Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) was the Supreme Allied Commander of the Invasion of Normandy and Assault on German forces in Europe during World War II; he would later be President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. On June 5, 1944 nearly 3 million troops, 4,000 ships, and 1,200 planes belonging to America and the other Allied forces waited in England for the order to invade the French Coast of Normandy to begin an assault on the Germans who had taken over much of Europe. Eisenhower’s Order of the Day was delivered to the 175,000-member expeditionary forces meant to invade Normandy directly on June 5, 1944, the eve of the invasion. As you read, note the LANGUAGE that the author uses to describe Allied forces and their opponents.
Dear Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Forces:
You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade,
toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies
and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts
you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944. Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41.
The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned. The free men of the world are marching together to victory.
I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty, and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory.
Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.
Sincerely,
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
General Eisenhower ...