It is hard to conceive the epic scope of this decisive
battle that foreshadowed the end of Hitlers dream of Nazi domination. Operation Overlord
was the largest air, land, and sea operation undertaken before or since June 6,
1944. The landing included over 5,000 ships, 11,000 airplanes, and over 150,000
service men.
After years of meticulous planning and
seemingly endless training, for the Allied Forces, it all came down to this:
The boat ramp goes down, then jump, swim, run, and crawl to the cliffs. Many of
the first young men (most not yet 20 years old) entered the surf
carrying eighty pounds of equipment. They faced over 200 yards of beach before
reaching the first natural feature offering any protection. Blanketed by
small-arms fire and bracketed by artillery, they found themselves in hell.
When it was over, the Allied Forces
had suffered nearly 10,000 casualties; more than 4,000 were dead. Yet somehow,
due to planning and preparation, and due to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice
of the Allied Forces, Fortress Europe had been breached.
The program below is from CBS World News on the morning of
June 6, 1944. It begins with readings of Radio Berlin's report of the invasion (heavily dosed
with disinformation) and ends with Edward R. Murrow's reading of General
Eisenhower's message to the Allied Forces:
" Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied
Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon a 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, 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"
"""""
