WW2 D-Day Dwight D. Eisenhower ‘Order Of The Day’ - 6th June 1944

The famous D-Day Order of the Day, issued by General Dwight D. Eisenhower to the soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force on the eve of the Normandy landings. This historic document, a tangible link to the pivotal moment of World War II, is a powerful testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom.

Addressed to the "soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force... about to embark upon the Great Crusade," this order captures the gravity and importance of the D-Day invasion. Eisenhower's stirring words, "the eyes of the world are upon you," and "the hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you," resonated with the troops and continue to inspire today. The order acknowledges the contributions of those fighting the Germans on other fronts, recognising the global scale of the conflict.

Eisenhower's D-Day message acknowledges the anticipated fierce resistance from the enemy, stating they "will fight savagely." However, he emphasises the strength and superiority of the Allied forces, highlighting their victories against German armies elsewhere, the devastating impact of the Allied air offensive, and the overwhelming advantage in manpower, weaponry, and munitions. He concludes with a call to prayer, asking for God's blessing on "this great and noble undertaking."

This original printed leaflet, distributed to 175,000 members of the Allied forces on June 5, 1944, served to galvanize their resolve for the monumental task ahead. The order's significance extended beyond the battlefield; it was widely disseminated, even being read aloud to 50,000 people in New York's Central Park on June 6th. It has since been immortalized in books and films about World War II, solidifying its place in history. Eisenhower himself later adapted the phrase "Great Crusade" for his memoir, Crusade in Europe.

This is not a reproduction. This is an original D-Day Order of the Day, a rare and valuable World War II artifact.