“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 and 1941.
“The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeat 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 blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
“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 and 1941.
“The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeat 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 blessings of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
P-51B/C Mustang with D-Day stripes at East Wretham Airfield. Photo courtesy of Elsie Palicka, wife of Ed Palicka, 370th Fighter Squadron Photographer: Archived by Char Baldridge, Historian, 359th Fighter Group Association.
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