In addition to its focus on intensity and realism, Call of Duty 2 also emphasizes its historical accuracy. All military units in the game actually existed and all of the battles portrayed did occur (although not exactly as portrayed in the game).
The earliest year the game goes back to is 1940, yet most of the story occurs between 1944 and 1945. The tale follows Private Ronald "Red" Daniels and his Infantry squad as they try to end the Nazis towards the conclusion of World War 2.