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World War II–dated TLS, one page, 7.75 x 10.25, Headquarters European Theater, United States Army, Office of the Commanding General letterhead, June 13, 1944. Letter to Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, expressing congratulations on the successful D-Day invasion of Normandy. In full: "One week ago this morning there was established through your coordinated efforts, our first foot-hold in Northwestern Europe. High as was my pre-invasion confidence in your courage, skill and effectiveness in working together as a unit, your accomplishments in the first seven days of this Campaign have exceeded my brightest hopes.
You are a truly great Allied Team; a Team in which each part gains its greatest satisfaction in rendering maximum assistance to the entire body and in which each individual member is justifiably confident in all others.
No matter how prolonged or bitter the struggle that lies ahead you will do your full part toward the restoration of a free France, the liberation of all European nations under Axis domination, and the destruction of the Nazi military machine.
I truly congratulate you upon a brilliantly successful beginning to this great undertaking. Liberty-loving people, everywhere, would today like to join me in saying to you 'I am proud of you.'" Annotated at the head in pencil in another hand: "Will you please publish in CROs," referring to Corps Routine Orders. In fine condition.
The D-Day invasion, launched on June 6, 1944, marked the largest amphibious assault in history as Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. Despite fierce German resistance and heavy casualties, the operation was a success, securing a crucial foothold that allowed the Allies to push inland. In the immediate aftermath, Allied forces rapidly expanded their beachheads, captured key ports, and began the steady advance across France, dealing a significant blow to German military strength and hastening the collapse of Nazi occupation in Western Europe.
As indicated in the letter's header, General Eisenhower sent copies of this letter to the five commanding officers of the Allied Expeditionary Forces: General Montgomery, Admiral Ramsay, air Chief Marshal Leigh-Mallory, Air Chief Marshal Harris, and Lieutenant General Spaatz. It was subsequently communicated to the soldiers, airmen, sailors and merchant seaman, and all others of the force, congratulating them for a job well done.
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