Operations Order by General Dwight David Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe ...

Operations Order by General Dwight David Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, for the Invasion of France [D-Day]. Historical Document. [Portsmouth, England], 1944

Operation order to the soldiers of the Allied Expeditionary Force for the great invasion, by their commander, General Eisenhower. [Portsmouth, England], 1944.

Specifications: [1] leaf, official paper, with the forces' emblem at the document's top, and a print of the general's handwritten signature at the document's bottom. 15X23 cm.

Background: The operations order before us was issued prior to Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion Normandy's shores, occupied France, on 6.6.1944. It was the largest maritime landing in history, in which more than 150,000 fighters participated. The invasion was intended to break through the Atlantic wall, to open a second front against Germany (the "Western Front") while establishing a foothold on French soil. The invasion marked the beginning of the end of Nazi Germany.

"Supreme Headquarters
Allied Expeditionary Force

Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
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 the 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 and devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good Luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking."

Eisenhower began drafting the operations order shortly after taking office in February 1944, and it was given to the fighters who were to participate in the invasion on June 5, 1944, before they left for action. The original version of the operations order is in Kansas at the Eisenhower Presidential Library.

Dwight David Eisenhower (1890-1969), was a general who served in World War II as the Supreme Commander of Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe. He was the 34th President of the United States (1953-1961).

Condition: Moderate-fine. Fold marks, tiny tears along fold marks, few small stains without damage to text.