Printed broadside, one page, 5.5 x 8.75, of General Dwight Eisenhower’s Order of the Day on June 6, 1944, delivered upon the D-Day invasion of France. In full: “Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Forces: 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 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, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good Luck! And let us all beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.” Boldly signed at the conclusion in black ink, “Dwight D. Eisenhower.” Broadside was originally included in the first edition of Eisenhower’s book Crusade in Europe, limited to 1426 numbered and signed copies. Double matted and framed with a portrait to an overall size of 17.5 x 15. Previously sold by the Kenneth W. Rendell Gallery, New York. It was never a certainty that Operation Overlord would succeed. The tenuousness surrounding the entire decision including the timing and the location of the Normandy invasion might be summarized by a short speech that Eisenhower wrote in advance, in case he might need it. Operation Overlord, still remains the largest sea borne invasion in history, involving almost three million troops. A remarkable piece transcending Eisenhower’s appeal as president and military leader, highlighting perhaps his single greatest achievement. In very fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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