Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
\nYou are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have
\nstriven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The
\nhopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.
\nIn company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on
\nother Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war
\nmachine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of
\nEurope, and security for ourselves in a free world.<\/p>\n
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well
\nequipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.<\/p>\n
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of
\n1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats,
\nin open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their
\nstrength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home
\nFronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions
\nof war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men.
\nThe tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to
\nVictory!<\/p>\n
I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill in
\nbattle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory! <\/p>\n
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great
\nand noble undertaking.<\/p>\n
SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower<\/p>\n