Order Of The Day
June 6th 1944
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force:
You are about to embark on 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.
Your task will not be a easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipt and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944!.....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!
General Dwight D. Eisenhower
General Eisenhower also had written this note which he kept in his pocket, in case of failure.
Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air forces and Navy did all that bravery and devotion to duty could do. If there is any blame or fault attached to the attempt, it is mine alone.
The surest sign of a great leader is that he will accept blame for failure as well as take credit for success.
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