I've come to the conclusion the significant contributions made by the photo intelligence organization, from aerial camera to front line briefing, is one of the most unrecognized in WWII. It played a critical role in everything we did from D-Day onward. The 30th Infantry Division was named by SLA Marshall as the top American division of WWII, the Germans called it "FDR's SS", and the Division commanders documented the critical importance of photo intelligence in their operational success.
As I've researched the interpretation side so deeply, one thing in particular has jumped out at me. The American commanders in their post-WWII histories have gone to great lengths to thank, and provide recognition to, the British, Canadians, and Australians who created the US photo interpretation program; the strength of these commanders beliefs shown through their comments is evident.
My father talked about having to go up in observation planes to take pictures himself when necessary. I have the Kodak 35mm he used to do it still. The plane below is likely the actual one from the 30th ID that he flew in - I believe it's a Stinson L-5 Sentinel. From the stories I've found about the pilot, I'm guessing those recon flights were an adventure!