In the early hours of June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy.
Many were still teenagers. All of them knew the risk.
It was the largest amphibious invasion the world had ever seen—Operation Overlord—and it would mark the beginning of the end of Nazi tyranny in Europe.
But before the first boots hit the sand, before the first shots rang out, they received a message from General Dwight D. Eisenhower—Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force.
It was handed out in print. It was broadcast over the radio radio.
It was a the final battle cry.
“Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force!
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 hope 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 eliminati…