invisibility function before moving him forward or he won't make it to the shingle.

Alternatively, there is a sniper you can utilize to neutralize many of the machine gunners in this mission.

Once your engineers throw the satchel charge at the main machine gun emplacement at the top of the hill, the next cut scene will occur and lead to the next part of the mission.

Storming the cliffs of Normandy will give you practice utilizing the grenade and satchel charge ability of your units.

That's the big white 'plus' sign you see once you choose a squad.

Later in this mission, when squads fall below six, you can call in reinforcements to fill the vacancies.

Let me just point out a few things on Mission 1 to help get you started. So just getting started with Company of Heroes? Congrats! This is a great game! And the cut scenes to Omaha Beach have to be one of the most classic (and intense) in gaming history!

Company of heroes: opposing fronts