68 years later
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.
SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Category: Historical
Thanks, Uncle Stan. Glad you made it home alive – and I got a chance to know you.
RIP, old soldier. Like you have for the past 20 years.
Wow. Best post of the year. Thank you, Jonn,
To all who were there and all who supported them we owe our very lives. Thank you each and every one. We have not forgotten your sacrifice.
The Hour Is Go
One’s eye close tight and families fade,
When going to war which evil men made.
Though anxious and frightened, we don’t let it show,
For the day is approaching, when the Airborne must go.
Each day now rolls past; we wait just the same,
But D-Day is near, and for this we all came.
The hour grows near; each man feels it inside,
And soon we’ll be falling, with nowhere to hide.
Our eyes are now down and the chatter the same,
Each weapon now loaded, no longer a game.
Jumpers gather round and bow your heads low,
Europe awaits and the hour is go.
Planes rumble past as we wait for our turn,
To fly over waters we have yet to each earn.
Checked buckles and straps, left nothing to chance,
The Jumpmaster stands, calls “Welcome To France.”
Flak turns to fire in the blackest of night,
Too low, too fast, can’t jump from this height.
There’s no turning back, the risk has been taken,
Free fall into hell, paratrooper’s forsaken.
Jumpers hold tight, scattered prayers to survive,
We’ll hit the ground soon, whether dead or alive.
As feet touch the ground, each soldier turns on,
Confusion and fear are beaten and gone.
The enemy is close and sad they don’t know,
The Airborne is here, it’s time they must go.
The hour is now, Hitler’s had his last chance,
On St. Michael’s wings, we’re taking back France.
A skinny 19year old Private from Tolleson, Az landed on Utah Beach with the 79th Division of the 7th Army. Felix M. Quintana, my father. He never talked about it much. My brothers and I took him to see “Saving Private Ryan” and he cried.
Hand Salute to the greatest!