Original “order of the day” leaflet, distributed to troops prior to the Normandy invasion.
Before the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower distributed a printed message to Allied troops, often referred to as the Order of the Day. This one-page leaflet was a personal and motivational address designed to inspire soldiers as they prepared for the invasion of Nazi-occupied France.
The leaflet began with the salutation “Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!” and emphasized the importance of the mission, calling it a “Great Crusade” against tyranny. Eisenhower highlighted the years of preparation, the strength of the Allied forces, and the righteousness of their cause. He assured the troops that their bravery, skill, and determination would lead to victory.
The message also warned of the challenges ahead, acknowledging the enemy’s strong defenses, but emphasized the superiority of Allied strategy, air power, and supply lines. Eisenhower expressed confidence in the soldiers’ ability to achieve victory and called upon them to give their full commitment. He concluded the letter with words of encouragement, reminding them that the hopes and prayers of the free world were with them.
This leaflet was printed and distributed widely among the invasion forces, and many soldiers carried it with them into battle as a source of inspiration.
Before the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, General Dwight D. Eisenhower distributed a printed message to Allied troops, often referred to as the Order of the Day. This one-page leaflet was a personal and motivational address designed to inspire soldiers as they prepared for the invasion of Nazi-occupied France.
The leaflet began with the salutation “Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!” and emphasized the importance of the mission, calling it a “Great Crusade” against tyranny. Eisenhower highlighted the years of preparation, the strength of the Allied forces, and the righteousness of their cause. He assured the troops that their bravery, skill, and determination would lead to victory.
The message also warned of the challenges ahead, acknowledging the enemy’s strong defenses, but emphasized the superiority of Allied strategy, air power, and supply lines. Eisenhower expressed confidence in the soldiers’ ability to achieve victory and called upon them to give their full commitment. He concluded the letter with words of encouragement, reminding them that the hopes and prayers of the free world were with them.
This leaflet was printed and distributed widely among the invasion forces, and many soldiers carried it with them into battle as a source of inspiration.