State Historical Society of Iowa

Dwight D. Eisenhower, D-Day Statement to Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force, June 1944

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Courtesy of National Archives, Eisenhower, Dwight D., "D-Day Statement to Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force," June 1944

Description

This document was the written statement from General Dwight D. Eisenhower that was delivered on the eve of D-Day. The statement was written to soldiers, airmen and sailors to show the scope of military action and how significant the joint action would be.

Source Dependent Questions

  • How did General Dwight D. Eisenhower describe the outcomes of the American Expeditionary Force's work?
  • Consider this statement from the letter, "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." How was this description different from characterizations of Japanese actions in other sources?
  • Use specific textual evidence to explain General Eisenhower's main purpose in delivering this statement. Explain whether or not you believe it was effective in achieving its purpose and why.

Citation Information

Eisenhower, Dwight D., "D-Day Statement to Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force," June 1944. Courtesy of National Archives Courtesy of Library of Congress