American Valor Quarterly Issue 6 - Spring/Summer 2009 | Page 13
D-DAY: 65 Years Later
Eisenhower’s Broadcast to Western Europe
June 6, 1944
Shortly after midnight on June 6, 1944, tens of thousands of Allied
paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines over Normandy.
A few hours later – at 0630 – the first of 160,000 troops to come
ashore that day landed, as American, British, and Canadian forces
stormed Gold, Sword, Juno, Utah, and Omaha beaches. They were
backed by nearly 200,000 naval and merchant navy personnel on
5,000 ships operating in the English Channel. The landings of June
6 – D-Day – were the largest amphibious operation of all time.
initial assault may not have been made in your own country, the
hour of your liberation is approaching.
Ultimately, thanks to the determination of the Allied invasion forces,
and to the organizational capabilities of Eisenhower, the operation
was a success. As the day proceeded and the invasion forces created
a defensible beachhead, Eisenhower saw fit to deliver the following
radio address to the people of Western Europe, assuring them that
their hour of liberation was almost at hand…
Because the initial landing has been made on the soil of your
country, I repeat to you with even greater emphasis my message
to the peoples of other occupied countries in Western Europe.
Follow the instructions of your leaders. A premature uprising of
all Frenchmen may prevent you from being of maximum help to
your country in the critical hour. Be patient. Prepare!
People of Western Europe: A landing was made this morning on
the coast of France by troops of the Allied Expeditionary Force.
This landing is part of the concerted United Nations’ plan for the
liberation of Europe, made in conjunction with our great Russian
allies.
As Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, there
is imposed on me the duty and responsibility of taking all measures
necessary to the prosecution of the war. Prompt and willing
obedience to the orders that I shall issue is essential.
All patriots, men and women, young and old, have a part to play
in the achievement of final victory. To members of resistance
movements, I say, “Follow the instructions you have received.” To
patriots who are not members of organized resistance groups, I say,
“Continue your passive resistance, but do not needlessly endanger
your lives until I give you the signal to rise and strike the enemy.
The man charged with executing this massive operation – G